Rebirth of the Crimson Soul
Chapter 5: Blood and Fire
The forest was silent—eerily so.
Alex stood at the edge of a clearing, sword trembling in his grip. Beside him, Lyra held her staff, eyes narrowed. Brann crouched nearby, hand to the dirt.
"Boarhound," Brann growled. "Fast. Mean. Smells fear. Don't give it a reason."
Alex swallowed hard. "And if I do?"
Brann smirked. "Then run."
The bushes ahead rustled. Then—
CRASH!
A monstrous creature burst out. Fangs like daggers, eyes red with hunger. It was twice Alex's size, fur bristling with rage.
"Now!" Brann barked.
Alex hesitated for half a breath. The beast lunged.
He dodged clumsily, barely avoiding the snapping jaws. His heart pounded like a war drum.
Lyra's voice rang out. "Flarebind!"
A burst of light shot from her staff, blinding the creature momentarily. Alex didn't think—he moved.
He struck, blade glancing off the beast's thick hide. Sparks flew. It roared, spinning to face him.
Too slow. Too weak.
But then—that warmth again.
> [System Alert]
Shared Flame Activated
Reflex +3
Magic Sync Engaged
Suddenly, he could feel Lyra's presence—like her energy flowed into him.
The beast charged again.
This time, he didn't flinch.
He sidestepped, brought the blade down hard—right at its exposed flank. Blood sprayed. The beast shrieked in pain.
"Again!" Brann roared.
Alex moved without thinking. Another slash. Then another. Lyra fired bursts of flame, coordinating instinctively with his strikes.
It was messy. Brutal. But the beast fell.
Breathing heavily, Alex stood over the corpse, blood spattered across his arms and face.
He looked at his hands—still shaking, but stronger. He'd done it.
> [System Update]
First Kill Achieved
Strength +2
Bond Sync Bonus: Minor Combat Link with Lyra Established
Brann walked over, nodding once. "You didn't die. Good start."
Alex chuckled weakly. "I'll take that as a compliment."
---
That night, back at the cottage, Lyra cleaned his wounds. Her fingers were gentle, her touch lingering just a little longer than it had to.
"You moved like you felt me out there," she said softly.
"I did," Alex admitted.
Their eyes locked again.
And for the first time, Alex didn't look away.
"You make me stronger," he said. "Not just because of the magic. Because you're here."
Lyra's breath caught. She leaned in—just slightly.
Their lips almost touched.
> [System Notice]
Bond Intensifying: Emotional/Physical threshold near
New Path Available: Soulfire Link (Locked)
But Lyra suddenly pulled back, cheeks flushed.
"You should rest," she whispered.
She left without another word.
Alex stared at the closed door, heart pounding—not just from battle.
But from what could be.