Author's Note: This series tells the story of a timeline that takes place in a different era from my novel "Tree Formation." However, the events and other elements in this story will be fully consistent with the world-building and power system of "Tree Formation." That is to say, both works take place in the same universe, under the same rules. However, the characters, events, and dynamics in this new novel will be different, but the core structural elements will complement each other.
In the center of a vast, icebound and snow-covered expanse, the four Elemental Spirits had gathered. It was an awe-inspiring landscape, with the harshness of the cold air and the deep silence surrounding the frozen world. The tension among them was broken by a radiant light reflecting the power of their respective natural elements. As cold winds whirled around them, each of them seemed like a part of a different elemental world.
The Fire Spirit's flames could be felt even in the cold atmosphere. With a proud, commanding voice, it spoke:
"These creatures are weak at first, but over time, they will grow stronger and evolve. Just as fire instinctively seeks to grow and rise, they too will discover their power over time."
Its glowing eyes shimmered between the flames, turning the surrounding snow into fire.
The Water Spirit's form was like a ghost, flowing smoothly through the icy region. Its body was translucent and clear, passing through the frozen air with every movement. It was made of a shimmering, flowing blue hue and crystal-clear droplets of water. Its face merged with the surrounding ice crystals, sometimes becoming clear, only to dissolve again. Its eyes were the calming blue of deep oceans, symbolizing the natural balance of everything around it. With a quiet yet powerful voice, it spoke:
"Only with time will they understand the power of water. Like the depths of the sea, they will discover hidden forces within them."
The Water Spirit's voice resonated like the rustling of the wind, softly echoing through the snow.
The Earth Spirit's presence was solid and durable. Its body was composed of snow-covered mountains and hard stone blocks. Every movement it made was accompanied by a deep echo from the earth beneath. Its eyes gleamed with rich brown tones, resembling deep mineral rocks. With a slow yet reassuring voice, it spoke:
"They will be weak, yes, but the earth is the foundation of all... Like a seed sprouting in the soil, they will find strength in time. And they will root themselves in this world."
The Earth Spirit's voice was a resonance from deep within, like the sound of stones reverberating through the snow, leaving an impressive echo.
The Air Spirit was almost an invisible entity. Every motion it made appeared like a delicate breeze drifting through the snow-covered air. Its form continuously shifted with the speed of the wind. Its body waved like a sail in the air, leaving behind faint, misty trails. Its eyes shone with the gray and white colors of a storm, reflecting its inner essence of constant movement. Its speech was light, resembling the whispering of the wind.
"Although weak, they will eventually break free. Like the wind, nothing will hold them back. When they find their power, they will affect the entire world."
The Air Spirit's voice was filled with the secrets whispered by the wind, resonating through the cold air.
As the four Spirits came together, the ice and snow around them began to stir with their combined power. The heat from the Fire Spirit shattered the frozen air; the flow of the Water Spirit softened the snow; the solid strength of the Earth Spirit planted new roots; and the speed of the Air Spirit tied everything together. These four beings, complementing each other's powers, continued laying the foundations for the world they were about to create.
The Fire Spirit's intense gaze met the deep blue of the Water Spirit; the Earth Spirit's strong resolve merged with the lightness of the Air Spirit as they made a new beginning in the universe.
The four Elemental Spirits began to change the surroundings quietly, their powers working in unity. The air suddenly grew still, the howling winds disappeared, and not a single movement could be seen across the snow. A heavy, invisible pressure seemed to weigh on everything. Then, in the midst of it all, a figure began to take shape.
At first, a faint light appeared. Slowly it concentrated, and a human form began to materialize. Arms, legs, a head — human in appearance, yet strangely abstract in form. As the figure took shape, its flesh, veins, muscles, and nerves began to come together, entering into a deep search for consciousness. Its mind and body were evolving as a whole. Still, yet powerful.
And finally, the form was complete. Its eyes were deeper than any could compare, yet empty. Each Elemental Spirit began directing its unique power to the figure, guiding its strength.
The Fire Spirit's dark red energy exploded across the body. The intensity within the form surged suddenly, heating every muscle, making its heart race. This warmth strengthened its existence, granting it willpower.
"I give you fire," the Fire Spirit's voice said, coming from an unknown source. "Accept it, and burn away all the obstacles within you."
The Water Spirit's cold, clear energy seeped into the body. It flowed slowly through every cell, acting like a liquid that shapes everything it touches. The figure's mental structure began to shift toward seeking emotional balance. Everything within it would change with time, taking on a fluid nature.
"Your mind will be as deep as the water," the Water Spirit's voice said. "Change will find you, but you will accept this change."
The Earth Spirit's dark energy seeped beneath the figure, making every step decisive. The figure would take careful, patient steps, allowing nothing to break it easily. Each movement would be as solid and determined as the earth itself. Its power would mature, granting it even greater resilience.
"Be like a piece of earth," the Earth Spirit's voice said, clear and unwavering. "When you face hardship, you will not bend or break."
Finally, the Air Spirit's power surrounded the figure's body. The air caused it to move more freely and swiftly with every step. Its emotional and physical freedom was reflected in its every movement. Speed was a part of its power.
"Move infinitely," the Air Spirit's voice whispered, distant like a breath on the wind. "Let the world not confine you."
The figure's eyes finally opened. Within them lay both an empty consciousness and a deep sense of determination. Slowly, it took its first step on the snow-covered ground. Each movement carried the energy of the Elemental Spirits, shaping and guiding it. The fire, water, earth, and air within it were influencing its every action.
The snow around it slowly began to melt, and a change could be felt in the air. This being appeared to be human, but the power it carried within it was not solely of nature's elements; it would be given a world. Slowly but surely, it would begin to explore the opportunities life offered it, shaping them with its own will, taught by the Elemental Spirits.
The figure slowly looked around, but none of the spirits were visible.
It stood up, and suddenly, cold winds as sharp as a knife began to penetrate its skin. The cold seemed to tear through its flesh, clinging to it; each breath left a sharp, cutting trace in its throat. Its eyes had reddened, its face had paled, but the pain still struck at its deepest core. The wind felt like icy hands brushing its back, each touch growing sharper and more deadly.
Every step felt like walking on a broken branch. With each footstep, ice shards and frozen earth seemed to dig into its bones. Its body trembled, not only from the deep cold but from the agony that surged through it. It wrapped its arms around itself, shivering slightly, but it only made the pain intensify. The cold was draining every drop of warmth from it, tightening its hold with each passing second.
A cry rose from within, attempting to tear through its throat, but no sound came out. It wanted to scream, but only a tremulous rasp escaped its mouth. The pain in its throat felt like a knife, cutting its tongue, making every breath more difficult. Its body was on the verge of collapse, yet its mind remained clear, sharply aware of every ounce of pain it felt.
With each step, every muscle felt like it was about to snap. Every movement tore away another piece of flesh, deepening the agony. Every cell in its body danced in the grip of pain, but there was one thing, one drive—keep moving.
For a moment, everything went dark. Only the pain remained. But its eyes searched through the darkness—for an escape, for hope, for a breath of peace...
The figure's eyes blurred in the cold light of the frozen land. Its breath rose in thin vapor, freezing instantly in the air. With a deep shiver, its body felt the cold sink deeper into its bones with every passing moment. Its steps seemed to merge with the snow, as if it were sinking into the earth.
Then, suddenly, amidst the cold winds that would swallow a scream, it noticed something. A darkened, dead wolf, its body large and muscular, had merged with the ground. The dead creature's body had been frozen for several days, but its fur still scattered around in the once-soft texture.
The figure's eyes fixed quickly on the carcass. There was a chance for survival.
It quickly bent down, pressing its palms into the snow. Its hands immediately entered the darkened flesh, the sharp scent invading its nostrils. The inside, unlike the frozen atmosphere outside, was somewhat warmer. A lingering warmth remained beneath its skin, muscles, and organs. It had no choice but to seek shelter within the cold's grip.
Salvation lay hidden in death.
Forcing itself further into the wolf's body, it pulled out warm pieces of flesh, tearing through layers of muscle and tendons. Slowly but surely, the wolf's body became food and warmth for the figure. The taste was metallic and cold, but it didn't matter; the body had a use now.
Through the winter snowstorm, the figure ate and rested.
It lived, somehow. It would survive... but only until the next trial awaited.