The moon hung high and full in the indigo sky, casting silver light across the estate and the forests beyond. Floyd stood at the edge of the Jitters property, the cool night wind tugging at his robes as he stared into the dark tree line.
Something had stirred—something ancient.
> [Dormant spiritual seal fully identified.]
[Designation: Flameheart Wyrm - Class: Mythic-tier Spiritual Beast.]
[Status: Stirring from slumber.]
[Last known record: 12,000 years ago.]
A mythic-tier spiritual beast. Floyd's heart beat faster. He'd only read about creatures of such rank in the deepest sections of his system's archive. They were beings so ancient, so powerful, that even empires had once crumbled in their wake.
And this one… was waking up. Close.
"System," he whispered. "Can I handle it?"
> [Analysis: Current strength far exceeds subject's base power. You may engage or observe.]
That gave him pause. He wasn't afraid. No, fear wasn't what chilled his skin—it was curiosity… and wonder.
"What are you planning, world?" he murmured.
Before he could venture further into the forest, a familiar voice called to him from behind.
"Floyd? What are you doing out here?"
He turned to see Gabby Fox—his fiery, no-nonsense magic tutor—standing barefoot on the grass, wrapped in a midnight-blue robe, her long red hair down and flowing behind her like fire in moonlight. Her curves, though cloaked, were impossible not to notice. The way the robe clung to her hips and chest left little to imagination.
"I could ask you the same," Floyd replied, smiling despite the tension in his chest.
Gabby crossed her arms under her generous bust and raised a brow. "You skipped our nightly runes review. That's unlike you."
"I was… distracted."
Her gaze narrowed. "Talk."
Floyd explained the system's message and the stirring creature. Gabby listened intently, her playful demeanor giving way to genuine concern.
"If that's true, then it's not just some monster waking up," she said softly. "The Flameheart Wyrm was said to be a protector once… before it went mad. It could scorch entire valleys in seconds. No sect survived its wrath. And it only wakes if the mana of the world shifts violently."
Floyd's brow furrowed. "You think I caused it?"
Gabby stepped closer. "I think your presence is enough to change the rules of this world, Floyd. Whether that's good or bad… remains to be seen."
For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The wind whispered between them, carrying a hint of sulfur and ancient heat. Then Gabby gently placed a hand on his cheek.
"You're not alone, you know," she said. "Even if this world shifts around you… we're with you."
Her touch lingered, and Floyd's breath caught as he looked into her amber eyes. Her body pressed closer to his, the fabric of her robe brushing his bare arm. His heart thudded in his chest.
"I—" he began, but she leaned in, her lips brushing just against his.
"I know," she whispered.
The kiss deepened slowly, her arms sliding around his neck, pulling his body flush with hers. Her warmth enveloped him, her curves pressing against his broad chest, and Floyd felt his knees weaken. Her fingers traced the back of his neck, teasing, intimate, until she gently pulled away with a smirk.
"Back to bed, prodigy. You'll need your strength soon."
And with that, she turned and walked barefoot back into the house, hips swaying with every step.
Floyd stood there a while longer, dazed, before finally heading in.
---
The next morning came fast. The sun was barely up before Bohlin's booming voice echoed through the house.
"Floyd! You've got a visitor!"
He rushed down the stairs to find a tall, silver-haired woman standing beside his father—elegant, confident, and visibly amused by Floyd's stunned expression.
"Floyd Jitters," she said, her voice calm and melodic. "I am Lady Thalia Vencrest, envoy from the Azure Sky Sect."
Bohlin scratched his chin. "Apparently, she came herself after hearing about your little magic display at the merchant square last week."
Floyd's face flushed. "That... spread already?"
Lady Thalia smiled. "Magic of your caliber travels faster than wind. We'd like to invite you for a trial… to see if you're worthy of joining the Azure Sky Sect."
"I'm not looking to join a sect," Floyd replied, a little surprised by his own firm tone.
Thalia tilted her head. "Then perhaps… you would like to create one."
Floyd blinked. "Excuse me?"
Thalia stepped forward, her eyes sharp. "The Grand Circle is opening a path. A rare opportunity. With your power and reputation, you could register a new sect—something no child has ever done."
Floyd swallowed. His heart raced.
He'd dreamed of leading, of building something greater than himself. A sanctuary. A legacy.
His own sect.
"I'll consider it," he said slowly.
Thalia nodded. "You have until the end of the next moon cycle."
And then she was gone, vanishing into a shimmer of light.
---
That night, Floyd stood in his room, staring at the stars through his window.
Create a sect. Protect the people. Build something that would outlive him.
He turned toward his desk where a piece of parchment sat—blank, waiting.
He picked up a quill.
And slowly, with a steady hand, wrote the name:
"Celestial Ember Sect."
His legacy had begun.