Hours passed as Orin navigated the twisting trails of Blackwood. The deeper he ventured, the more the forest seemed to close in on him. Shadows writhed at the edges of his vision, and the air grew colder, thicker—almost suffocating. Each step felt heavier, as though the forest itself wanted him to turn back.
He gripped the worn map in his hands, the inked lines trembling as his fingers shook. "Just a little further," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. According to the legend, the artifact he sought lay deep within these cursed woods. An ancient crystal, capable of removing the limiter on a person's Soul Core.
Orin clenched his jaw, his determination hardening. For years, he'd been ordinary—unremarkable in a world where greatness was reserved for the chosen few. He wasn't one of the strong or gifted, but this… this could change everything. With the artifact, he could break free from mediocrity and become someone worth remembering.
A faint glow flickered in the distance, drawing his eyes like a moth to a flame. He froze, his heart pounding as he peered through the dense trees. There, bathed in an ethereal silver light, was a pedestal entwined with ancient vines. At its center rested a crystal orb, pulsating with a soft, rhythmic glow, like a heartbeat.
Orin's breath caught. "That must be it."
He approached slowly, every step punctuated by the crunch of dead leaves underfoot. The closer he got, the heavier the air became, thick with energy that made his skin tingle. His hand trembled as he reached out to touch the orb.
The moment his fingers brushed the smooth surface, a searing light erupted, forcing his eyes shut. The ground trembled, and a deafening hum filled the air, drowning out the sound of his own ragged breathing. Pain flared in his chest—sharp, burning, as if something inside him was breaking apart.
He collapsed to his knees, clutching his chest as the sensation spread, a firestorm coursing through his veins. His vision blurred, and just as he thought he might pass out, a glowing panel materialized before him.
---
Awakening Complete.
Name: Orin Lumis
Age: 17
Class: Aetherbound Duelist (Unlocked)
Rank: F
Attributes:
Strength: E
Agility: E+
Intelligence: D
Endurance: E
Mana: D
Charm: D
Luck: E+
Skills:
Aether Slash (Basic): A ranged attack that releases a crescent of energy from the blade. Consumes 5 Mana.
Spirit Step (Basic): A short burst of speed that allows the user to evade or reposition instantly. Consumes 3 Mana.
Resonant Strike (Basic): An attack that channels energy into the weapon, dealing amplified damage. Consumes 8 Mana.
Mana Remaining: 40/50
---
Orin blinked, staring at the panel as his mind raced to process the information. "I… I awakened?"
The words "Aetherbound Duelist" glowed prominently, and even without fully understanding the title, he could feel the change in his body. His movements were lighter, his senses sharper, his muscles brimming with energy.
He focused on the class description hovering at the edge of the panel:
---
Aetherbound Duelist: A combatant who channels aetheric energy into their weapon, combining precise swordsmanship with devastating energy-based attacks. Agile and versatile, this class excels in quick, high-impact strikes and evasive maneuvers.
---
Orin grinned, adrenaline coursing through him. "Aetherbound Duelist… That's me now."
He drew his katana from its sheath, the blade shimmering faintly as it resonated with the energy coursing through him. It felt alive in his hand, as though it was responding to his newfound power.
Before he could relish the moment, a low growl rumbled through the fog. His head snapped up, and his blood ran cold. Emerging from the shadows was a massive wolf, its black fur bristling and red eyes glowing with malice.
The beast circled him, its claws digging into the earth. Orin gripped his katana, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. "Alright… Let's see what I can do."
The wolf lunged, its claws slashing through the air. Orin sidestepped instinctively, his movements faster and more fluid than ever before. He swung his katana, the blade cutting through the air with precision, but the wolf twisted away, snarling as it prepared for another attack.
Orin focused, feeling the energy within him surge. He willed it into his weapon. "Aether Slash!"
The blade glowed brilliantly as he swung, releasing a crescent of light that struck the wolf mid-leap. The impact sent the creature tumbling backward, yelping in pain.
[Mana Remaining: 35/50]
But the wolf wasn't finished. It growled, baring its teeth as it charged again. Orin activated Spirit Step, his body blurring as he darted behind the creature in an instant.
[Mana Remaining: 32/50]
With a decisive swing, he channeled his energy into the blade. "Resonant Strike!"
The katana shimmered as it struck the wolf's side, the concentrated force blasting through the creature. The wolf yelped once more before dissolving into motes of light.
[Mana Remaining: 24/50]
Orin stood there, chest heaving, the katana trembling in his hand. A grin broke across his face as he let out a breathless laugh. "I actually did it."
The forest grew silent once more, but Orin's mind was alive with possibilities. For the first time, he felt powerful. Capable.
Sheathing his katana, he glanced deeper into Blackwood, where more challenges undoubtedly awaited. A single thought echoed in his mind as he pressed forward:
"This… this is my second chance."