The forest stretched endlessly, its towering trees blotting out much of the morning sun. Rihan walked beside Elira, his wooden training sword strapped across his back and the memory of yesterday's training still burning in his muscles.
"You are certain you're ready?" Elira asked, her silver eyes scanning the path ahead.
Rihan gave a half-smile. "Honestly? No. But if I wait until I'm 'ready,' I'll probably never leave that lodge."
Elira's lips curved ever so slightly. "Good. Fear acknowledged but not obeyed. That is the first step."
They moved quietly, the only sounds the crunch of leaves underfoot and the distant call of birds. Rihan kept glancing at his System interface, the faint holographic screen only he could see:
[Quest Active: The Threads of Fate.]
[Objective: Meet the one who heals.]
[Location: Unknown.]
That whisper from last night still lingered in his mind. Someone—or something—had called his name.
---
After hours of walking, they came upon it: a ruined stone structure half-swallowed by roots and moss. Ancient carvings lined its cracked walls, glowing faintly with symbols Rihan didn't recognize.
Elira stopped, frowning. "This place… I did not know it lay so close to Sylvaris."
"What is it?" Rihan asked, curiosity sparking.
"A ruin of the Old War," she replied. "Many such temples were destroyed when the Abyss first spilled into Arcanis. Few remain standing."
Rihan stepped closer, drawn by a strange pull. The air around the ruin seemed heavier, charged with unseen energy. And then—
The System pinged.
[Quest Progression: Location Found.]
---
They ventured inside. The air was thick and cold, carrying the scent of dust and stone. Broken pillars lay scattered across the ground, and faint echoes followed their steps.
Suddenly, Elira's hand shot out, stopping Rihan in his tracks.
"Shh," she whispered.
From the shadows ahead, movement stirred. Dark mist pooled between the stones, gathering, forming. Slowly, a creature emerged: its body a writhing mass of black smoke, eyes glowing like burning coals.
Rihan froze. "What… is that?"
Elira drew her bow in one swift motion. "A Shade. Born of Abyssal corruption. Be careful—it feeds on fear."
The Shade hissed, lunging forward. Elira fired an arrow, striking its form, but the shadow merely rippled, reforming.
Rihan's heart pounded. His instincts screamed to run, but instead he raised his hand, summoning the warmth he had practiced.
"Mana Spark!" he shouted.
A small flame burst from his palm, striking the Shade's body. It screeched, writhing violently as parts of it burned away.
Rihan blinked in shock. "It worked—!"
But before he could celebrate, the Shade lashed out, its smoky tendrils slamming into him and throwing him against a pillar. Pain exploded in his chest.
"Rihan!" Elira's voice cut through, sharp with urgency. She fired another arrow, but the Shade kept advancing.
Rihan coughed, forcing himself up. His vision blurred. The creature's form loomed closer, its eyes burning into him.
And then—
A light pierced the darkness.
Soft, radiant, warm.
It descended like a wave, pushing back the shadows. The Shade screeched, recoiling violently as the light seared into its body.
Rihan blinked through the glow, his breath catching.
A figure stepped into view. A young woman, her long golden hair glowing faintly, her robes marked with sacred runes. She held a staff that radiated divine energy, and her emerald eyes shone with quiet determination.
"Be gone, creature of corruption," she said, her voice clear and unwavering.
With a single strike of her staff, the light flared again, and the Shade dissolved into nothingness.
Silence fell.
Rihan stared, wide-eyed, unable to find words.
The System chimed.
[Quest Complete: The Threads of Fate.]
[Reward: Ally Found.]
Elira lowered her bow, still tense, but her gaze softened as she looked at the newcomer. "You… I know you. You are Lyra, the wandering priestess."
The girl smiled faintly. "And you must be Elira of Sylvaris. I have heard whispers of your courage."
Then her eyes turned to Rihan. For a moment, her expression softened further, almost as if she had been expecting him.
"You are… Rihan, aren't you?" she asked gently.
Rihan's breath caught. "H-how do you know my name?"
Lyra stepped closer, her hand glowing faintly as she touched his bruised chest. Warmth spread through him, the pain fading instantly.
"I saw you in the visions," she said softly. "The world itself cries out your name."
Rihan stared at her, his heart racing. He didn't understand what she meant, but deep inside, he felt it too—his presence in this world wasn't just chance.
Elira watched silently, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly, as if weighing the truth in Lyra's words.
And somewhere deep in the shadows of the ruin, unseen by all three, another pair of eyes watched them. Eyes filled with hatred, waiting.
The fates of Rihan, Elira, and Lyra had just intertwined.
And the world of Arcanis would never be the same.