Ethan's mind whirled as he stared at the blue screen hovering in front of him. The soft glow of the translucent interface was mesmerizing, yet the words etched upon it were incomprehensible.
Welcome, Ethan Carter.
You have been chosen as a candidate for the 'S' Energy Field. Prepare for awakening.
"What is this?" Ethan muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. His hands trembled as he reached out toward the screen, only for his fingers to pass through it like mist. The world around him was impossibly vibrant, every color sharper than he had ever seen. The sky's swirling hues of violet and gold created a serene backdrop to the field of crystalline flowers swaying in a gentle breeze.
A sudden jolt of pain shot through his head, and he doubled over with a groan. Fragments of unfamiliar memories invaded his thoughts—a boy's life, a name, and a world that felt simultaneously alien and familiar. He clutched his head, his breathing ragged as the pieces began to fall into place.
"This isn't my body," he said aloud, his voice shaking. He looked down at his hands again, turning them over. They were lean and smooth, untouched by the hardships of his old life. His reflection in the surface of a nearby pool revealed a youthful face with striking green eyes and short, dark hair. The face was not his own, yet it felt… right.
The boy's name surfaced in his thoughts: Aeren Valis. Memories of Aeren's life mingled with Ethan's own, creating a confusing tapestry of two identities intertwined. Aeren had died, and somehow, Ethan—or perhaps both of them—now occupied this body.
New Objective: Activate your Source Power by connecting to the 'S' Energy Field.
The screen's message snapped him out of his spiraling thoughts. Below the text, a glowing icon pulsed faintly, as if beckoning him forward. Ethan hesitated, unsure what connecting to the 'S' Energy Field even meant, but the sense of urgency was undeniable. He could feel the energy coursing through the air, a tangible presence that tugged at the edges of his awareness.
"Alright," he muttered, steeling himself. "Let's see what this is about."
He closed his eyes and reached out with his senses, focusing on the strange energy surrounding him. The pull became stronger, guiding him like a current. Slowly, he began to breathe in rhythm with the faint hum in the air. A surge of warmth spread through his chest, growing more intense with each passing second.
Images and sensations flooded his mind. He saw fragments of otherworldly landscapes, beings of immense power, and swirling bubbles of energy that seemed to pulse with life. He felt an overwhelming connection to something vast and incomprehensible, a field of energy that linked countless worlds and dimensions.
The warmth in his chest exploded into light, and Ethan gasped as the sensation enveloped him. When he opened his eyes, the blue screen had changed.
Source Power: Emotional Spectrum Construct (Emerald Class)
Description: The ability to manifest physical constructs influenced by emotional energy. Potential is determined by emotional intensity and stability.
Ethan stared at the words, his heart pounding. Constructs? Emotional energy? The screen continued to display new information, and he read it with growing unease.
Status:
Strength: 7Agility: 6Endurance: 5Willpower: 9Energy Control: 4
Abilities:
Basic Construct ManifestationEmotional Resonance Detection
Before he could fully process the implications, a sharp rustling sound broke the stillness. Ethan turned quickly, his eyes darting toward the source. A dense thicket nearby shook violently, and a low growl emerged from the shadows.
"What now?" he muttered, instinctively stepping back.
From the underbrush, a creature emerged—a quadrupedal beast with glowing eyes and a body that shimmered like molten metal. Its gaze locked onto Ethan, and its growl deepened. A surge of fear shot through him, but along with it came a strange sensation, like a fire igniting deep within his chest.
"Stay back," Ethan said, his voice trembling but firm. He raised his hands instinctively, and the energy within him responded. A shimmering green shield materialized before him, its translucent surface flickering with unstable light.
The creature snarled and lunged. The impact of its claws against the shield sent a shockwave through Ethan's body, nearly knocking him off his feet. But the shield held. Gritting his teeth, he focused on reinforcing it, willing the energy to stabilize.
"Come on," he growled, sweat beading on his forehead. The shield brightened, its edges sharpening into a more defined barrier. The creature clawed at it again, but this time the construct didn't waver.
Summoning his courage, Ethan focused on pushing the creature back. The shield expanded outward in a sudden burst, forcing the beast to stumble. Seizing the opportunity, Ethan willed the energy to take a new form. A simple spear materialized in his hand, its green surface glowing faintly.
The creature recovered and charged again, but this time, Ethan was ready. With a yell, he thrust the spear forward, striking the beast's shoulder. The creature howled and retreated, disappearing into the shadows.
Breathing heavily, Ethan let the spear dissolve, the energy dispersing into the air. His hands trembled, but a flicker of pride warmed his chest. He'd done it. He'd used the Emerald Forge.
The blue screen reappeared, displaying a new message.
Trial Complete. Welcome to the 'S' Energy Field.
Ethan sank to his knees, exhaustion washing over him. The surreal reality of his situation began to settle in. He was no longer the broken, unlucky man from Earth. In this world, he had power. A chance to start over.
"Alright," he murmured, his voice steady despite the chaos in his mind. "Let's see where this journey takes me."