Chapter 3: A Stranger's Guidance
Leon sat on the glowing forest floor, his head buried in his hands. The visions that had flooded his mind were fading, but their impact lingered. He had seen a world teetering on the brink of destruction, its people crying out for salvation—or vengeance.
And they think I'm the one to save them?
He laughed bitterly, the sound echoing in the stillness. He couldn't even save himself, let alone a world filled with gods, monsters, and whatever that glowing-eyed creature was.
A soft rustling behind him snapped him out of his thoughts. This time, Leon didn't flinch.
"If you're here to kill me, get in line," he muttered, not bothering to turn around.
"You're awfully bold for someone who doesn't understand where he is," a voice replied, smooth and laced with amusement.
Leon's head shot up. He turned to see a woman leaning casually against a tree. She was human—or close enough. Her emerald-green eyes glowed faintly in the dim light, and her silver hair cascaded over her shoulders like liquid moonlight. She wore a dark cloak that seemed to ripple and shift like smoke.
"Who are you?" Leon demanded, rising to his feet.
The woman smirked, her gaze scanning him from head to toe. "The better question is, who are you? You show up here, glowing like a beacon, and you expect no one to notice?"
Leon tensed. "I didn't choose to be here. One minute I'm in my apartment, the next… this." He gestured to the forest around them.
The woman stepped closer, her expression softening slightly. "Then it's true. You're the one the prophecy spoke of."
"Prophecy?" Leon echoed, his voice dripping with skepticism.
She nodded. "The one who will tip the balance, for better or worse. The Maker and the Corruptor both have their eyes on you now."
Leon frowned, memories of his visions surfacing. "Maker? Corruptor? What are you talking about?"
The woman sighed, as if explaining something to a child. "This world—our world—isn't like yours. It's a battleground, a game of cosmic chess between two ancient forces. The Maker creates, the Corruptor destroys, and we're all just pawns in their game."
Leon stared at her, his mind racing. It sounded absurd, like something out of a bad fantasy novel. But then again, so was waking up in a glowing forest surrounded by alien creatures.
"And what do I have to do with any of this?" he asked.
The woman's gaze hardened. "Everything. You're not just a pawn; you're the wild card. The one who can end the game or rewrite the rules."
Leon laughed, the sound hollow. "You've got the wrong guy. I'm nobody."
"Not anymore," she said firmly. "The moment you stepped onto this land, you became something else. Something… more."
Leon shook his head, frustration bubbling to the surface. "Why me? I didn't ask for this!"
The woman's expression softened again. "No one ever does. But you don't have to face it alone."
She extended a hand. "My name is Kaelina. I'll guide you—for now. But you need to decide quickly where your loyalties lie. This world doesn't wait for anyone, not even the chosen."
Leon hesitated, staring at her outstretched hand. He didn't trust her—or this place. But what choice did he have?
With a deep breath, he took her hand.
"Fine. But if you're lying to me…"
Kaelina smirked. "You'll do what, exactly?"
Leon scowled, and she laughed, the sound light and melodic.
"Come on," she said, turning away. "You'll need to learn fast if you want to survive. The Corruptor's forces are already moving, and you're not ready for what's coming."
As they walked deeper into the forest, Leon couldn't shake the feeling that he had just made a deal with the devil.
But for the first time, he also felt something else.
A spark of hope.