Kaleb sat on a fallen log at the edge of the forest, his chest still heaving from the events at the warehouse. His thoughts raced as he replayed the battle against the smugglers, their words echoing in his mind.
Vorrick Alsevar. The name sent a chill through him, the storm of anger swirling in his chest. The elder who had mocked him during his exile was now orchestrating something far darker than Kaleb had imagined.
The Raiden mark on his chest pulsed faintly, its warmth steady and calming. A glowing screen appeared before him, displaying text:
[Current Power Level: Mortal Spark, Tier 1.]
[Abilities Available: Lightning Spark.]
[New Task Unlocked: Strengthen Your Skills Through Combat.]
Kaleb frowned, brushing a hand over the mark as he read the words. "So that's it?" he muttered. "You think I'm ready to take on more?"
The screen updated, the text shifting in response:
[Progress requires mastery. Strength comes from persistence.]
Kaleb sighed, his gaze drifting to the treetops as sunlight filtered through the leaves. The fight at the warehouse had left him physically drained but mentally restless. He needed answers—and power.
The screen displayed a map, marking a glowing location deeper in the forest.
[Target Identified: Spirit Beast, Tier 1 - Equal Strength.]
Kaleb's jaw tightened as he studied the map. "Another fight already?" he asked aloud, his voice tinged with annoyance.
The text shifted again:
[Raiden requires action for ascension. Delays hinder growth.]
He rolled his eyes, muttering, "You're just as pushy as Floki." Adjusting the strap of his satchel, he stood and scanned the forest ahead.
The forest grew thicker as Kaleb ventured deeper, the sounds of rustling leaves and distant birdsong filling the air. His sharp eyes scanned the shadows, every flicker of movement keeping him on edge.
The warmth of the mark guided him, its steady pulse matching his steps. Kaleb tightened his grip on his knife, his thoughts shifting to the Lightning Spark ability he had unlocked.
"What exactly can it do?" he muttered. The screen shimmered into view, but instead of text, a short video appeared. Kaleb's brow furrowed as an image of Floki filled the screen.
Floki stood in a wide-brimmed straw hat, holding his hands out dramatically as fake lightning sparked around him. His voice was loud and exaggerated, like a merchant selling wares. "Welcome, little storm, to the Lightning Spark tutorial! Your one-stop guide to zapping the bad guys with style!"
Kaleb blinked, caught completely off guard by the display. "You've got to be kidding me," he muttered, leaning closer.
The video cut to Floki pointing at an oversized dummy shaped like a spirit beast. "Step one: Focus your energy! Feel that spark in your chest—it's Raiden, baby!" Floki wiggled his fingers, sparks flying comically as dramatic music played in the background.
Kaleb groaned, running a hand through his hair. "This is so unnecessary."
Floki continued, now aiming at the dummy. "Step two: Channel your power! Let it flow through your hands like you're tossing a lightning ball!" A bolt of lightning shot from his hand, zapping the dummy, which exploded into glittering confetti.
"Step three," Floki added with a ridiculous grin, turning to wink at the camera, "Always leave them shocked! Get it? Shocked?" He threw his head back in laughter as the screen faded.
Kaleb stared at the now-blank screen, his mouth slightly open in disbelief. "This is what I have to deal with?" he asked no one in particular.
The system displayed a single line of text:
[End Tutorial. Practice recommended.]
Kaleb sighed, standing as sparks flickered faintly in his hands. "Fine," he said. "I'll do it your way."
As Kaleb neared the marked location, the air grew still. The distant sounds of the forest faded, replaced by a faint growling.
He crouched low, his movements quiet as he approached a small clearing. A spirit beast prowled near the center, its claws digging into the dirt.
It was an Onyx Wolf, a sleek and muscular creature with a coat as black as night. Its fur shimmered faintly, reflecting the faint glow of the moonlight, and its glowing red eyes burned with feral intensity.
The beast's movements were precise and calculated, its sharp claws leaving deep gouges in the earth. Its long fangs gleamed as it sniffed the air, searching for any intruders.
Kaleb's grip on his knife tightened as he studied the creature. He had read about Onyx Wolves before—beasts known for their speed and brutal attacks.
The screen updated with new text:
[Target Identified: Onyx Wolf, Tier 1 - Equal Strength.]
[Recommended ability: Lightning Spark.]
Kaleb steadied his breathing, feeling the mark's warmth spread through his chest. Sparks flickered in his hands as he began channeling the ability.
He raised his hand, aiming carefully at the wolf's exposed flank. The energy built, crackling around his fingers as he focused.
"Let's see what this can do," Kaleb muttered, releasing the charged energy. A small bolt of lightning shot forward, striking the wolf with a sharp crack.
The Onyx Wolf howled in pain, its muscles tensing as sparks danced along its sleek fur. Kaleb's heart raced as he saw the damage his attack had caused.
The beast turned, its glowing red eyes locking onto Kaleb. It let out a low, rumbling growl before lunging toward him with shocking speed.
Kaleb rolled to the side, his movements quicker than he expected. The screen appeared briefly with updated text:
[Energy Boost Activated: Agility +1.]
[Repeat attack for efficiency.]
Scrambling to his feet, Kaleb gathered sparks in his hands. The wolf lunged again, its claws slashing through the air as Kaleb dodged.
He released another bolt of lightning, aiming for the creature's shoulder. The energy struck true, forcing the wolf to stagger and snarl in pain.
Kaleb's breathing was heavy, but his focus didn't waver. The mark's warmth steadied him, urging him to push forward.
The screen displayed additional guidance:
[Maintain control. Channel energy precisely.]
Kaleb nodded, feeling the crackle of power in his fingertips. He raised his hand again, summoning a third bolt of lightning.
The Onyx Wolf roared as the energy hit its chest, sending it crashing to the ground. Kaleb hesitated, his knife ready as he watched for any sign of movement.
The creature twitched once before going still. Kaleb let out a slow breath, his chest heaving as the tension drained from his body.
The screen reappeared, displaying a new message:
[Task Complete: Lightning Spark Tested Successfully.]
[Power Level Progress: 20% Toward Tier 2.]
Kaleb frowned, reading the percentage carefully. "So, I need to do more of this to level up," he muttered. "Great."
The screen responded with new text:
[Progress requires persistence. Growth follows challenge.]
Kaleb smirked faintly, shaking his head. "You're relentless," he said. "But I'll admit, that felt good."
Crouching beside the Onyx Wolf's body, Kaleb worked methodically to extract its claws and fangs. Each movement was precise, his mind focused on the task.
The materials were valuable, and Kaleb knew they could be traded for essential supplies. As he placed the last fang into his satchel, the screen displayed a new map.
[Next target identified. Power Level: Tier 1 - Equal Strength.]
[Recommended action: Prepare and engage.]
Kaleb adjusted the strap of his satchel, his knife gleaming faintly in the sunlight. The Onyx Wolf's claws and fangs weighed down his bag, but his steps were lighter with the satisfaction of victory.
The screen reappeared, displaying a new map with a glowing marker deeper into the forest.
[Next target identified. Power Level: Tier 1 - Equal Strength.]
[Recommended action: Prepare and engage.]
Kaleb groaned, rolling his eyes at the relentless pace. "Another one already?" he muttered. "Give me a break."
Before the screen could respond, a burst of static flickered across the display. The faint hum of the Raiden mark changed, and a familiar voice echoed faintly, dripping with sarcasm.
"Oh, for crying out loud, Kaleb!" Floki's voice boomed, cutting through the silence like a crack of thunder. "How many times do we have to tell you? If you want to get stronger—for your revenge, your pride, or whatever you're chasing—you need to practice!"
Kaleb froze, his hand hovering near the mark as his face twisted into a scowl. "You again?" he snapped, glaring at the glowing screen. "Don't you have anything better to do?"
The image of Floki appeared briefly, grinning widely as he leaned into the display like he was sharing a secret. "Better than motivating my little storm? Absolutely not," Floki said, his voice mockingly sweet. "But complaining won't make you stronger. Lightning doesn't strike by whining—it strikes by action."
Kaleb sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as Floki's laugh filled the air. "Fine," Kaleb muttered, his voice low. "Point taken."
"Good!" Floki declared, clapping his hands dramatically. "Now get moving, or do I need to send another flashy tutorial your way?"
The screen flickered back to the map, Floki's voice fading into a final chuckle. Kaleb shook his head, a faint smirk tugging at his lips despite his frustration. "He's impossible," he muttered.
With the path ahead shrouded in mystery, Kaleb tightened his grip on his knife. The storm within him stirred again