Kael woke on cold marble.
Above him stretched a vast hall supported by pillars shaped like coiling beasts. Dozens of figures stood around him—humanoid, bestial, radiant, monstrous. Their eyes burned with curiosity, fear, and hunger.
"He's human?" one scoffed.
"A child," sneered another.
The silver-haired woman stood at the center. "Silence. This is Eira Lunewarden, Guardian of the Astral Gate. And this human has triggered a convergence."
A tall man with crimson markings stepped forward. "Then the Council must decide. The Core cannot remain unbound."
Kael's chest burned again. Blue sigils erupted across his skin, forming a glowing circle beneath him.
Eira knelt. "Kael Ardyn. To survive, you must form a Spirit Contract. Choose, or be consumed."
The air trembled.
From the shadows emerged a small fox-like creature with ember-orange fur and bright, mischievous eyes.
"Hey, human," it said cheerfully. "You look like you're dying. Wanna team up?"
Before Kael could respond, the ground shook violently.
A massive ice construct burst through the hall wall, shards raining like knives. Riding atop it was a girl with long white hair and eyes like frozen lakes.
"Too slow, Council," she said. "I claim him."
The fox snarled. "Back off, Snow Princess!"
Kael shouted, "STOP!"
Silence fell.
The Spirit Core flared—responding.
Three lights appeared before Kael: flame, frost, and pure arcane energy.
Eira's voice softened. "Choose one spirit. Your path begins now."
Kael reached forward.
And touched the flame.
The fox laughed wildly. "Contract accepted! Name's Ryn, Spirit of Ember Chaos!"
Fire and soul intertwined.
Kael screamed as power carved itself into his bones.
The Core stabilized.
But far above the realm, something ancient smiled.