After Rio's words faded into the darkness, the void remained silent.
It felt as though the world itself was holding its breath.
Then the Voice spoke again.
"Are you certain?" it asked calmly. "Once you leave this place, you will never return to Earth."
Rio and Filip exchanged a glance.
No words were needed.
They nodded.
A brief pause followed—long enough for the weight of their decision to settle fully in their chests.
"Very well," the Voice said. "Preparations will begin immediately."
The darkness stirred.
"To guide your souls safely to the new world," it continued, "you will each be granted a Soul Dragon."
Filip's eyes widened instantly, excitement flaring despite everything they had been through. Rio straightened, surprise breaking through his exhaustion.
"A… dragon?" Filip asked, barely managing to contain himself.
"There is something you must understand," the Voice added. "These creatures are not strong. They cannot fly long distances, nor are they meant for combat. Once you arrive, it may be wise to leave them behind."
That warning went completely unheard.
Filip looked ready to burst with questions. Rio felt a faint smile tug at his lips for the first time since waking in the void.
Before Filip could ask anything else, a faint blue light appeared in the darkness between them.
It flickered gently, like a distant star, then slowly grew brighter. The light twisted and gathered, shaping itself into a small, glowing figure.
When it finally settled, both of them stared.
It was not what either had expected.
The creature was tiny—no larger than a house cat—and shimmered with a soft blue glow, as if made from light and mist rather than flesh.
Without thinking, Rio reached out and lifted it. It weighed almost nothing, warm in a way that felt comforting rather than physical.
Filip leaned closer, eyes wide, and carefully took the creature from Rio's hands.
It had two small wings that fluttered eagerly, large pointed ears, a long slender tail, and sharp dark eyes filled with curiosity. But what caught Filip completely off guard was the fact that it had no legs at all.
He stared at it for a moment, then let out a quiet laugh.
"I… can't compare it to anything on Earth."
The dragon tilted its head, wings fluttering again.
"There's only one word for it," Filip added.
"Cute."
Rio nodded slowly in agreement and looked up into the endless darkness.
"Does it have a name?" he asked.
For a moment, the void was silent.
"It has no name," the Voice replied at last. "Such beings are not born with one. However, you may give it a name if you wish."
Filip looked down at the small dragon in his hands, then turned to Rio.
"What do you think?"
Rio considered it for a moment.
"Oathkeeper."
Filip smiled immediately.
"That's perfect."
He held the dragon closer and spoke softly. "Do you accept that name?"
The small creature flapped its wings happily, glowing just a little brighter—as if answering yes.
Before Rio could say anything else, the Voice spoke again.
"Now that the bond is formed, it is time for the next step."
The space around them shifted.
Suddenly, countless cards appeared in the air, materializing from nothing. Thousands of them floated silently in the darkness, each bearing a symbol, an image, and a name.
"These are Classes and Talents," the Voice explained. "They will shape who you become in the new world. First, each of you must choose a Class."
Rio frowned slightly.
"What exactly is a Class?"
"A Class defines your path," the Voice replied. "It determines which weapons, magic, and abilities you will wield more naturally. Once chosen, it cannot be changed."
Filip didn't hesitate.
"Can we see the options?"
"Yes."
In an instant, most of the cards vanished—leaving behind one hundred and fifty-one.
"These are the available Classes."
Rio and Filip exchanged a look and silently agreed to focus only on the highest-ranked ones.
Time passed—how much, neither of them could tell—until only twenty-five cards remained.
They split up, studying the choices carefully, before regrouping.
Rio spoke first.
"I narrowed it down to two."
He gestured to the cards.
Class: Dark MagicianRank: DivineThose who bear this class gain deeper insight into shadow and mystical magic. There is also a chance to learn Time Magic and hidden forms of shadow movement.
And—
Class: Spirit RangerRank: LegendaryThose who bear this class can communicate with spirits, move more freely through forests, track enemies with ease, and master the bow more naturally.
Rio frowned slightly.
The Spirit Ranger wasn't flashy—but it felt right.
Filip then revealed his choices.
"I'm stuck between these."
Class: Holy SwordsmanRank: DivineGrants access to holy magic, minor healing abilities, and rapid mastery of sword and shield.
And—
Class: Sword MagicianRank: HiddenDescription: ???
Rio stared at him.
"You're seriously considering the one with no description?"
Filip stepped forward without hesitation.
"I choose this one."
The Voice responded immediately.
"Be warned. Once a Class is chosen, there is no turning back."
Filip nodded.
"I know."
The decision was made.
Rio exhaled slowly. He wasn't thrilled—but he wasn't surprised either. Somehow, Filip's choice made his own clearer.
"I choose the Spirit Ranger."
The cards dissolved into light.
And with that, their paths were set.