Luck fell into deep contemplation for a few moments, and old memory resurfacing in his mind. A memory so vivid it seemed like it happened moments ago.
Lucks twin sister Lyanna vanished in a bright light three years ago in front of his eyes.
'No way, it cant be right?'
Luck thought to himself, could his sister have come here three years ago the same way he had.
Luck allowed himself to indulge in such thoughts and found new hope of finding her.
"I am willing". Valderi smiled brightly revealing her pearly white teeth clearly happy with his answer.
"Great choice boy"
Luck twitched in annoyance after her referring to him as boy for the hundredth time.
"My name is not boy, Its Luck"
Valderi smiled and apologized , "Sorry... Luck its high time we leave this place before you encounter something you cant defeat. "
Still keeping that playful smile on her face, she lead Luck out of wherever the hell they were.
Luck, still clutching the silver pocket watch, felt a strange mix of relief and apprehension as Valderi kindly led him away from the luminous trees.
The air here was cooler, more breathable, and the faint, sweet melody of chimes grew stronger as they moved.
"So, the Awakened," Valderi began, her voice cutting through the ringing in Luck's ears. "It's about essence. Everything in this world, and indeed beyond, has an essence. It's the fundamental energy, the core of existence. For most, it lies dormant, an untapped well. But some, through unique circumstances—like yours, perhaps—or intense training, can awaken it."
"When you awaken," Valderi continued, oblivious to his internal turmoil, "you gain a connection to specific aspects of this world's energy. It manifests in various ways. Some can manipulate elements, others possess enhanced senses, or even tap into precognition."
"So, what kind of 'Awakened' can I be?" Luck asked, trying to sound casual, despite the confusion in his voice. If I can get some kind of power, maybe I can find a way back. This pocket watch… it brought me here. Maybe it can take me back too.
Valderi glanced at him, a flicker of something unreadable in her green eyes. "That depends on your core essence. It's unique to every individual. As for ranks, it's a progression. You start as a Rank 1, barely scratching the surface. Then you move to Rank 2, then Rank 3, and beyond, each rank unlocking deeper control and greater abilities."
"And how do I… awaken this essence?" Luck pressed, a sudden, desperate hope surging through him. If this is real, if I can learn to control this 'essence,' maybe I can use it. Maybe I can find a way home.
Valderi smiled faintly. "Often, it's a trial by fire. Sometimes, it's a slow burn of training and meditation. You've certainly had your trial by fire. The fact you survived suggests your essence is already stirring."
A trial by fire, alright. Fighting that thing was certainly that. As Valderi spoke, a memory, sharp and vivid, pierced through the fog of his confusion. Three years ago. The day his sister vanished. His twin sister, they were in the park, playing near the old oak tree. A sudden, blinding light. A loud, resonant hum. And then… she was gone. Just like that.
A cold dread settled in his stomach, quickly followed by a jolt of electrifying realization. His silver hair and amethyst eyes were unique, often drawing curious glances in his old world. He'd never known why. But now, coupled with his sister's inexplicable disappearance, it clicked.
A bright light. A hum. And now me, here, pulled into a new world by a glowing watch. Could it be? Could she have been pulled here too?
His heart pounded with a renewed purpose. He was no longer just a lost boy. This wasn't just about getting home anymore.
"So, are there others from… other places?" Luck asked, trying to keep his voice steady, the pocket watch feeling heavier, more significant, in his hand.
Valderi nodded.
"Occasionally. The Draemon's Downfall event was… widespread. We've seen a few. Most are disoriented, many don't survive. But the ones who do often adapt quickly."
She adapted. She has to have. A fierce determination hardened his gaze. His twin sister, strong and smart and full of life.
If anyone could adapt to something like this, it was her.
They walked for what felt like hours, the glowing flora of this strange new world slowly giving way to more familiar, though still vibrant, landscapes.
Finally, in the distance, a city began to materialize. It was a sprawling metropolis, a blend of gleaming skyscrapers and ornate, older architecture, all bathed in the purple-orange glow of the sky. Roads teemed with sleek, silent vehicles that glided along without visible engines, and towering structures pulsed with soft, internal lights.
"Welcome to Alia," Valderi announced as they entered the city's outskirts.
Luck's eyes widened. This is… almost exactly like home. The technology was more advanced, subtly so, but the overall feel, the bustling streets, the distinct blend of old and new buildings, was remarkably similar.
He saw people dressed in modern clothes, using what looked like advanced versions of smartphones. A cold wave of fear washed over him. If this world was so similar, yet so profoundly different, how could he ever explain where he truly came from? He was just seventeen, and this was too much.
"I… I don't remember much," Luck said, his voice feigning uncertainty, looking down at his feet. "My head's a bit fuzzy from… everything. I think I have amnesia."
Valderi stopped, her green eyes fixing on him. A long moment of silence stretched between them, her gaze intense, as if she were trying to peer into his very soul. Luck held his breath, waiting for her to call him out.
"Amnesia, you say," she finally murmured, her tone flat, revealing nothing. She turned and began walking again.
"Very well. For now, you can stay with me. You'll need time to adjust. And to understand what it means to be Awakened."
Luck let out a silent sigh of relief. He'd bought himself some time. Good. I need to figure this out. I need to get stronger. I need to learn about this world. Because I'm going to find her. I will find my sister.