The eastern sky was covered in a thin layer of silver mist, as if the sun was still hesitating before touching the world. On the vast plains, a small white light was floating in the wind—moving like a lost star from the night sky.
Regina Leonaraga walked slowly, her white cloak fluttering in the wind. She reached out to touch the dewy field. The energy in her palm spread out, causing each blade of grass to glow a pale white.
—Aevin, do you feel anything?
The ball of light beside her shook slightly, emitting a sound like a small bell.
—The magical frequency here is unstable. There are signs of deterioration from the north and west.
Regina nodded slightly.
Since leaving the Academy, she had traveled to six different regions, and everywhere she found the same phenomenon: the natural light on planet Lumera was gradually becoming weaker, as if an invisible curtain was covering the source of life below.
—If this continues… —Regina said softly— In ten years, there will be no more light elemental spirits.
Aevin spun slightly.
—It might be related to the intersection of magical power. An unknown center.
The wind rose. On the horizon, a purple light cracked the sky like a crack. The light dust fell to the ground, condensing into dark patches—something Regina had never seen before.
She walked towards it.
Without hesitation. Without fear.
As if that place had been calling her name for a long time.
Aevin spoke for the first time in a slightly trembling voice:
—Regina… that is not light.
Regina tightened her grip on her staff.
—If it is not light… then I need to know what it is.
And so, the real journey had only just begun.