The whisper of wind moved through the trees as Akin made his way down a quiet forest path, the soil beneath his feet soft and damp from a light morning drizzle. The shadows of towering trees played against his calm face, his steps unhurried, yet purposeful. Four days had passed since he left the nameless town behind, and now the beastkin territory loomed ahead.
As he walked, his mind wandered.
"You've changed," Elan's voice said gently in his thoughts.
Akin smirked, his eyes narrowing toward the horizon. "You think so?"
"You're more focused. Stronger. But... there's still something burning within you."
Akin didn't answer right away. He just kept walking, his cloak fluttering faintly. "I'm not done yet."
The silence between them deepened, but it was not uncomfortable. Elan, invisible and silent to the world, was Akin's only constant companion. As they continued forward, they both sensed something.
Hooves thudded against the forest trail ahead. Akin paused and turned toward the side path. From behind the thick foliage, he saw a group of merchants in chariots—panicked, surrounded by beastkin bandits. Weapons were drawn, the merchants were pleading, and the bandits laughed wickedly.
Akin sighed. "Again with the chaos."
He stepped out onto the path and walked straight through the skirmish without a glance at the chaos unraveling around him.
"Hey! Stop!" one of the bandits growled, reaching out and grabbing Akin's shoulder.
Akin didn't stop walking. With his hands in his pockets, he tilted his head down. "I won't say much. Just get those hands off me."
"Huh?! What did you just—?"
The bandit didn't finish. Akin turned, his eyes glowing faintly with blue aura. The pressure hit the bandit like a wall, and his hand recoiled as he stumbled backward.
Akin glanced at the merchant. "Am I on the right road to the beastkin territory?"
The merchant nodded quickly, wide-eyed. "Y-Yes, sir… you're almost there."
"Good." Akin exhaled with relief. "Finally. Can I ride with you guys? I've been walking for days."
The merchants exchanged looks, then quickly offered him a spot on the chariot without hesitation.
Meanwhile, back in the town Akin saved...
Golden banners fluttered as Jendol, Annabel, and Iswell—the Empherian kingdom's prized heroes—arrived on horseback. The townspeople gasped, dropping their tools and rushing toward them.
"The heroes! The summoned ones!" someone shouted.
Children waved, and merchants bowed. The group dismounted at the inn, where warriors had gathered to discuss the previous attack.
Inside, the air was tense. Iswell sat forward at the war table. "Let me get this straight. A single man wiped out all the invading monsters… including a corrupted beastkin?"
A grizzled mercenary nodded. "Yes. We didn't even see his blade. Fire, lightning, ice... like the gods themselves had descended."
Annabel and Jendol exchanged glances.
"Someone like that can't just be wandering around," Jendol said quietly.
Iswell stood. "Describe him."
The innkeeper stepped forward. "He had dark hair, strange clothes... and eyes that glowed. He was calm. But there was something terrifying about him."
Annabel bit her lip.
"It can't be…" she whispered.
Jendol leaned closer. "You don't think—?"
"No," Iswell cut in firmly. "That boy—Akin—was declared an anomaly. A failed summon. Even if he survived the cursed land, there's no way he's become someone like this in just weeks."
They all fell silent. But the seed of doubt had been planted.
Back on the merchant's chariot…
The forest soon gave way to stone roads and watchtowers—signs that the beastkin territory was near. Akin stood up as they approached the main gate, stretching. "Thanks for the ride."
"Wait—where are you—" the merchant began, but Akin had vanished.
He reappeared just inside the border, walking with silent confidence. But his clothing stood out. The beastkin soldiers noticed him immediately. Their ears perked, and weapons were drawn.
"Stop right there!" one barked.
In seconds, he was surrounded. Akin raised both hands slowly.
"I'm not here to cause trouble. Just looking for someone."
"You're not from here. State your business."
Akin's eyes flickered with faint lightning.
"I'm here because someone I need is close by."
The air thickened.
Elan's voice echoed in his mind. "Careful. These soldiers aren't corrupt like the others, but they're sharp."
Akin's gaze turned forward. "Let me through. Or I'll go through."
Suddenly, a blast of wind surged around him. The beastkin soldiers took a step back instinctively.
From the upper balcony of the wall tower, a voice echoed: "Let him in."
An elder beastkin with white fur and a cane stepped forward, his eyes ancient and calculating.
"I've been waiting," the old beastkin said.
Akin raised a brow. "For me?"
"Not exactly. But for someone who matches your... energy."
Akin took a step forward. The soldiers parted as if pushed aside by an unseen force.
The gates of the beastkin capital creaked open.
He had arrived.
Meanwhile, back at Empheria's royal capital…
The report had reached the High Mage. A nameless warrior had destroyed a corrupted beastkin with a flick of his fingers.
The King frowned deeply. "Send me my son. And the heroes. I want to know who this ghost is."
The High Mage's lips curled. "They are not back yet... If he's truly that powerful... he may be our greatest threat or greatest ally."
Back at the beastkin gate, Akin stepped into the city.
Another chapter in his tale was about to unfold.