Chapter 13: The Weight of the Mark
The crimson glow of the sky began to fade as dawn broke over the shattered landscape. The battle with the Shadow Herald left Leon and Kaelina drained, yet there was no time to rest. The System's trials were relentless, and they both knew this victory was only the beginning.
Leon trudged forward, his body aching with every step. The mark on his chest, faintly glowing beneath his shirt, pulsed like a heartbeat—a constant reminder of the power tethered to him.
Kaelina walked a few steps ahead, her blade still in hand. She was silent, her gaze scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.
Finally, Leon couldn't hold back his thoughts any longer. "What was that thing?" he asked, his voice breaking the tense silence.
Kaelina didn't turn around as she spoke. "A Shadow Herald. They're manifestations of the System's will, meant to test you. Think of them as gatekeepers, ensuring only the strong move forward."
Leon clenched his fists. "So, this System, it sends monsters to kill me, then sits back and watches? What kind of twisted game is this?"
Kaelina stopped and turned to face him. Her expression was unreadable, but there was an edge to her voice. "The System doesn't care about fairness, Leon. It exists to push you to your limits. Either you rise to the challenge or you fall. That's the reality you need to accept."
Leon looked away, frustration bubbling within him. "I didn't ask for this," he muttered.
Kaelina softened slightly, though her tone remained firm. "None of us did. But the System chose you for a reason. You can either fight against it and lose yourself, or embrace it and find your strength."
Leon sighed, the weight of her words sinking in. He wanted to argue, to scream at the unfairness of it all, but deep down, he knew she was right.
As they continued walking, the landscape began to change. The ruins gave way to a dense forest, its towering trees casting long shadows over the ground. The air was cooler here, the scent of moss and damp earth filling their lungs.
Kaelina paused, her sharp eyes narrowing. "We're being watched."
Leon tensed, his hand instinctively igniting with flame. "By what?"
Kaelina didn't answer immediately. Instead, she drew her blade and motioned for Leon to stay close. "Stay alert. Whatever it is, it's hiding its presence well."
A faint rustling sound came from the trees above, and before either of them could react, a figure dropped down in front of them.
It was a man, tall and lean, with silver hair that shimmered in the dappled sunlight. His eyes were sharp and calculating, and he carried himself with an air of confidence.
"Well, well," the man said, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Looks like I've stumbled upon the System's latest pawn."
Leon bristled at the man's words. "Who are you?"
The man chuckled, leaning casually against a nearby tree. "Name's Eryon. And you must be Leon, the System's newest plaything. Word travels fast in these parts."
Kaelina stepped forward, her blade at the ready. "What do you want?"
Eryon raised his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, I'm not here to fight. At least, not yet. I'm just curious about the kid. It's not every day the System marks someone so... unremarkable."
Leon's flames flared in response to the insult, but Kaelina placed a hand on his shoulder, silently urging him to stay calm.
"What do you know about the System?" Kaelina asked, her voice cold.
Eryon's grin widened. "More than you'd like, I'm sure. The System is a cruel mistress, but it's also an opportunity. For those who survive its trials, the rewards are... unparalleled."
Leon narrowed his eyes. "And what about those who don't survive?"
Eryon shrugged. "They fade into obscurity, forgotten by the world. Harsh, but that's life, isn't it?"
Kaelina's grip on her blade tightened. "If you're not here to fight, then what's your purpose?"
Eryon pushed off the tree, his demeanor shifting. "Consider me an observer. I like to keep an eye on promising candidates. And you, Leon, might just be the most intriguing one I've seen in a while."
Leon glared at him, the fire within him burning brighter. "I don't need your approval."
Eryon laughed, the sound echoing through the forest. "Good. You'll need that fire if you want to survive what's coming next. But don't get too comfortable. The System isn't done with you yet."
With that, Eryon vanished into the shadows, leaving Leon and Kaelina alone once more.
Kaelina sheathed her blade, her expression troubled. "We need to move. If Eryon's watching you, it won't be long before others take an interest."
Leon nodded, his resolve hardening. Whatever the System had in store for him, he would face it head-on. There was no turning back now.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, the faint hum of the System's mark pulsed in rhythm with his heartbeat, a constant reminder of the path he was on. Whether he liked it or not, his destiny was tied to the System—and he intended to shape it on his own terms.