The morning air bit against Stephen's skin as he stepped out of the inn. A faint mist blanketed Ironveil's streets, catching the light from the awakening sun. Merchants shouted as they opened their stalls; the clatter of weapon forges echoed faintly from the distance. The world was alive — and so was he.
After a quick breakfast and a visit to the Federation outpost, Stephen studied the map projected above the rift terminal."Level range 7–10," the receptionist said, scanning his bracelet. "That's the Emberfang Rift. Most go there to train before they try for official hunter exams. Dangerous, but rewarding."
"Emberfang Rift," Stephen repeated, eyes narrowing. "Sounds like the perfect place."
"Just don't die in there," she muttered, sliding him a token.
The moment he stepped through the shimmering gate, a wave of heat hit him like a wall. The air shimmered, thick with the scent of burning earth and ash. Cracked stones glowed faintly beneath his feet, and geysers of molten steam hissed from the ground.
Stephen unsheathed his light sword, its slender blade gleaming with pale light.Father… I'll show you what your teachings meant.
He moved quietly through the molten wasteland, scanning for signs of movement. The beasts here were stronger — Ember Wolves, Flame Serpents, and the occasional Ironback Boar. He fought carefully, his footwork growing sharper, his control over transcendent energy smoother. Every strike of his sword was precise, guided by instinct and hard-earned discipline.
Hours passed before he finally took a breather by a ridge of blackened rock. His arm throbbed from a recent clash with a wolf pack, and his reserves were nearly drained. He was just about to pull out a recovery pellet when a sharp whistle cut through the air.
Clang!
A spear embedded itself into the rock beside him, mere inches from his shoulder.
Stephen spun around, sword raised. "Who's there?"
From behind a charred outcrop, a figure stepped into view — a girl around his age, clad in light armor with a crimson scarf fluttering behind her. Her hair, the color of deep chestnut, was tied back, and her eyes held a calm but assessing gleam.
"Easy," she said, lifting her hands. "Didn't mean to hit you. You were about to be ambushed."
As if on cue, a molten lizard the size of a horse erupted from the ground behind Stephen. The girl's spear spun in her hand like a streak of light — thunk! — piercing straight through the beast's skull before it could strike.
Stephen blinked, lowering his guard slightly. "You could've warned me instead of nearly skewering me."
"I did," she said with a small smirk, tugging her spear free. "You just didn't hear it."
Despite the tension, a faint laugh escaped him. "Fair enough."
She wiped a streak of black ash from her cheek. "You're new, aren't you? Your stance says trained, but your aura says reckless."
"Stephen," he said, straightening. "And you?"
"Lira."
Her tone was curt, but not unfriendly. She looked him over once before saying, "You shouldn't be here alone. The Emberfang Rift swallows the careless."
"I learn best under pressure," Stephen replied quietly.
Lira studied him for a moment — then smiled, faintly. "Then you're either brave or stupid. Guess we'll find out soon enough."
They fought together for the rest of the day, their rhythm growing naturally aligned. She moved like wind and flame — her spear dancing in arcs of light — while Stephen's blade traced lines of precision and calm. By the time twilight fell, the two of them had cleared half a dozen beasts and gathered a small pile of crystals.
As they rested near a glowing fissure, Stephen glanced at her. "You're strong."
"So are you," Lira replied, throwing him a faint grin. "But you fight like someone carrying a weight on their back."
He paused, unsure how to answer. She didn't press further. Instead, she poked at the ground with her spear and said, "The exam's in two weeks. If you keep pushing, you'll make it."
He nodded. "That's the plan."
They sat in silence for a moment, the crackle of molten streams filling the air. For the first time since his awakening, Stephen didn't feel entirely alone.
When dawn came again, they parted ways near the rift gate.
"Try not to die before the exam, Blacksmith's Son," Lira called, her tone teasing.
Stephen chuckled, tightening his grip on his sword. "You too, Spear Girl."
And then he stepped back through the gate — unaware that this brief partnership would one day shape the fate of both their paths.