Fate never offers choices; only chains disguised as paths.
The wind tore the breath from his lungs, and the roar in his ears was so deafening he could barely think. Yet, through the chaos, his eyes managed to catch a glimpse of something in the distance—a colossal tower. It looked like a castle, rising into the clouds, built of rings and platforms that narrowed as they climbed toward the peak. Still, it was far too distant to make out its details.
The ground struck him with brutal force, and the silence that followed was so profound it felt as if it swallowed the entire world.
—Wake up.
Those words echoed inside his head.
—Zein Ravenscroft. Brother of Lyra Ravenscroft… This is not your end.
Against all reason, he was still breathing. He staggered upright, dazed beneath the dark shroud of night, frantically searching for wounds that weren't there. No blood. No pain. Nothing. Only a dark substance clinging to his hand, as though it sought to burrow into his skin. Zein, however, failed to notice it.
He was surrounded by snow, the cold biting down to his very bones, while his tattered clothes did little to shield him. Thin and fragile in appearance, with long, disheveled white hair and gray eyes, the boy felt a sharp pain pierce his skull, like a war hammer striking directly against it.
Fragments of memory slashed through him: a fight, a family, his sister. The agony bent him over, forcing him to writhe on the frozen grass as his vision blurred, as if the world itself were punishing him.
But Zein had not realized one thing—someone else was near.
Before he could react, a hand rested upon him, gentle and soothing. It belonged to a young girl, her hair also long, white, and slightly disheveled, her gray eyes mirroring his own. She was five years younger.
When Zein turned to look at her, only one word escaped his lips.
—Lyra…?—
But the pain persisted, coursing through his body like an invisible fire. A guilt and regret he couldn't even comprehend gnawed at him, tangled with the chaos of his thoughts.
Little by little, however, a strange calm began to wrap around him. As if an angel were watching over him, Lyra's gentle touch eased the torment, and the pounding headache that hammered his skull slowly began to fade.
When Zein pulled himself up, he sat directly across from Lyra.
—Are you… Lyra Ravenscroft?— he asked, his voice trembling.
Lyra simply nodded. Then, like a child learning to speak, she pointed at him and said:
—Big brother—
Zein's heart filled with a profound calm and joy, a warmth he had thought forever beyond his reach.
—Do you remember anything else? Do you remember how we got here? Our parents? Anything?—
But Lyra shook her head, unable to say more.
Exhausted from everything that had happened in just a few minutes, Zein rose and sat down beneath a nearby tree. He reached out his hand, inviting Lyra closer, and when she came to him, he wrapped her tightly in his arms, trying to share what little warmth he had left against the bitter cold. Both clung to the only certainty they still possessed: they knew who they were, and they knew they were siblings.
—Don't worry, Lyra. I'll always be here for you— Zein whispered as he covered her with his body, shielding her from the falling snow.
The white snow blanketed everything around them, transforming the landscape into a silent, pure, and innocent world, as if time itself had come to a pause.
The next day, they awoke buried in snow, yet Lyra lay completely shielded beneath Zein's embrace, spared from the frost. As if by a miracle, the two had survived their first night outdoors, beneath the storm.
When they stood, they agreed to search for food and a place to take shelter. From the mountain peak where they had endured the night, they surveyed the land below, gauging where they might settle and ensure the snow would not become an obstacle to their survival.
The place was beautiful. Though snow blanketed everything, nature revealed itself in every corner, no matter where they looked. In the distance, several villages stood out against the landscape, and the two decided to head toward one of them.
It took them only half a day to arrive, but after hours of walking, hunger began to pound in their stomachs.
The village was walled and brimming with life. Though not very large, the streets bustled with merchants and townsfolk whose faces were bright with cheer. Voices filled the air—merchants shouting their wares, the chatter of passersby, and the laughter of children running through the streets. Yet, the moment Zein and Lyra arrived, all that joy seemed to freeze for an instant.
Though they weren't forbidden entry, the guards kept them waiting for quite some time, questioning them and, at times, mocking them. At last, and grudgingly, they were allowed to pass into the village center.
Once inside, the distrust of the townsfolk was impossible to miss. Many cast suspicious glances their way, whispering cruel things while Zein and Lyra tried only to find something to eat.
—What's that you're saying, brat?!— one of the merchants shouted. —Do you think I'm the church, here to hand you bread for free?!—
—Please, I just…— Zein tried to say between the man's shouting.
—No "buts"! If you don't have money, go work like everyone else!—
Zein's face sank with disappointment, while Lyra watched him from behind, struggling to understand this world that had suddenly turned so hostile.
At that moment, a hooded figure stepped forward.
—Come now, don't be so harsh on children. At least give them a slice of bread— said the woman, her voice both gentle and firm.
—And who do you think you are?! Without coin, they get nothing!— the merchant snapped angrily.
—Very well, then—
The hooded woman extended her hand, revealing a few coins.
—This should be enough to buy two loaves of bread, right?— she said, a smile just barely visible beneath her hood.
—Y-Yes…— the man stammered, counting the coins with a resigned sigh.
—Ah, and also sell me a bottle of alcohol, will you?— she added, unable to hide a small, mischievous grin.
After the incident, the hooded woman led the siblings out of the village to talk with them for a moment.
—Phew, I'm glad I made it in time. And to think I almost lost you because I overslept. When I went to look for you on the mountain, you were gone, and I was genuinely worried— she said, taking a sip from the bottle with a carefree gesture that contrasted sharply with the tension of the moment.
—Thanks for earlier— Zein said, immediately on guard—. But… who are you?—
—Ah, right. I haven't introduced myself— she replied with a light laugh.
The mysterious woman pulled back her hood, revealing her face. She was young, with fair skin and striking green eyes that seemed to shimmer with curiosity. Her long, slightly wavy blonde hair carried a subtle orange tint at the tips, catching the light of the snow.
But something else immediately caught Zein and Lyra's attention. As she removed the hood, ears and a tail emerged from beneath her tunic, moving with a life of their own.
—I'm Kio. Nice to meet you— she said with a mischievous smile that revealed a hint of fangs.
—I am…— Zein tried to speak, but was cut off instantly.
—Apapab. That's enough. I know who Lyra and Zein are— Kio said, raising her hand and theatrically tossing warmer clothes toward them—. Here!—
—Ah… thanks— Zein murmured, still processing everything that was happening.
Kio stepped closer to Lyra with light, carefree footsteps. Instinctively, Lyra hid behind Zein.
—Oh, forgive me. I just want to check something, may I?— Kio asked, smiling in a way that wasn't meant to intimidate.
Lyra looked at Zein with a hint of fear, but after a moment, she nodded and allowed Kio to act.
Kio gently lifted Lyra's head and placed her hand on her neck. She closed her eyes and began to chant:
—Light of life, repair and heal…— Suddenly, the palm of her hand began to emit a warm glow—. Flow through my hand and restore what was lost, return strength and vigor to this body. Heal—
Zein watched, bewildered, unable to understand what was happening. Nothing seemed to happen… until Lyra spoke, breaking the silence with a timid yet audible sigh.
—My… my voice is back— Lyra said, a thread of emotion in her throat.
—Thank you, miss— she added afterward, giving a shy smile.
—I noticed you weren't speaking at all, so I thought you might have been hurt in the fall— Kio said softly.
At that moment, Zein hugged Lyra tightly, as if he wanted to shield her from the entire world.
—You got hurt and I didn't notice… I'm sorry— he murmured.
—Don't worry. You've been taking care of me since we arrived, big brother. Thank you— she replied, resting her head on Zein's chest.
—Alright, now that some things are settled… shall we talk?— Kio suggested with an upbeat tone, signaling it was time to get serious.
The group headed toward a mountain, away from the city and from the place where they had fallen. While the siblings changed clothes, Kio lit a fire, and the warmth enveloped the three of them, cutting through the biting cold of the snow.
—Now that we're ready, here— Kio said, handing them the loaves of bread with a smile.
—Thank you— they said in unison.
As Zein bit into his bread, he tore off a piece and offered it to Lyra.
—You can tell how much you care for her— Kio remarked, watching them with amusement.
—Yeah…— Zein murmured, blushing slightly.
—Alright, they shouldn't be aware of anything. Well, that's normal. They know they're siblings and their names, right? Do they know their ages?— Kio asked, watching the scene with curiosity.
—Yes, I'm sixteen— Zein replied.
—And I'm eleven— Lyra said, chewing her food.
—Lyra, don't talk with your mouth full— Zein scolded gently.
—Peldom— she replied, still chewing, making all three of them chuckle softly.
—Zein, could you extend your hand for a moment?— Kio requested.
—Yes, of course— he answered, obeying without hesitation.
Kio placed her hands over Zein's, closed her eyes, and began murmuring an incantation. Suddenly, Zein's hands began to glow with an intense light, far more powerful than anything he had ever felt before. The energy seemed to vibrate and concentrate, until, all at once, a surge of light and energy gas shot into the sky, creating a spectacle so powerful that all three of them stumbled back a step.
—W-What was that?— Zein asked, stunned.
—Wow…— Kio said, her eyes shining with excitement and awe—. I didn't think it was real, but "he" wasn't wrong…
—He…?—
—You really do have incredible talent!— Kio exclaimed, bouncing with excitement—. Well done, Zein Ravenscroft!
—Y-Yes?— he asked, astonished.
—Do you want the power to protect your sister?—
—Of course— Zein replied seriously, his eyes fixed on Kio, determined and steady.
—Then, from today, we have a contract— Kio said, her body emanating a strange, vibrant light—. Say your name.
—Zein… Ravenscroft— he murmured, still processing what was happening.
—Good, Zein Ravenscroft. Our contract begins now. I'll help you achieve your goals in every way I can, and thanks to this pact, you will grow stronger and stronger— Kio explained enthusiastically, her smile carrying a hint of mischievous pride.
Zein remained silent, wordless, staring in disbelief. Lyra, on the other hand, calmly chewed her piece of bread, enjoying the spectacle unfolding before them.
—Wow!— Kio exclaimed—. I'm glad the journey wasn't for nothing. My sense for talent had grown dull over the past forty years—
Did I really just make a contract with this woman? Zein thought, still dazed.
—But well, if "he" sent me, then he wasn't wrong— she added, more to herself than anyone else.
—Is something wrong?— Zein asked, concerned by Kio's sudden pause.
—No, nothing in particular. I was just talking to myself— she replied, a bit nervous—. And tell me, Zein… is there something you want to know?
—I want to know everything— Zein answered, his expression shifting to one of seriousness, firmness, and resolve.
—Huh?— Kio blinked, surprised—. What do you mean by "everything"?
—Well… Lyra and I literally fell from the sky just yesterday, and all we know are our names and that we're siblings. I don't know anything about this world, where I am, or anything else— Zein explained, his gaze fixed on the horizon, a mix of determination and curiosity in his eyes.
—Ah… I see now— Kio said, nodding slowly, assessing the weight of what he had just revealed.
—So… could you…?—
But Zein was interrupted by Kio, who playfully gestured for him to let her finish her bottle.
Am I going to be okay with this woman by my side? Zein wondered once more, a mix of disbelief and nervousness churning inside him.
—Alright, before you judge me, I want you to know that alcohol doesn't affect my body at all, so it's more of a flavored drink for me— Kio said, smiling mischievously.
—Uh-huh— Zein murmured, feeling completely defeated by the situation.
I'm dead, he thought, resigned.
—Alright, first things first. Where are you? You're in Sylvaris, a colossus under the rule of Sigmund von und zu Eldaric the Second, Emperor of the Black Sun Empire— Kio explained, raising an eyebrow as if proud of her complicated sentence.
What a long name, Zein and Lyra thought in unison.
—But… colossi? What are those?— Lyra asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
—That's exactly what I'm getting to— Kio said, a know-it-all smile on her face—. The world is made up of fairly large islands. It's said that millennia ago, before humanity even existed, there was a battle among the gods. One emerged victorious and absorbed the others. In that war, the mega-continent called Lumyria was destroyed, fragmenting into multiple islands—
Kio pulled out a map, dramatically unfolding it.
—This is how the world ended up— she said, pointing at each island and archipelago, making Zein and Lyra lean in for a better look.
—But it doesn't look like natural destruction, does it? It seems like they were arranged this way on purpose— Zein murmured, observing the map's details.
—Do you want me to explain or not? Yes, yes, let me finish!— Kio exclaimed, crossing her arms proudly—. In this new world, six superior races were created: the Ancients, the monsters, the demons, the elves, the dwarves, and the humans. Each ruled their territories as they should. But during the Great Expansion, the monsters, at the peak of their power, tried to conquer everything. And that's where our hero comes in—
Kio pulled a scroll from her hood. It depicted an imposing man in armor, his gaze determined.
—Eberhart von und zu Eldaric the First— Kio said, pointing at the figure—. The hero who managed to unite the other five races against the monsters, expel them, and keep them under control. In his honor, a mega colossus was named "The Great Eberhart Desert"—
—Wow…
—But I'm not done yet. During his reign, he created a technology capable of controlling the Fatum to move the islands. That very technology was implanted in all of them, turning them into "colossi." Thanks to this, they could relocate from place to place, allowing the islands to appear practically anywhere. They were classified as mini colossi for the smaller ones, colossi for the medium-sized, and mega colossi for the gigantic ones. Of the latter, only four exist in the entire world: Solheim, the capital of the Black Sun Empire; Dravemur, the capital of the demons; the Great Eberhart Desert; and Orvenhal. Interesting, isn't it?
—A lot— Zein replied, surprised.
How much does this woman know about the world? Maybe she really is capable after all, he thought cautiously.
—And what's this Fatum thing?— Lyra asked, finishing the little that remained on her plate.
—Good question— Kio answered with a smile, gently stroking her head—. Fatum, also known as Ordo Fatum, is the magical framework that governs the use of power in this world. That's all I know. I can manipulate it easily, but I don't know the technical concepts or the theory behind it.
Seems I misjudged her, Zein thought with a hint of disappointment.
—Anyway, you two should attend an academy if you want to learn more. What I can tell you is this: as I mentioned, we're in Sylvaris, a colossus. These territories aren't that vast on their own, so colossi are governed by lords—high-ranking nobles just below the monarchs. Within the colossi, territories are divided into duchies, and each duke rules as he sees fit. Right now, we're at the border between the Duchy of Ilmenor and the Duchy of Pondfay.
—By the way, Kio…— Zein said, eyeing her with curiosity—. With those ears and that tail, what race are you? They're certainly unusual.
—I'm a subrace of what are called monsters. What happened is that humans, out of sheer laziness for not wanting to document anything, labeled everything that wasn't one of the main races as "monsters."
—Still, your ears and tail are really soft— Lyra commented naturally, reaching out to pet Kio's tail.
Kio stiffened immediately; a shiver ran down her spine and her ears twitched as if trying to escape the contact. She jerked away, cheeks flushing.
—Haha, looks like you don't like people touching your tail— Zein teased.
—Of course not! It makes me way too uncomfortable— Kio replied, even more embarrassed.
—One last thing… why were people looking down on us in the village?— Zein asked.
Kio said nothing. She simply pointed to her hair.
—Your white hair is a cursed symbol.
—Why?— Zein pressed.
—Do you remember the story of King Eberhart? They say there was another hero besides him. Both had white hair, and they were called the "blessed children." But that other hero betrayed everyone and spread chaos across the world. After much effort, they managed to defeat him, and ever since, people started hating the blessed children. They were exiled to a duchy in the demon kingdom. It's said that, long ago, the king himself was a blessed child, but over generations that bloodline diluted.
—I see… so, what do we do now?— Zein asked.
—I don't know, that's up to you. I'll just protect you— Kio replied boldly, reclining in the snow without a care.
"Seriously, what a headache," Zein thought, glaring at her in frustration.
—Then we should find some money— he said finally.
—Good luck finding a job. I'll be here resting— Kio murmured, letting out an exaggerated yawn.
—Oh, no way. You're coming with us— Zein retorted, grabbing her by the collar of her robe to lift her up.
—No! Let me go! I don't want to work! NOO!— she screamed desperately, kicking like a child.
Back in the village, the group began looking for a job to make a living. Though nothing seemed to be available.
—What should we look for?— Zein asked.
—Something simple, I don't want to overexert myself— Kio answered shamelessly.
—You…— Zein's disappointment grew with every word—. What about you, Lyra?… Lyra?
At that moment, they noticed that Lyra was no longer with them.
—You said your only job was to protect us, and Lyra is missing!— Zein shouted, shaking Kio furiously.
—C-calm down, calm down, she can't be far. I can probably sense her mana and…—
Kio's expression changed instantly, her eyes widening, the color draining from her face.
—N-no… I don't feel Lyra…— she whispered, her voice breaking.
Elsewhere in the city, Lyra had separated from the group, intending to search on her own for a job request, convinced that this would help her brother. However, her steps led her into the darkest alleys of the city.
A hooded figure watched her closely and began following her from just a few meters behind.
"Where am I?" "Brother?" were all Lyra could think as she moved cautiously, glancing around, until suddenly she bumped her forehead against something solid and fell to the ground.
—Well, what do we have here?— said a deep voice. A tall, burly man stood before her, his body covered in scars and old wounds.
—Well, little girl, did you get lost?— mocked a sharper, thinner voice. This time, it was a lean man, marked similarly, with a crooked grin.
Both stared at her with deranged expressions, smiles more beastly than human.
—How dare you enter our territory and look down on us, you little brat!?— roared the larger man, raising his arm to strike.
Lyra, her eyes brimming with tears, barely managed to lift her hands to cover herself.
And then, the blow came down.