Rebirth of the Crimson Soul
Chapter 2: The Mage's Village
The path was narrow, barely more than a line of packed earth winding through the forest. Alex limped along, half-listening to the sounds of distant birds and dripping leaves, half-focused on the girl in front of him.
She hadn't given her name yet. Her cloak was patched, her staff plain, but she walked with the quiet alertness of someone who had grown up watching her back.
After a while, she glanced over her shoulder. "You really don't remember anything?"
Alex hesitated. "Just flashes. A name... pain... nothing clear."
The lie came easily. No one needed to know he was from another world.
She didn't press further. "We're almost there."
The trees parted, revealing a small village—wooden houses clustered close together, smoke curling from chimneys. Chickens ran freely. A blacksmith pounded at steel in the distance.
People stared as the girl led Alex through. Whispers followed them.
"Isn't that the drunk's boy?"
"Didn't he die?"
"He looks... different."
The girl ignored them. She led him to a worn-down cottage near the edge of the village. "You can stay here. It was abandoned after the plague."
Alex stepped inside. It was musty, but dry. A bed, a table, a cracked mirror. He touched the surface, staring at the unfamiliar face again.
"So... what now?" he asked.
She set a pouch of herbs on the table. "You rest. I'll bring food later."
Alex nodded. "Thank you."
As she turned to leave, he caught her arm gently. "What's your name?"
She looked surprised. "Lyra."
He smiled faintly. "Alex."
Their eyes met. Just for a second, the air shifted—charged, uncertain.
Then she pulled away. "Rest, Alex."
---
Hours passed. Alex lay on the bed, staring at the wooden ceiling. His thoughts spun. That strange system, the message in the forest—it hadn't returned. But he felt it. Deep inside. A hunger. A core waiting to be fed.
And when Lyra touched him—just her hand brushing his—it pulsed.
[System Update]
> Emotional Connection Detected: Lyra
Bond Level: 1
Strength +1
Ability Unlocked: Ember Skin (Minor fire resistance)
Alex sat up, stunned. It's real.
He could feel it—his body just slightly more alive. His fingers didn't tremble as much. The ache in his muscles dulled.
All from a single touch... and a spark of emotion?
If that was true... then building connections, forming bonds—emotional or physical—could make him stronger.
His pulse quickened. He didn't need to be powerless anymore.
---
That night, Lyra returned with food—stew and hard bread. She stayed longer this time, sitting on the edge of the table while he ate.
"You really seem... different," she said quietly.
"I feel different."
She tilted her head. "Not bad different, though. Just... like you've woken up."
Alex smiled. "Maybe I have."
She looked away, a faint blush on her cheeks. "Well. Get some rest."
As she left, Alex whispered to himself:
"I'm going to change everything."