The torchlight in Aurora's room dimmed, casting tall shadows against the stone walls. The whisper she'd just heard still echoed in her mind—soft, breathless, and impossibly close.
She stood, slowly, her eyes scanning the room. "Who's there?"
Silence.
The system interface had disappeared. No glowing symbols, no calming chimes. Just the sound of her own pulse, quick and heavy in her ears.
She took a cautious step toward the corner where the shadows had gathered unnaturally thick. The air around it felt colder. Dense. Like a curtain separating her from the rest of reality.
Then, again—
"You were never meant to awaken..."
This time, she felt it inside her skull, as though someone had spoken directly into her thoughts.
Aurora backed away instinctively, her hands glowing with faint blue light. She didn't know what she was doing, but her instincts responded faster than her mind could comprehend.
[System Alert: Unknown presence detected. Engaging passive defense.]
[Mana Flow: Stabilized.]
A pulse of mana burst outward from her, like an invisible wave. The shadows recoiled slightly—shivering—as if struck by wind.
And then they vanished.
Aurora fell to her knees, chest heaving. "What the hell was that...?"
The system chimed again, this time softer. Almost like it was trying to comfort her.
[Note: Entity classified as "Echo of the Forgotten." Threat level: Moderate. Passive interference only.]
[Recommendation: Increase Sequence level to unlock defensive skills.]
She stared at the floating text, still panting. "Sequence level… right. I'm still at Sequence 10."
That meant she was barely above a civilian in power. She needed to grow stronger—and fast.
The next morning
A sharp knock rapped on the tower door.
Aurora had barely managed two hours of restless sleep. She rose groggily, brushing tangled strands of silver-blonde hair from her face.
The door creaked open, and a woman entered. She was tall, graceful, dressed in deep emerald robes embroidered with golden runes. Her hair was pinned into an elegant bun, her expression calm but commanding.
"I am Enchantress Vaelyra," she said, bowing slightly. "I've been appointed as your mentor."
Aurora blinked. "Mentor?"
"Yes. Prince Caelum has asked me to guide you in magic control and... survival."
Aurora narrowed her eyes. "That last part sounds ominous."
Vaelyra's smile didn't reach her eyes. "This kingdom is full of wonders, Lady Aurora—but also monsters. Many of them wear crowns."
The cryptic tone set Aurora on edge, but she didn't argue.
"Let us begin," Vaelyra said, gesturing toward the open terrace. The outer platform overlooked the palace gardens, where mana-filled fountains shimmered like living glass.
Aurora stepped into the sunlight, squinting. "Out here?"
"Magic is alive," Vaelyra said. "It breathes. It moves with the wind, the stars, the blood in your veins. You don't control it. You commune with it."
She extended her hand. A swirl of leaves spun around her, glowing faintly before settling at her feet.
"Try."
Aurora hesitated. "I barely even know what I'm doing."
"You don't need to," Vaelyra said gently. "Just reach. Magic knows you're here. It's waiting."
Aurora closed her eyes.
She thought of the whisper last night. The cold. The power she'd felt when she pushed back.
Then she reached.
Something responded.
A subtle thrum beneath her skin, like hundreds of invisible strings vibrating in unison. The wind curled around her fingertips, threads of light dancing through the air.
Vaelyra raised an eyebrow. "Not bad."
[Skill Progression: Mana Manipulation – 23%]
Aurora opened her eyes, breathless. "That… felt incredible."
"Good," Vaelyra said. "Because you'll need more than 'incredible' if you plan to survive what's coming."
Aurora frowned. "You keep saying that. What is coming?"
Vaelyra's expression darkened. "There are those who believe your presence here is unnatural. That you upset a balance older than empires."
"You mean the Council?"
"Them... and worse."
Aurora felt the hairs on her arms rise. "Worse?"
But Vaelyra only turned away. "Rest for now. We begin combat training tomorrow."
Later that night
Aurora sat by the window again, watching the city lights of the capital below. Unlike her first night, there was no fear in her chest—just a rising curiosity... and hunger.
Not for food.
For power.
[Sequence Upgrade Available.]
[Requirements Met: Mental Synchronization + Mana Perception ≥ 20%]
Would you like to proceed to Sequence 9 – Initiate of the Arcane Flame?
Warning: Upgrade process is painful and irreversible. Confirm?
She hesitated for only a moment.
Then: "Yes."
A wave of heat surged through her body. It was as if fire and lightning fused in her veins, searing every nerve, every thought. Her back arched, a scream caught in her throat.
Visions flashed before her eyes—stars collapsing, ancient symbols, a silver tree whose roots pierced the sky.
And then… silence.
When she opened her eyes again, her vision was sharper. The air crackled around her.
She stood slowly, her body light, balanced. Ready.
[Upgrade complete. Current Sequence: 9 – Initiate of the Arcane Flame.]
[New Skill Acquired: Flame Conduit – Channel raw fire mana through your limbs for explosive attacks.]
Aurora exhaled, her breath briefly misting the air.
The girl from Earth was gone.
A mage had taken her place.