Chapter 1 — The Elf and the Sphere
> "That day, everything could have remained simple. But nothing ever really is, especially when awakening approaches. »
In a lush forest, dense and vibrant with life, a being advances. Tall, slender, dressed in a cloak of leaves woven like fabric, he walks with the grace of an ancient wind. He's not a man. He's an elf. And this is no ordinary day.
Near a tree with gnarled roots, he sees a strange, translucent sphere, lying there as if abandoned by destiny. A crystal ball? A slime? An artifact? He approaches, intrigued. Spiritual energy emanates from the object. He narrows his eyes.
> "Is it an elemental spirit?" An embryonic creature? »
He doesn't know. But he feels that it is not trivial. Then, gently, he wraps the sphere in a plant blanket – a fabric of woven leaves, soft like linen – and slips it into his bag, alongside some medicinal herbs that he has picked. He will not hunt today. It's time for discovery.
The wind is rising. The elf too. It flies away, carried by magical currents, crossing the canopy in a few beats of air. Soon, he reaches a city suspended in a colossal tree: the Sanctuary of the Elves.
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The city is a plant masterpiece. Its roots plunge deep into the earth, housing ministries, laboratories, archives. Its branches rise towards the sky, supporting homes, schools, and at their center: the Royal Palace, the living heart of the Tree of Life.
The elf walks through the organic corridors, greets a few familiar faces, then descends to the underground levels. There, in the Institute of Magical and Spiritual Development, he knocks on a door.
> "Fels?" I would need your expertise. »
The voice that answers is calm, calm. Fels Erin, director of the Institute, is a mage renowned for his wisdom. Felric Escanor - for that is the elf's name - enters, places the sphere on the table.
> "I'm not sure what it is. I prefer to ask an expert. »
Fels watches, silent. He frowns, then whispers:
> "It's a spirit… nipped in the bud. He never reached his first form. To develop it, you would need a contract - like those of the tamers. Someone with latent potential, capable of elevating it to become a superior mind. »
Felric nods.
> "I could make this as a birthday present for my niece. She has talent. »
But a question torments him.
> "Why say "nipped in the bud" if he is still alive? »
Fels smiled softly.
> "It's a picture. A mind that has never been able to hatch is like a baby that has never seen the light of day. But he is there. Sleeping. On hold. »
Felric gets up.
> "Understood. I'm leaving. »
---
Back in his room at the palace, Felric sits on his green sofa, superimposed on his bed. He opens his journal, notes his discoveries about spirits, then places the sphere near the window. The sun is at its zenith. Noon. Nap time.
And I, in this sphere, I remember.
I remember that day. Of that life. From this precise moment when everything could have remained simple... but it wasn't.
Because when he wakes up, everything will change. And for me, it will be the start of a new cycle.
But for now, I remember. It's the only thing I can do now.
So let's start again. Where my first cycle life begins.
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