The young man hovered in the air high above the trees, looking at Sorin with a curious gaze.
The mysterious stranger chuckled. "Interesting, so you've come here to challenge me?"
Sorin threw his hands up as if surrendering. His body trembled a little as he gazed at the static flowing along the man's glaive.
"No, sir, you've got it all wrong. I've come to your territory in order to grow stronger. I don't mean any harm!"
The man's face softened, and he rested the glaive on his shoulder, which crackled faintly.
The man's sharp eyes pierced him again, and he slowly drifted down, descending from the sky.
The man spoke in a clear tone,
"Very well. But it seems you do not know who I am."
Sorin nodded.
"I'm Lei Yu of the Yu clan," the man said. "The ruler of this region, I hold reign over everything under these skies, both human and creature."
"I noticed an unfamiliar presence and came to see who had the audacity to enter here without permission."
He fully descended from the sky and was now face to face with Sorin.
Up close, Sorin could see the fine embroidery on the man's tunic and noticed he was wearing an azure crown with dragon carvings on his forehead.
Looking at himself compared to Lei Yu, he seemed foreign.
His t-shirt was bloodied, and he had on sweats, and his sneakers were also messed up from the journey.
The handsome young man was also dressed like some sort of emperor, which told him the era they were in.
Lei Yu's head tilted a little.
"You look out of place."
He paused for a second, as if gazing deep within Sorin.
"Your soul also seems different. I can't quite put my finger on it." He frowned and continued studying Sorin.
Sorin met his gaze, "The truth is I'm actually from a distant time. I woke up in a field of grass and don't know how any of this works."
"Would it be possible for you to tell me about this world?"
An amused expression appeared on Lei Yu's face, but then he smiled softly,
"That's quite strange, you come from a different time..."
He continued to study Sorin and then continued, "But no matter, come. I will bring you back to my city and get you accustomed to the way this world works. Let's walk and talk, shall we?"
Sorin rushed to his side.
"By the way, my name is Sorin Ren. Sorry for not introducing myself, that was rude of me."
A smile shone on Lei Yu's face. "No worries, it's nice to meet you, Sorin Ren."
A few moments later, they began their leisurely stroll back to the city that lay ahead of them.
Its silhouette was distant and lay ahead.
**
Lei Yu finally spoke after some silence, "The city ahead is called Tempest." "Millions live inside those walls, including my clan."
That name was truly fitting. Numerous clouds formed in the sky, with faint signs of lightning forming in them.
Sorin tilted his head a little and scratched it, lost in thought.
Lei Yu smiled again,
"I know you must have questions, so feel free to ask any."
Ever since coming to this world, one thing has been on his mind.
"Well, my first question is, how does magic work in this world?" And how does someone transcend mortality?"
Lei Yu covered his face slightly and held back laughter.
"For a man with such huge ambitions, you seem to lack much knowledge. Even still, that is a good question."
Sorin coughed and put his head down a little, now embarrassed by his boldness.
"Magic does indeed exist."
It comes from the elements of the world, and what type of magic one wields depends on how well an element resonates with your soul."
Sorin thought about the blood that had protected him from the devilish mantis.
'I guess my affinity is closer to water?'
He glanced at the man's stylish tunic. Lei Yu obviously had an affinity for lightning, which was made clear by his wardrobe choice.
Lei Yu continued, "As for transcending, there are seven stages of potential." He studied Sorin and added, "Each stage remakes a person and improves them; all imperfections are removed the higher one matures."
Confusion ran through Sorin's head.
"I swear I used blood manipulation while fighting that creature, so does that mean I have already awakened?"
Lei Yu shook his head.
"You most likely did not have control over it. I don't sense the feeling of the awakening coming from your soul, Sorin."
Sorin realized Leiyu was indeed right. He had failed to conjure anything with his blood after pushing back the beast. So Sorin was at the very bottom of these stages. Sorin nodded. "And where do you fall on these stages?"
Lei Yu laughed and said in a calm tone, "I have long since reached the final stage; I'm not ruler of this land for no reason."
Sorin wanted to be shocked, but Lei Yu did indeed have that type of aura.
He sighed,
"Will you help me achieve higher stages then?"
He did not want to sound like he was pleading, but he needed to get stronger.
The corners of Lei Yu's mouth lifted. "Very well, the Yu clan will help you to the best of our abilities."
After a pause, he continued, "I don't do this for just anyone, by the way."
He studied Sorin again.
"I sense a deep potential within you, and it's also good to have someone owe you a favor."
The beautiful young man smiled sheepishly.
A smile found its way to Sorin's face, but it was also hiding a frown. Nothing comes free, but this chance would be rare.
"Alright, you have yourself a deal, I'm willing to learn from you even if it lands me in some debt."
Lei Yu chuckled.
"Don't worry too much, but do expect some missions and harsh training, Sorin."
Sorin sighed.
In the next moment, the path to the city narrowed, and the huge city gates reflecting the color of the thunderous sky began to open.
Together, the two of them began to walk towards the gates and into the animated city.