Two figures observed the aftermath of his battle against the Darkspawns and rogue monsters from within the shimmering realm. Shadows danced around them, concealing their presence while they regarded Kael with vastly different dispositions.
The first figure was a being of shadows and whispers, shifting and fluid, its form impossible to define. Its presence exuded an ancient power that seemed to resonate with the core's energy.
Though it had no eyes, Kael's every move was watched with a quiet intensity that carried the weight of ages. This entity was ancient, far older than Kael could comprehend, its purpose tied to him in ways yet to be revealed.
The second figure was its stark opposite: small, tangible, and unexpectedly cheerful.
A chubby, furred creature with large, expressive eyes and a tuft of fluff atop its head. It floated in slow circles, aimlessly twiddling its stubby paws.
Despite its unassuming appearance, it was no less enigmatic.
This was Kael's System Guide, a core element of the Ascension System, designed to assist new players on their journey.
Now, rather than guiding Kael, it drifted alongside the dark entity, nervously glancing between it and Kael's motionless form within the sphere of his core.
"Well, he's done well, wouldn't you agree?" chirped the guide, breaking the silence with its high-pitched, overly cheerful voice. The sound felt almost jarring in the vast, solemn expanse of the shimmering realm. The guide floated closer to the shadowed figure, its bright eyes wide with nervous energy.
"That Darkspawn didn't stand a chance! Kael's getting stronger every day, but…" It hesitated, twirling a stubby paw around its tuft of fur. "Don't you think he could use a little more help? Just a nudge?"
The shadowed entity remained still, its swirling form undulating faintly in response.
The guide's smile faltered, and it swallowed nervously.
"I-I mean, he's got talent, no doubt about that. But let's face it—he's still new to all of this. A little guidance wouldn't hurt, right?" It chuckled awkwardly, the sound bouncing hollowly in the heavy silence.
Finally, the shadow spoke, its voice a deep, resonant whisper that sounded in on itself.
"He does not yet comprehend the path before him," it said, its tone both cryptic and unyielding. "Guidance will come when it is earned. Not before."
The guide fidgeted, unsure whether to push the matter further. "I-I get that, sure, but—"
"Do not interfere," the shadow interrupted, its words laced with an authority that brooked no argument.
The guide sighed dramatically and floated backward, muttering under its breath. "Fine, fine. But don't blame me if he ends up more lost than he already is…"
Silence returned as both figures turned their attention to Kael, their perspectives starkly different. One watched with solemn expectation, the other with anxious, reluctant concern.
After a long pause, the shadow shifted, its presence rippling like waves across an unseen sea.
"He grows, but not fast enough," it murmured, disappointment threading through its words.
"He has yet to grasp the power of the Rebirth Core or the severity of the threat that looms over him. The entity... even if it awakens now, it's preparing to be evolved. But time slips through our grasp. Every delay strengthens the enemy."
The chubby guide tilted its head, floating in lazy circles around the dark figure.
"Oh, come on! These things take time. Slow and steady, remember? Kael's spunky, I'll give him that. But then again, you know, as I said, a little boost wouldn't hurt…"
The shadow emitted a deep hum, its form undulating as if considering the suggestion. "The rifts grow wider. The Darkspawn adapt faster than anticipated. Intervention must be carefully timed."
"Yeah, those Darkspawn are nasty business!" the guide said, tapping its furry chin with a paw. "We've had to upgrade the system just to keep up. But now that I'm ready, I'll introduce myself to Kael properly! Oh, he's going to be so surprised!"
The shadow offered no response, its presence simply receding, leaving the guide alone in the vast expanse.
********
Back in the waking world, Kael stirred. His eyes fluttered open as he stretched, shaking off the weight of the trance.
The battle against the Darkspawns and rogue monsters still lingered in his mind, yet something felt… different.
Before he could dwell on it, the air before him shimmered. A small, bright-eyed creature with a tuft of fur materialized, waving enthusiastically.
"W-who?" Kael stammered, his brow furrowing as he took in the unfamiliar figure.
The creature beamed. "Hiya, Kael! I'm Limo—your System Guide! You know, from the Ascension System? I was supposed to assist you, but I had to handle some messy rifts. Nasty stuff, let me tell you!"
Kael blinked, his mind spinning. "Wait… System Guide? You… I was looking for you! And where's the entity?" He instinctively focused inward, seeking the presence of the entity. But there was nothing—only silence.
Limo twirled in the air, his tone light. "Oh, you mean the faceless guy? He's… resting. Every time your core levels up, he evolves a little, too. Don't worry, though—he's still with you. Just taking a backseat for now."
Kael frowned. "So, you're really my System Guide?"
"Yep!" Limo chirped, puffing out his chest. "And I've got big news! Those rifts I mentioned earlier? They're tears in the system caused by Darkspawn corruption. We had to beef up the defenses—that's why I disappeared. But now, with the Aegis Protocol activated, your system is tougher than ever!"
A notification appeared before Kael.
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
Unlocking Aegis Protocol.
Aegis Protocol Activated.
Effects:
(Passive) Protects against external corruption attempts. Automatically engages during skill unlocks, rank-ups, and major milestones.
Kael raised an eyebrow, processing the influx of information. "So… you're like my system admin now?"
"Exactly!" Limo said with a wink. "You focus on smashing baddies and getting stronger. I'll explain the techy stuff."
Before Kael could respond, another alert chimed.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
You met Limo (Level 5), the System Guide! Conditions met.
Unlocking main quests.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
[Main Quest Now Available]
You have five incomplete main quests.
A grin spread across Kael's face. "Finally," he muttered, his excitement bubbling.
Limo floated higher, his bright eyes sparkling. "Let's get to it, partner! Time to show the world what you're made of!"