Elysera was not a quiet world.
Asahi ran through the violet grass, heart pounding in his chest, the roar of the beast behind him growing louder with every leap. Trees arched above like glass pillars, their leaves shedding sparks with every breeze. His Spiritweave Robes shimmered with protective wards that flickered at each step.
"Distance: 70 meters. Mana reserves at 92%. Defensive option: Blink Step recommended."
"Do it!"
[Blink Step Activated.]
The world snapped sideways.
In the blink of an eye, Asahi reappeared behind a fallen crystal log, breathless but amazed. He clutched at his chest, feeling the aftershock of the spell, a mix of heat and thrill.
"You used 6% mana. Be aware: Mana fatigue builds quickly in early stages."
"Noted," he whispered. "Where's the rift?"
"To the northeast. The summoned beast is a Phase-Touched Skorvyn. Class B threat. You're not equipped to face it directly."
From behind the treeline, he saw it: a sinuous creature, half-dragon, half-scorpion, with six chitinous legs and a molten core. Behind it floated the summoner—tall, cloaked in a jagged mask, a corrupted sigil glowing on their chest.
They weren't local. They didn't belong.
And neither did he… yet.
"You may choose to run, or test Arcane Pulse. Engaging will alert local guardians to your presence. You'll be labeled 'Awakened.'"
Asahi hesitated. "What does that mean?"
"It means the world will start watching you."
He looked down at his glowing hand. Back home, no one ever watched him the way he wanted. No one saw him.
Now, they would.
He stood.
"Arcane Pulse. Let's go."
[Skill Activated: Arcane Pulse.]
A glowing sphere swelled in his palm—pulsing, humming, wild with stored mana. It vibrated like a heartbeat, responding to his intent.
He took a breath. Stepped out from behind the tree.
The Skorvyn turned, eyes glowing red. It roared.
Asahi threw the spell.
The pulse struck its shoulder with a crack of thunder and a burst of violet light, flinging it backward into a stone. Smoke coiled from its carapace. It screeched, dazed.
But not dead.
The summoner turned toward him.
"Mana signature detected. Wildborn confirmed."
Asahi felt the words, not just heard them—a System-broadcast voice from the masked figure.
They raised a dark staff. Shadows began to curl from the earth.
LUX flared beside him. > "Second spell option: Mana Thread or Shaping Call."
"Shaping Call. I want to try it."
"Warning: This ability affects your own body."
"I know."
He focused inward. Heat and power coiled through him. He whispered his intent:
"Morphic Self—shift form: slender feminine, hair longer, eyes bright amethyst, tone lighter."
His body shimmered. He felt every line smooth, every edge sharpen into grace. The robes re-formed around his new shape—more fluid, ethereal, enchanting. His voice became silkier, higher.
The masked summoner paused.
"An Eidolyn…" they whispered.
"You just scared them," LUX said. "Your new form mimics the lost bloodline of spirit sorcerers. Impressive."
"Wasn't trying to. But I'll take it."
Asahi raised his hand again.
A second Arcane Pulse. This time, brighter, larger. The Skorvyn rose to lunge—
And he let it fly.
The world lit up. A burst of force, a scream of wind, a crater of light.
When it faded, the creature was unconscious. The summoner was gone—retreated through the still-closing rift.
Silence.
He stood alone in the clearing, trembling. The moons above returned to calm.
And from the far hilltop, torchlights appeared—riders in silver armor, bearing crests of golden flame.
"Guardians inbound," LUX said. "You've made your first mark."
Asahi smiled, breathing hard.
"Then let them come."
End of Chapter 2