Aeons ago, the realms were engulfed by Chaos, avoracious force that devoured everything in its path. It swept through the cosmos like a malevolent tide leaving nothing but devastation and misery in its wake. Entire worlds crumbled under its relentless might, their once pulsatinglives consumed mercilessly.
But from within this darkness, resistance ignited,Hope, a beacon of light that could no longer tolerate the suffocating onslaught. It stood defiantly against Chaos, challenging the very embodiment of annihilation, their clash was cataclysmic, a battle so fierce that it shook the very foundations of existence itself. Intense ripples sprung across time and space as they fought with unyielding fury, each strike vibrating through the fabric of reality. Yet, in the end, At the hands of Chaos alongside the 7 sins, Hope's radiance was extinguished, snuffed out by the unrelenting darkness that enveloped it.
In the aftermath of this tragic confrontation Chaos, stormed into Order's palace, thirsting for supremacy over the remnants of a shattered world. The very fabric of space and time around them folded and twisted as the two forces clashed in a titanic struggle that lasted for so very long that it was forgotten to time. Each blow exchanged was a harbinger of doom, shaking the very thread that held everything known together.
Yet, as the final echoes of their battle faded, Chaosfound himself overpowered. Union, the embodiment of Order, The One Who Created the Realms stood resolute, his power radiating against Chaos. he sealed Chaos away and stripped him of his true name, binding him in a prison not constrained by time or space but the Achronal void that existed beyond the time stream itself.
With §kR¥µ‡ sealed away, the realms began to heal. Slowly, the scars of Chaos faded, and the fractured worlds drew breath once more. From the ashes of desolation, life stirred, filling each of the four realms with vibrant new growth.
The old man took a sip of water before continuing.
Old Man: "You see, Zephyr, you may think this is just a mere legend or a wives' tale, but there are many morals to be taken from it."
The old man paused for a second, then continued.
Old Man: "Hope can never be truly gone, only lost. In this day and age, we live in a world with no morals. That's why we must be gracious and kindto prove that we're not like the rest of them."
Zephyr shifted, his tone skeptical.
Zephyr: "Listen, I loved the story and all, but being kind can never get you as far as you think-"
The old man cut him off with a sharp look.
Old Man: "Oh, you'll see soon, Zephyr. You'll see that there's hope in us all… some more than you might think."
The old man reached into his bag and pulled out a glowing pink shard.
Zephyr: "What in the world is that? I've never seen anything like it!"
Old Man: "This is an Anocdyte Shard."
Zephyr: "The hell's an Anocdyte?"
Old Man: "An Anocdyte is a being of pure essenz, brought to life by the emotions of someone. They carry a shard embedded in their body to represent their emotion."
Zephyr: "What are they like? And is the shard even usable?"
The old man sighed, his voice tinged with sorrow.
Old Man: "This shard is no longer active. The Anocdyte it belonged to is long gone, by nature, Anocdytes are hostile and fueled by the vibrant emotions they embody."
Zephyr: "Oh… well, that sucks. Makes a cool decoration, though."
The old man chuckled, his eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and sadness.
Old Man: "Yes, I suppose it does."
He extended the shard toward Zephyr.
Zephyr: "Wha-"
Old Man: "I want you to have it. Consider it a gift from this old man."
Zephyr: "Uh… sure, if you say so." He paused, then asked cautiously. "So, old man, what core were you born with?"
The old man seemed surprised by the question but smiled softly.
Old Man: "Oh, my core? Unfortunately I never awakened so I have no way of knowing."
Zephyr: "Oh. Sorry for asking."
Old Man: "No, no, it's nothing." He chuckled. "Well, the night is still young. There's much more to talk abo-"
An earsplitting roar shattered the peace, and the ground quaked as a massive creature of the earth broke through the campsite, roaring with uncontrolled fury.
Zephyr: "What the hell?"
The old man rose to his feet, his expression grim.
Old Man: "Oh dear… Take the shard and go! I'll buy you some time!"
Zephyr: "B-but-"
Old Man: "No buts! Run! Run as far as you can!"
Zephyr's heart pounded as he stumbled through the dense forest, the shard clutched tightly against his chest.
He could still hear the echoes of the old man's cries, each one clawing at his mind like a curse he couldn't escape. His legs burned, his breath came in ragged gasps, but he didn't dare stop. The beast's roar tore through the night again, accompanied by the sound of crashing trees and an inhuman howl that sent chills down his spine.
Why didn't I fight? The thought struck him like a blow. His jaw clenched, and his grip on the shard tightened. I could've helped him… I should've done something. But another voice in his head, colder and more pragmatic, drowned out the guilt. "If you stayed, you'd both be dead."
Zephyr glanced back once, catching a faint glow from the distant campfire through the trees. The old man's silhouette was barely visible, a frail figure standing tall against the towering beast. Then the glow was extinguished, swallowed by the shadows.
A lump formed in Zephyr's throat. He shook his head violently, forcing himself to look forward. "He told me to run," he muttered under his breath, as if saying it out loud would ease the ache in his chest. "It's what he wanted."
Still, his legs faltered, and he almost tripped over an exposed root. He caught himself on a tree trunk, panting heavily. "Damn it… why do I care? He was just some old man." His voice cracked. He squeezed his eyes shut and gritted his teeth.
For a moment, he stood there, trembling in the dark. His thoughts swirled angry at himself, at the beast, at the cruel world that seemed to offer nothing but loss. The shard in his hand glowed faintly, its warmth seeping through his fingers. It was almost comforting, yet it only reminded him of the old man's final words.
"Hope can't truly be extinguished, only lost."
The memory cut deeper than he expected. With a frustrated grunt, Zephyr shoved the shard into his pouch and broke into a run again, his vision blurred by tears he refused to acknowledge.
Zephyr collapsed on the roadside just as the first light of dawn crept over the horizon.
His body gave out, his knees hitting the dirt before he crumpled onto his side. He lay there, chest heaving, every muscle screaming in protest. Somewhere in the haze of exhaustion, he wondered if this was how it ended alone, a coward who ran when it mattered most.
The world faded. The last thing he saw was the faint outline of a carriage approaching, the sound of hooves growing louder before everything went dark.
When Zephyr woke, the gentle rocking of a carriage jolted him back to reality.
His eyes fluttered open, squinting against the soft light filtering through the carriage window. A man and woman sat across from him, their curious eyes fixed on his disheveled form.
The woman spoke first, her voice warm. "Well look who finally decided to wake up."
Zephyr groaned, pushing himself upright. "Where… where am I?"
"The road to Runica City," she replied. "We found you passed out by the roadside early this morning."
The man chimed in, his tone more cheerful. "Lucky for you, Lya here insisted we stop. Otherwise, the wolves might've gotten to you first."
Zephyr blinked, still trying to process their words. "Oh. Uh, thanks, I guess." He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing between the two. "Who are you?"
The woman offered a small smile. "I'm Lya. And this is Aron."
Zephyr nodded slowly. "Right. Zephyr. Nice to meet you, I guess."
Aron chuckled. "Not much for gratitude, are you? You must've been through hell, though. What happened to you?"
For a moment, Zephyr hesitated. The memory of the old man's screams flashed through his mind. "Just… ran into some trouble in the forest." His voice was tight.
Lya tilted her head, her brow furrowing slightly. "Well, you're safe now. And if you're headed to Runica, maybe we can stick together for a while."
Zephyr forced a smile. "Yeah, I'd like that."
But inside, his thoughts were a storm. He stared out the window as the carriage rolled on.
As the carriage swayed gently, Aron broke the silence, leaning forward with an inquisitive gleam in his eye. "So, Zephyr, what's your core?"
Zephyr blinked, caught off guard by the question. He hesitated, And His Muscles Tensed. "Uh… haven't awakened one yet."
Aron raised an eyebrow. "Haven't awakened?Well, I guess it isn't all that rare not to."
Zephyr shot him a sharp look, leaning back with a faint smirk. "Hey, I'm only 17. Relax. There's plenty of time… I guess."
Aron chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Fair enough. Though, if I were you, I'd be eager to figure it out. Having a core changes everything."
Lya shot Aron a sharp look. "Not everyone awakens, Aron. Don't be rude."
Zephyr shrugged, his tone clipped. "It's fine. I just… haven't had the chance, I guess." He glanced out the window, clearly uninterested in pursuing the topic further.
Aron, unbothered, leaned back with a dramatic sigh. "Well, that's a shame. My core's Earth, makes me strong as stone and twice as reliable." He flexed his arm for emphasis, though the effect was more comedic than impressive.
Lya rolled her eyes. "And twice as stubborn." She turned to Zephyr, her tone gentler. "I've got a Wind core. Helps me stay light on my feet. It's handy for… well, a lot of things."
Zephyr nodded, offering a faint smile. "Wind's cool. Guess it suits you."
Lya's expression softened, though she seemed to sense the weight hanging over him. She decided not to press further, shifting her gaze to the rolling hills outside.
Aron, however, was relentless. "So, if you haven't awakened, what's your plan in Runica when we get there? Trying to get into one of the academies?"
Zephyr hesitated, "I'm not sure yet."
Aron frowned. "That's vague."
Lya shot him another warning glance. "Aron, leave him be. Not everyone has to have a grand plan laid out."
The tension in the carriage eased slightly as Aron raised his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine. Just trying to make conversation."
The three fell into a comfortable silence, the rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels filling the space. Zephyr stared out at the horizon, his thoughts a tangled mess.
Lya eventually broke the silence again, her voice light but curious. "What about family? Anyone waiting for you back home?"
The question hit Zephyr like a punch to the gut. He looked down, his jaw tightening. "Just my mom,dad left when I was still too young to remember anything..."
Lya's eyes softened, regret flickering across her face. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to-"
"It's fine," Zephyr interrupted, his voice flat. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Really."
Aron, sensing the discomfort, quickly changed the subject. "Well, Runica's got plenty of opportunities for someone like you. Maybe you'll find something interesting."
Zephyr forced a nod, though his mind was elsewhere.
As the sun began to set, the carriage came to a halt near a small inn on the outskirts of a bustling town. Lya hopped out first, stretching her arms. "We'll rest here for the night. Runica's still a half-day's journey from here."
Aron followed, offering Zephyr a hand. "Come on, zeph. Let's get some food in you. You look like you haven't eaten."
Zephyr hesitated before accepting the help, stepping out of the carriage and onto the cobblestone road. The inn's warm lights spilled out into the evening air, accompanied by the cheerful hum of conversation and the smell of freshly baked bread. For a moment, the weight on his shoulders felt lighter with them. However, he was soon reminded of the old mans sacrifice as he stepped into the inn.
Zephyr clenched his jaw, his resolve hardening. Whatever lay ahead, he would find it and he would prove that the old man's sacrifice hadn't been in vain.
As the trio settled at a small wooden table in the inn, the warmth from the hearth filled the room, casting flickering shadows on the stone walls. The scent of roasting meats and freshly baked bread made Zephyr's stomach growl, reminding him that he hadn't eaten properly. Lya and Aron had already taken seats, scanning the menu, while Zephyr took a moment to collect himself.
The innkeeper, a burly man with a thick beard,approached their table with a cheerful smile.
Innkeeper: "What'll it be, folks? Our stews on special tonight, and we've got some fresh bread."
Aron grinned. "Stew sounds perfect. Two bowls, please."
Lya nodded. "Same for me, thanks."
Zephyr hesitated. He wasn't sure what he felt like, but his stomach growled again, so he decided to go with the flow. "I'll have the stew too."
The innkeeper gave a nod and left to prepare their meal.
Zephyr leaned back in his chair, trying to relax, though the weight of his thoughts pressed on him. The silence stretched for a moment before Lya leaned forward, curiosity in her eyes.
Lya: "So, Zephyr, you still want to head to Runica with us? You can leave after we eat if you want."
Zephyr thought for a moment and then replied." I think I'd like to stick with you guys" he smiled.
Lya smiled. "Glad to hear it!"
Aron grinned mischievously, leaning forward as well. "Glad to have u with us buddy, so got any big ideas? Anything you'd like to achieve?"
Aron leaned back in his chair with a dramatic flair. "For me, it's all about being the best, you know? I want to become a warrior who's remembered for centuries! The kind of guy people sing songs about. Fame, glory, and money, you know the deal."
Lya rolled her eyes but smiled. "Yeah, sure. That's his whole 'becoming a legend' thing." She put her chin in her hand and glanced at Zephyr. "For me?I've got big plans, but I don't mind taking the scenic route to get there. Fame and fortune sound nice, but for me, it's about finding freedom. The ability to do whatever I want, whenever I want."
Aron chuckled. "And she thinks she's so deep." He nudged Zephyr playfully. "What about you, man? You've been quiet long enough."
Zephyr sighed and leaned back.
Zephyr: "I don't know. I guess I want to becomestrong enough to protect those I love."
Aron raised an eyebrow. "That's it? You don't want fame, fortune, or glory? No dreams of becoming a hero?"
Zephyr forced a smile, though it felt strained. "No. I've seen enough of that kind of stuff. I just want something real you know? I want to be powerful enough to protect everyone. No matter what."
Lya gave him a knowing look. "Powerful Enough to Protect Your Loved Ones Huh? Yeah, I get that. You know, sometimes we think that the stuff we chase, the fame, all that, will fill us up, but it's not always the answer. It's all just a bunch of distractions." She Paused for a Moment Then Went On. "Getting Stronger to Protect People Is a Good Thing Zephyr, Stick with It."
Aron looked at her skeptically. "Oh, come on. You can't tell me you're not hoping to be a big deal one day."
Lya shrugged, her smile softening. "Leave him be you big oaf."
Aron grinned. "Well, I'm not gonna give up on being remembered. I'll leave the quiet, deep stuff to you."
Zephyr watched them, a slight grin tugging at his lips despite the heavy thoughts swirling in his mind. Their carefree attitude was something he hadn't expected. In a way, it was… refreshing.
Just then, the innkeeper returned with three bowls of steaming stew, setting them on the table. The rich aroma filled the air, and Zephyr's stomach growled louder, much to his embarrassment.
Innkeeper: "Here you go, folks. Enjoy."
They dug in enthusiastically, the warm food a welcome distraction from the tension.
As the three ate in silence, their conversation drifted to trivial matters, weather, the road ahead, rumors of Runica. Yet Zephyr remained distant, his mind fixated on the old man's sacrifice. All he could think about was getting stronger.
After finishing their meal, they returned to the carriage. After quite some time, they were on a narrow, dangerous mountain pass. Without warning, the ground trembled, and a massive Yellow Tail Mountain Wyvern emerged, blocking their path.
Aron upon witnessing the scene, leapt from the carriage, shouting, "EARTH CORE: SPIKE WALL!"
The earth responded violently as massive stone spikes shot up, piercing the wyvern's side.
At the same moment, Lya summoned her wind, floating from the carriage with a swift motion. "WIND CORE: AIR ARC!"
A crescent of sharp wind sliced through the wyvern's flesh, drawing a screech of pain.
But the beast wasn't done. Its tail swung violently, slamming into Aron and sending him crashing into the rocks, shattering his ribs.
Zephyr watched, his fists clenched. Foreign words lingered in his mind. "You have the potential. Save them."
The Wyvern unleashed a tremendous gust of wind with a powerful flap of its wings, disrupting Lya's vortex and causing her to plummet. She cried out as the swirling air betrayed her, and she began to fall.
From the carriage, Zephyr's eyes widened. "I can't watch this anymore!" he shouted, leaping out with reckless abandon.
In a flash, he was beneath her, catching her before she hit the ground. His arms strained, but he managed to hold her steady. Setting her down gently, he turned to face the massive beast, his body trembling but his resolve firm.
"All right, you damn beast," he growled, glaring at the Wyvern. "I won't let you hurt anyone else!"
Behind him, Aron groaned weakly from his injuries, his voice barely audible. "Zephyr… no… You don't have a Core. How are you going to fight back?"
Lya, still shaken from her fall, couldn't respond. Her gaze was locked on the scene unfolding before her.
The Wyvern screeched and lunged at Zephyr, swinging its tail with immense force. Zephyr narrowly dodged, the air whooshing past him. Without hesitation, he sprinted toward the beast and managed to land a punch squarely in its eye. The Wyvern roared in fury, tossing him aside with a savage swing of its tail.
Zephyr hit the ground hard, gritting his teeth as he rolled to a stop. He slammed his fist into the ground and forced himself to stand, his voice a mixture of anger and defiance.
"Damn it, you crappy beast! Why won't you give up?"
Aron, still lying injured, coughed and called out, "Zephyr, stop! You'll get yourself killed!"
Lya ran to Aron, helping him to his feet despite his protests. She turned to him, her voice firm. "I can't use my wind attacks and protect you at the same time. All we can do is hope for a miracle to get out this mess."
Aron tried to push her away. "No! Look at him! He's fighting for us despite having no Core. We have to back him up somehow!"
The Wyvern roared and lunged at Zephyr again, its bite cutting through the air at subsonic speed. Zephyr dodged just in time, leaping onto its back and scrambling up its neck. His fists pounded into its other eye as the creature screeched in pain.
But the beast retaliated with terrifying force. It bucked wildly, slamming Zephyr against jagged rocks before whipping its tail around and hurling him toward Aron and Lya.
"Zephyr!" Aron's voice cracked with anguish as he watched his friend's broken form skid across the ground.
Lya screamed, "Zephyr, please! Run! Don't do this!"
Bloodied and battered, Zephyr staggered to his feet. He spat blood, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. His breath came in short gasps, but his eyes burned with determination.
"I… won't… give up," he muttered, his voice growing louder with each word. "I can't leave you guys!"
Lightning began to flicker in the air around him, the ground trembling under his feet. Aron and Lya froze, their expressions in awe.
"Zephyr…" Aron whispered, his voice trembling.
Zephyr roared, his voice echoing through the valley. "LISTEN HERE, YOU DAMN BEAST! I WON'T BACK DOWN! I REFUSE TO DIE TODAY!"
The ground erupted as lightning exploded around him, shards of rock disintegrating into dust. In a blur of speed, Zephyr disappeared, reappearing behind the Wyvern. With a deafening cry, he grabbed its massive tail, muscles straining as he swung the beast into the air and slammed it into the rocky terrain.
The Wyvern screeched, thrashing wildly. It lashed out with its claws, but Zephyr moved faster than the eye could follow. His fists struck with the speed and fury of a storm.
"I TOLD YOU, YOU WON'T BEAT ME!" he roared.
In a burst of light, Zephyr surged through the Wyvern's body, moving so quickly that the creature barely had time to react. He emerged on the other side, his fist coated in its blood. The Wyvern let out one final, agonized screech before collapsing, its massive form still.
Zephyr stumbled, his strength fading rapidly. Blood dripped from his injuries as he limped toward the carriage.
"Z-Zephyr…" Aron managed to say, his voice shaking. "That… was… insane!" He coughed up blood, attempting a laugh despite his condition.
Lya stood frozen, her eyes wide. "I… I don't have words…"
As Zephyr's legs gave out, Lya rushed forward, catching him with a small wind cloud. She gently lowered him into the carriage before using another wind vortex to lift Aron alongside him.
"You two stay put," she ordered, her voice trembling with urgency. "We're getting to the city. Now."
Climbing onto the driver's seat, she summoned a powerful gust of wind to propel the carriage forward. For the next One Hundred and Twentyminutes, the carriage raced at full speed, the city's gates finally appearing on the horizon.
Once they arrived, Lya wasted no time, rushing through the crowded streets. "Move!" she shouted, her voice sharp and commanding as she steered the carriage toward the hospital.
Inside, the doctors and nurses scrambled as she burst through the doors.
"My goodness," the lead doctor said, his eyes widening at the bloodied men. "What happened here?"
"We… encountered a Wyvern," Lya said breathlessly. "We barely escaped with our lives."
The doctor whistled in astonishment before snapping into action. "NURSES! Get them to the tables, now!"
The nurses rushed forward, carefully carrying Zephyr and Aron away. Lya paced anxiously outside the room as the minutes dragged on.
After what felt like hours, the doctor emerged, wiping his hands. "Both of them are stable, but their injuries were severe. They'll need a few days, possibly more, to recover fully."
Lya's heart clenched. "But… they'll be okay, right?"
The doctor nodded with a tired smile. "Thankfully, yes."
Tears welled in her eyes as she whispered, "Thank you… thank you so much