[Request Confirmed.]
[Integrating Mana Circuitry... 100%]
[Welcome, Vanguard. Your evolution begins now.]
The name Aether had always felt like a cruel joke to him. His parents had named him after the pure elements, hoping he would reach the stars. Instead, he had been born with a blank wrist—a 'Null'.
But as the golden light surged through his veins, the name finally felt right. Aether felt his muscles tightening, his senses sharpening. He could hear the heartbeat of the Shadow Wolf nearby; he could smell the beast as it realized its prey was no longer a weak boy.
"You've been hunting people like me for years, haven't you?" Aether whispered, his eyes beginning to glow with a faint golden hue. "Not today."
The wolf lunged, but to Aether, its movements were slow. He didn't just dodge; he counter-attacked with precision.
[Target Defeated.]
[Level Up!]
[Host Name: Aether | Level: 2]
Aether stood over the carcass, his chest heaving. He looked at his wrist. The blank space was gone. In its place was a glowing, golden symbol that looked like a crown entwined with thorns.