The road to Starfire City was stone-paved and lined with spirit stone lanterns, softly glowing in the growing dusk. Prince Singh walked beside the silver-robed man, unsure of what to say. The man hadn't offered his name yet—and Singh hadn't asked. Silence was easier.
But the questions boiled inside him. Why had he awakened that kind of spirit? What did it mean to have no ceremony? Was he already behind everyone else?
When they reached the city gates, the guards didn't even blink. One glance at the man's crest and they stepped aside.
"Follow me closely," he said. "Spirit Hall doesn't like surprises."
Starfire City was alive with energy. Spirit masters in colored robes trained in courtyards. Market stalls sold spirit beast materials and glowing herbs. Young disciples sprinted between buildings. It was a different world.
Singh's sharp mind absorbed every detail.
The Awakening Pavilion was a grand circular structure made of marble and jade. Inside, pillars etched with runes glowed faintly. A woman in white robes approached as they entered.
"Elder Faen," she said, nodding at the man. So that was his name.
"Prepare the crystal for a second test," Faen said. "This one... awakened alone."
Her eyes widened. "Alone?"
Singh was led to the center of the chamber. A pedestal rose before him, topped with a gleaming spirit crystal.
"Place your hand on it," Faen said, voice calm. "If there's more to you, the crystal will reveal it."
Singh exhaled slowly. His hand reached out and rested on the surface.
This time, the surge of energy was different.
His vision blurred. Heat pulsed from his right shoulder—where the Eternal Sun Lotus had appeared—and now, from his left.
A second form began to materialize.
Cool. Metallic. Controlled.
A ghostly shape emerged, opposite the lotus. A dagger.
No—a kunai. Sleek, black, razor-thin, floating beside the lotus like a shadow.
The room gasped.
"Twin spirits," the woman whispered. "The Lotus of Light... and the Blade of Silence."
Elder Faen's eyes locked on Singh. "I've only seen twin spirits once in my lifetime. And never like this. Opposing elements. Solar fire and hidden steel."
Singh's body trembled slightly. He felt both powers—fire and shadow, rage and calm—coursing through his veins. It was overwhelming. Yet… it felt right.
He looked up. "What does this mean?"
Faen didn't answer at first. Then, slowly:
"It means your fate is no longer your own. Spirit Hall will want to study you. Train you. Or control you. And others... will want to destroy you."
The lotus flared. The kunai glinted.
Two spirits.
One boy.
And a path no one had ever walked before.