Julian's body was ablaze. It wasn't ordinary pain but a strange mixture of cold heat and flowing energy. He felt something inside him move, awakening from a long slumber.
He opened his eyes. For a moment, the world before him looked different—colors seemed deeper and sound sharper. He looked at Adir and Cross, but his vision of them had changed. They appeared to radiate a strange aura, an energy he hadn't noticed before.
Cross smiled calmly and said, "Finally, your inner power has awakened."
"What's happening to me?" Julian murmured, placing his hand on his chest, where the black stone pulsed.
Cross sat on a nearby chair, leaning on his elbows, and said, "The energy lines within your body have been activated, awakening the core of the Sifrania within you."
He paused for a moment, then added, "That stone… it wasn't just a tool. It contains very ancient power—a concentrated energy capable of awakening any dormant core. But now, the stone has served its purpose. The rest is up to you."
Julian stared at him with wide eyes. "The Siftani core? What are these things ?"
Cross replied calmly, "The Sifrania is the essence of everything in this world. It's the cosmic energy that makes everything possible. And the core? It's the center of that energy within you. Without it, you're just an ordinary human."
Cross continued, pointing to the stone, "The Sifrania core will allow you to harness the surrounding the Sifrania energy. But it's not just raw power—it has levels and different ways to utilize it."
He paused and said, "There are three levels to the Sifrania:
1. Arizon: This is the initial level, which
you've just reached. Here, your physical strength increases, making you stronger,
faster, and more resilient.
2. Ethereal: At this level, you begin to deeply understand the Sifrania and can influence the world around you.
3. Ethereon: The legendary level, which only eight have ever reached in history."
Julian felt the weight of those words. His body still throbbed with energy, but his mind struggled to process everything.
"How do I use this power?" he asked softly.
Adir smiled encouragingly. "Once you reach a certain level of strength, you'll enter the phase of spiritual alignment. Here, you'll choose your Citrai. The Citrai is your path—the power that will stay with you for the rest of your life."
Julian listened intently.
Cross added, "Everyone has their own unique Citrai. Some control lightning, others master space manipulation, and some create seals to bind their enemies and limit their powers. Each path grants immense power but comes at a cost."
Cross stopped, his tone becoming serious: "The stronger you become, the more visible you'll be to the Abaleths. They are our true enemies—beings that seek nothing but chaos and destruction."
The room fell silent. The words were heavy, carrying a sense of danger.
Cross stood slowly and said, "Prepare yourself, Julian. The world you once knew is gone. Also, Adir will guide you to our headquarters near this city.
As you can imagine, we can't afford to protect you unless you're with us. And when you reach the Ethereum level, you'll be allowed to return home. Remember—evil never sleeps!"
Then he left the room, leaving Adir with Julian.
Adir placed a reassuring hand on Julian's shoulder and said, "Don't worry. We're here to make sure you won't face this world alone."
Julian looked down at his hands, where the black stone had vanished, leaving a faint trace of blue light.
At that moment, Julian realized that his old life was over. Ahead of him lay an unknown path, filled with mysteries and danger.
After packing his belongings for the journey, Julian stood beside Adir, who said with a calm smile, "This is all you'll need. The journey isn't long, but it won't be easy. We must move now."
Julian looked at Adir and asked, "Does this mean I'll never return here?"
Adir replied softly, "Not until you're ready. The headquarters is the only place that can protect you now and teach you how to control your power."
Julian nodded silently and followed Adir out of the house.
Hours into the journey, Julian and Adir walked through a mysterious path. The streets were eerily dark, even though it wasn't entirely night. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth as if they were on the brink of entering another world.
Julian looked around uneasily and asked, "Why does this place feel… dead?"
Adir answered with a serious tone, "We're approaching one of the restricted zones in the human world. This is where our organization operates in secret. Anyone who enters without permission is punished."
The journey continued for hours, and Julian noticed gradual changes in the surroundings. The once-proud trees on either side of the path became twisted as if they were trying to flee from an unseen force.
Before them stood a massive fortress, nestled within a small mountain range. The fortress loomed tall, surrounded by an aura of majesty and mystery. Its four large doors were adorned with ancient carvings, seemingly telling a story of their own.
Adir said, "The fortress isn't just a place to live. It's the heart of the organization, home to most of the Sifrania wielders. Every corner here holds a history that spans thousands of years."
A guard approached them with steady steps and stood before Adir and Julian. Only his glowing green eyes were visible beneath his mask.
He spoke in a low but commanding voice: "What is your purpose here?"
Adir responded confidently, "I am Adir, subordinate to Commander Cross Carmen. I've brought Julian, whose Sifrania core has awakened. He needs the headquarters to begin his training."
The guard remained silent for a moment, then gestured to others behind him. Two guards approached Julian. One placed a hand on his chest, where the black stone had been, while the other murmured incomprehensible words.
Julian felt a powerful current surge through his body as if they were searching for something within him. Then one guard said, "The energy within him is raw but real. He may enter."
The guards stepped aside, opening a path to the massive gate at the end of the road.
As they approached the fortress, the giant gates slowly opened, emitting a deep hum. Behind them, the fortress stretched out like an entire world.
The main courtyard was vast, paved with ancient stones that seemed to emit a faint energy. Columns lined the courtyard, each adorned with intricate carvings, and atop every column stood a statue of a mythical creature.
Julian cautiously stepped inside. The fortress was incredibly expansive, with massive halls and towering columns decorated with glowing symbols. The ancient prestige of the headquarters was evident in every architectural detail—from the carvings on the walls to the faint lights emanating from floating crystals.
"This place… It feels like it's outside of time," Julian said in awe.
Adir replied with a faint smile, "It is. The headquarters isn't an ordinary place. It's one of the central hubs of Sifrania power in this part of the world."
They passed through the courtyard, where dozens of individuals were training. Some launched fire from their hands, while others manipulated chains and wielded unique powers.
"All of them?" Julian asked, astonished.
"They're just like you—people whose
Sifrania cores have awakened. But they're c at various stages of their journey."
As they moved further into the fortress, Julian saw a massive hall with many staircases leading to different sections of the fortress.
Adir turned and said firmly, "Here is where your training begins. Explore the place and be ready. We don't have the luxury of time."
Julian's eyes wandered to the towering sky above the fortress and the floors rising above each other. At that moment, he realized that his old life had truly ended. His path now was one of power, mystery, and danger.