ã€ŠFrom the Shadowsã€‹


 The Chase

    Sector 13 of Goldilocks39was humanity''s vision made physical-an artificial planet designed to recreate the Earth''s cycles and waves. Season had long pasts gone by, winds roared through synthetic forests, artificial sun set amidst man-made skies. Beneath this utopian exterior was stark reality, far from flawless. The majority of this artificial world was engulfed in great sprawls of urbanism with the remaining life living cramped within the cities. Sector 13 was notorious even among these cities¡ªan orbiting labyrinth of contradiction where the rich lived in towers while the rest scrambled for their survival in the slums below.

    This wasn''t unique to Sector 13. Throughout the known universe, every habitable planet that humanity found was inhabited by humanoid civilizations. Over the course of centuries of trade, war, and uneasy alliances, they had all learned to refer to themselves as "human." But beneath this common banner, the chasms were stark, and hybrids like Juniper Green fell through the cracks between power and prejudice.

    Now, Jun was running for his life.

    His boots pounded against the grime-slick pavement of Sector 13''s B District, a shadowy underbelly pulsing with neon lights and perpetual danger. His silvery cloak whipped around him as he vaulted over rusted cargo crates, his heart pounding in time with the guttural growls of the bi-hounds pursuing him. Each bark reverberated through the narrow alleys, a menacing reminder that they were drawing closer. Their glowing red eyes pierced the smog-laden air, tracking him with unerring precision.

    "Damn it," Jun cursed under his breath, adjusting the hood that obscured his face. His distinctive eyes¡ªnarrow slits converging into glowing circles¡ªwere a dead giveaway of his hybrid nature.

    The streets here were alive in their own twisted way. The glow of neon advertisements flickered above, with holographic messages promising escapes from hard knocks, indulgences in decadence, or enlightenment¡ªwhichever it might promise for whatever cost one is willing to pay. Vendors sold untraceable tech and street-made narcotics while shadowy figures hovered in the corners, exchanging whispers for credits. B District was at once the economy''s lifeblood of Sector 13 and its blackened heart. The corporations and military may deny its existence, but their profits thrived upon its illicit trade.

    "Get your grip together, Juniper Green," he muttered to himself as he ducked under a low-hanging pipe. His voice was strained, desperate. "This was all a mistake. Maybe. maybe they''ll understand?"

    But he knew better. There would be no understanding. Not for someone like him.

    The mess began with the egg. For five years, Jun had carried it¡ªa strange artifact he''d acquired through a trade that should''ve gone unnoticed. It was heavy and unremarkable, with no signs of life. He had nearly sold it countless times but never did. Something about it had always stopped him. A whisper of intuition, perhaps.

    But three nights ago, the egg hatched.

    Jun hadn''t even been touching it when it happened. A sudden burst of radiant light filled his dingy hideout, shattering windows and short-circuiting nearby tech. The air shimmered as mana and technology twisted together, creating an explosion of anomalies that rippled through the district. The contents of the egg¡ªa creature unlike anything he''d ever seen¡ªdisappeared into the ether, leaving Jun with nothing but chaos in its wake.

    Within hours, the Flying Squads descended. These elite enforcers of the military and corporate alliance were after the creature;but they also they wanted Jun who had the connection with the hatched beast. A hybrid without citizenship or protection was an easy scapegoat. And now, thanks to the bi-hounds on his trail, escape seemed impossible.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    The growls grew louder and Jun could hear the pounding footsteps of the Flying Squad hunters. Their spells zipped through the air, brilliant streaks of blue and silver light that shattered against walls or exploded into harmless sparks when they missed their mark.

    Jun''s instincts screamed at him to keep moving. His legs burned with exertion, and his lungs begged for air, but he didn''t dare slow down. He rounded a corner sharply, almost losing his balance on the slick ground, and saw something strange¡ªa door, slightly ajar, where no door had been before.

    "Too obvious," Jun hissed to himself. His time in the streets had taught him to be wary of anything that seemed too convenient. But the bi-hounds were nearly on him, their hot breath already prickling the back of his neck.

    With no other option, he dived through the door just as it swung open fully, a hand yanking him inside with surprising force. As the door clicked shut behind him, a shadow darted out, taking his place. The shadow was pitch black, humanoid, and identical to him in every way save for its color. It sprinted into the alley, luring the hunters away.

    Jun blinked, adjusting his eyes to the dim room. A single flickering bulb cast eerie shadows over the cramped space. The air smelled of oil and metal, tinged with something sharper¡ªmana residue, perhaps.

    He turned to face the occupants of the room and immediately tensed.

    Five figures stood before him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and caution. Three were high humans, their features sharp and perfect, their postures exuding the kind of confidence that came from knowing you were at the top of the hierarchy. They wore military-style uniforms, but the insignias were wrong¡ªno corporate emblems, no Sector 13 crests. Instead, their sleeves bore a black flag, its design stark and haunting: a shadowed silhouette of a human standing beside a beast.

    The other two figures were hybrids like Jun. Their faces were varied¡ª-one''s was a scale-covered skin with bronze flashing off it, and the other''s were stretched finger-longs, with shimmering, bug-like eyes. They eyed him sympathetically but warily.

    Jun edged back until his shoulders rammed into the wall, fingers twitching towards the hidden blade in his cloak. "Who are you?" he bellowed. "Why''d you help me?

    One of the tall humans stepped forward, a woman with platinum hair pulled into a harsh braid. Her voice was level, but had an undertone of authority. "We''re the only ones standing between you and a lifetime of servitude¡ªor worse."

    "That doesn''t answer my question," Jun shot back, his eyes flicking to the others in the room. "You pulled me in here. Why?"

    The woman smirked. "Because you''re more important than you realize."

    Jun narrowed his eyes. "Important? I''m a street rat being chased for something I didn''t even do."

    "You''re more than that," another voice interjected. This one belonged to one of the hybrids, the bronze-scaled man. His voice was low and gravelly, but there was an undeniable sincerity in it. "That egg you carried¡ªdo you have any idea what it was?"

    Jun shook his head. "No. And I asked for none of this."

    The platinum-haired woman stepped closer, her eyes piercing. "That was no ordinary egg, Juniper Green. That was a relic¡ªa fusion of mana and technology from the old wars. Whatever hatched from it is powerful enough to disrupt the balance of this entire sector. The Flying Squads want it under their control, and they''ll destroy anyone who stands in their way.

    Jun''s stomach twisted. He had suspected the egg was valuable, but not to this extent. "I didn''t even see what came out of it," he admitted. "It vanished."

    "Then they''ll keep hunting you until they find it¡ªor until you''re dead," the bronze-scaled hybrid said grimly.

    The room fell silent as the weight of the situation settled over them like a suffocating shroud. Jun clenched his fists; his mind racing. He had spent his life surviving, scraping by on instinct and luck. But this. this was bigger than anything he''d faced before.

    Finally, the platinum-haired woman spoke up, breaking the silence. "You have a choice, Jun. Run and keep running until they catch you. Or join us.

    Jun scowled. "Join you? For what?"

    "To fight back," she said flatly. "To show them hybrids, outcasts, and all the people who''ve been ground beneath their boots can still stand. We''re not just rebels. We are the shadow they fear."

    She pointed to the flag pinned on her sleeve, its silhouetted shapes inside. "We are the Shadow Banner. And we may be able to help each other."

    Jun looked at her, the words echoing in his mind. For the first time in years, he felt something stir within him¡ªsomething that wasn''t fear or desperation.

    It was hope.

 Induction

    Jun''s breathing slowed down as his eyes adjusted to the dim light of the room. The ragged breath of his escape mingled with the hum of an old mana-converter in the corner. Standing before him were five individuals, their appearances both intimidating and intriguing. As he sized them up, their identities began to crystallize.

    The three high humans were unmistakable. One of them, with her flowing platinum hair, was majestic in the way she bore herself: pale skin and near-transparent pupils shining out an otherworldly presence. The other two, who sported shimmering turquoise hair inflected faintly with magical aura, seemed to shine softly with alchemical presence. The bronze-scaled man was a hybrid or some sort of thing-a living fortress, really-maintaining battered heavy armor that made him look a bit like a war machine. Finally, there was the insectoid figure, their segmented carapace gleaming under the dim light, dressed in a sleek uniform lined with mana-circuitry. This last one had an aura of quiet command.

    Welcome to the Shadow Banner," said the insectoid in a voice like crackling static, its mandibles clicking softly. "I am Rickety, intelligence magi. These are my squadmates: Lanoir, Myrda, and Panois"¡ªa nod towards the high humans¡ª"and Slythe, our shield and vanguard."

    Jun''s instincts screamed at him to run. But he was cornered, and their calm demeanor betrayed no immediate threat. Instead, Rickety continued, their voice tinged with an unsettling mix of authority and curiosity.

    "You''ve caused quite a stir, Juniper Green. That¡­ artifact of yours? It''s drawn more than just the Flying Squads'' attention. Lucky for you, it also drew ours."

    The Shadow Banner¡ªJun knew the name. Rumors on the streets called them revolutionaries, fanatics, and even terrorists. Yet, in this place, they looked almost like a tool of refined war, one that was waiting for its war to be fully engaged.

    "What do you want from me?" Jun croaked out, his voice hoarse but steady.

    Lanoir, the platinum-haired high human, stepped forward. Her voice was calm, her words edged with purpose. "We don''t want anything from you. We want something for you. Freedom¡ªfrom the corporations, from the nobility, from the leash they''ve put on hybrids like you and even on us."

    Jun snorted. "Freedom? Is that what you call pulling me into this mess?"

    Rickety''s mandibles clicked softly. It might have been laughter. "Mess or opportunity? That''s up to you. The creature that came out of your relic is no ordinary beast. It''s Ether-born, tied to the Old Wars and the secrets of mana-tech symbiosis. That makes you a target¡­ and potentially, a key player in what''s to come.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    Myrda and Panois exchanged glances, after which Myrda said, "There''s a reason the Flying Squads are hunting you so relentlessly. The relic''s energy disrupted their mana-grid and exposed hidden vulnerabilities. It''s not just about the creature; it''s about what you represent."

    Jun''s jaw tightened. He had no idea what they were talking about, but it did not sound like anything he wanted to be involved in. Still, curiosity gnawed at him.

    "Fine," he said. "What''s next, then? Do I just sit here and wait for them to blast this place apart?"

    Slythe, a bronze-scaled man chuckled with a sound like ground grinding stones. "Not a chance. If they come, they''ll have to go through me first." He tapped the circuits that flowed with mana drawn etched into his armor. "And that is said easier than done.

    Lanoir''s transparent irises appeared to bore into Jun. "First, we must confirm you''re ready. You''ve been singled out by a creature of Ether. That is no trivial achievement. It demonstrates you may be able to enter a Blood Pact."

    "A Blood Pact?" Jun furrowed his eyebrow.

    Panois explained, her voice sharp but patient. "It''s a binding contract between a being of Ether and a human. The creature lends its power to you, enhancing your mana flow, your reflexes, your strength¡ªeverything. But it''s not without risks. You share a bond, for better or worse."

    Jun hesitated. He''d heard stories about Blood Pacts. Some said they were empowering, others said they could drive you mad. But before he could voice his doubts, a soft glow began to radiate from his chest. A wisp of shadowy energy coiled in the air before him, its form flickering between intangible and serpentine.

    "It''s already chosen you," Rickety said, his compound eyes reflecting the glow. "The shadow snake. Rare. Powerful. And fiercely loyal, if you prove yourself worthy."

    The wisp hovered closer, its presence both alien and oddly comforting. Jun felt a strange pull, as though it were calling to him. Slowly, he extended his hand. The wisp coiled around his wrist, its energy sinking into his skin. In his mind, he looked at the creature clearly for the first time: a snake with scales that shimmered like oil on water, iridescent. It gazed at him, unblinking, its tongue flickering out in a silent acknowledgment.

    "All right," Jun said, his voice firm. "Let''s do this."

    Lanoir stepped forward, bringing forth a slender blade etched with fine runes. "This will burn," she said flatly, cutting a shallow line across Jun''s palm. The snake''s form burst forward, its energy intertwining with his blood. Pain was sharp but fleeting, replaced by a rush of heat that spread through his body. His mana burst forth, sharper and more refined than ever before.

    The shadow snake hissed softly, its presence now a constant in Jun''s mind. He could feel its emotions¡ªcuriosity, acceptance, and a faint, predatory edge.

    "It''s done," Rickety said. "You''re bound now. And whether you like it or not, you''ve just taken your first step into a much larger world."

    Jun flexed his fingers, feeling the new sense of precision in his movements. He could feel the Shadow Banner''s gaze; their expressions were a mixture of satisfaction and expectation.

    "So what now?" he asked.

    Rickety''s mandibles clicked again. "Now, we prepare. The corporations, the nobility, even the Ether-born¡ªthey''re all moving their pieces. And you, Juniper Green, just became one of the important pieces on the board.

    In the back of his mind, the shadow snake flicked its tongue, and Jun felt that this was but a beginning.

 Warehouse

    The bi-hounds'' echoing howls grew fainter and farther as they chased the shadow decoy. The members of the Shadow Banner squad made brief nods at each other, then set off. They escorted Jun out through a concealed exit, his footsteps tentative as he followed the group through the twisting alleyways of Sector 13.

    The streets were alive with the usual chaos¡ªhawkers shouting about their wares, neon signs flickering in the gloom, and the occasional distant hum of patrol drones. A few persistent vendors tried to catch their attention, but the group moved swiftly, brushing off their calls. Jun couldn''t help but glance at the odd assortment of trinkets and gadgets being peddled, some glowing faintly with mana, others emitting soft mechanical whirs.

    Finally, an hour of threading through alleys and hidden paths came to an end, and they arrived at a warehouse. On the outside, it was decrepit; its metallic walls looked rusted and grimed up. However, from behind a hidden back door through which they entered, Jun caught his breath. In sharp contrast, the place looked rather new, and cozy, and full of silent energy.

    Lanoir showed him around the space. "Welcome to one of our safehouses," she said, her voice tinged with pride.

    The main living area was really inviting, with two long L-shaped couches circling a central firepit. Above it, a sleek chimney system whisked away the smoke. The kitchen gleamed with advanced appliances, some of which seemed to operate on a mix of mana and technology. A well-maintained barracks-like setup provided ample facilities: bathrooms, storage areas, and even a small medical bay equipped with alchemical instruments.

    Lanoir handed Jun a thin card. "This is your room key," she said, taking him to a door down one of the hallways. "Take some time to settle in.

    Jun entered the room and stopped to take a deep breath in. The room was much nicer than he had ever gotten used to. A large four-poster bed dominated the corner of the room, next to a study table stacked up with piles of blank mana-scrolls. A compact gym and private shower completed the setup. He stood speechless, his heart racing as he took in all that this meant. Step by agonizing step, he extended his hand and touched the shadow snake''s head.

    Before him, the wisp-like creature materialized, coiling in midair with an excited trill. Its iridescent scales shimmered faintly, a sign of its growing bond with Jun. The snake''s presence was reassuring, and Jun felt a flicker of hope amidst the chaos.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Having finished cleaning himself, he sat in the gym area, concentrating on mana circulation. He had been taught different techniques over time: conceptual destruction to hone control and deliberate, manual circulation to fine-tune his body for magic. Each technique presented risks. A single wrong step could cause mana deviation-a potentially deadly condition. The shadow snake stayed with him, intuitively coaxing his efforts with gentle prods.

    Hours went by as Jun trained, the mana pathways strengthening slowly in front of the snake''s discerning eyes. By the time he felt exhausted, it was well past three in the morning.

    The next morning, Jun was awakened by voices and smells of cooking. He walked out into the kitchen to see the squad sitting around a massive table. Myrda and Panois were in the middle, using alchemy gadgets and magical equipment for breakfast. Plates of food glow with a faint light. Each dish was prepared in such a way that it had restorative properties.

    "Good timing," Myrda said with a smile. "Panois and I take turns cooking. You''ll find our meals aren''t just tasty¡ªthey''re optimized for cultivation."

    Jun took a seat, hesitantly at first. As he ate, he could hardly help but marvel at the effects of the food. His mana felt sturdier, his mind sharper. The group saw this as an opportunity to brief him further.

    "We''re not just a ragtag team of rebels," Rickety began. "Myrda and Panois are volunteers from the Universal Commune, a collective outside the Goldilocks system. They''ve dedicated their lives to infiltrating and dismantling the Empire."

    Slythe leaned forward, his scaled hands clasped. "Lanoir, Rickety, and I are part of the Black Bloc, an anarchist magical association aligned with the Commune. We''ve been fighting the Empire for years."

    Jun''s stomach curled. "So¡­ you''re terrorists?"

    Lanoir''s face set in its lines. "Revolutionaries," she corrected. "The state calls us terrorists because we challenge their corruption and exploitation. The Empire enslaves hybrids, exploits Ether creatures, and hoards resources for the nobility and corporations. What we do is necessary."

    Jun''s mind was racing as he tried to process their words. The realization of what he had stumbled into was almost too much to bear. But then, as he looked around the table, he saw something he hadn''t expected: camaraderie, purpose, and a fierce determination to fight for a better future.

    "And what about me?" Jun asked. "Why bring me into this?

    Rickety''s mandibles clicked softly. "Because whether you like it or not, you''re part of this now. The shadow snake chose you for a reason. And with that relic, you''re more important than you realize."

    Jun dropped his gaze to his plate. He still didn''t completely trust them, but he had felt something for the first time in a long time that he hadn''t felt since his early days: hope. Maybe, in the chaos and uncertainty, he''d find a place where he would fit into things finally.

 Bonds forged in Shadows

    Jun gradually adjusted to life within the Shadow Banner''s sanctuary. Each day brought a rhythm of shared meals, rigorous training, and the camaraderie of a group united by purpose. It wasn''t the life Jun had envisioned¡ªhis plans had never extended beyond survival¡ªbut it was a life that began to fill the void left by years of isolation. Still, his heart bore the weight of his uncertain future and the mysterious bond with the shadow snake.

    Most days, the warehouse buzzed with activity. Members of the Shadow Banner flowed in and out, preparing for missions or returning with spoils and stories. Jun was restricted to the safehouse, his lack of field experience making him a liability. Instead, he spent his time under the tutelage of the squad''s veterans, honing his abilities and learning the ways of mana and technology.

    One evening, Lanoir summoned Jun to the training arena tucked behind the barracks. The space was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from glowing mana-crystals embedded in the walls. Lanoir stood in the center, her platinum hair catching the ethereal light, her posture commanding yet approachable.

    "You''ve been making progress," she began, her voice steady. "But you still lack focus. To wield power like yours, you need more than skill. You need discipline."

    Jun nodded, watching as she extended her hand. In an instant, a massive, spectral raven materialized beside her. Its translucent feathers shimmered like obsidian glass, and its glowing eyes exuded an ancient wisdom.

    "This is Muninn," she said. "A Wraith Raven. My family has bonded with them for generations. They are not mere beasts¡ªthey are partners, advisors, and protectors."

    The raven inclined its head toward Jun, its deep, resonant voice startling him. "A pleasure to meet you, young one. I am at your service, should my mistress permit it."

    Jun''s eyes widened. "It¡­ talks?"

    Lanoir chuckled softly. "Muninn is more intelligent than most humans. His loyalty is unparalleled, but it was not freely given." She paused, her expression darkening. "Years ago, I led a team into enemy territory. I made mistakes¡ªmistakes that cost lives. In the aftermath, I lost my leg and nearly my life. Muninn chose me during my recovery, not out of pity, but because he saw my resolve to never repeat those failures."

    Jun studied her, sensing the weight of her words. "And now?"

    "Now," she said, her voice firm, "I lead with purpose. And I expect no less from you. Find your purpose, Jun. Without it, power is meaningless."Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    Later that evening, the living area came alive with the return of Panois, Myrda, Slythe, and Rickety. They gathered around the firepit, recounting the details of their latest mission. Jun listened intently from the corner, absorbing every word.

    "Three escort ships," Panois began, his sharp features illuminated by the firelight. "Minimal security, but enough to make it interesting."

    Myrda grinned, her hands deftly sorting through a bag of trinkets and artifacts. "Texxon Co. never saw it coming. We intercepted a shipment and found these." She held up three glowing eggs, their surfaces etched with intricate runes.

    Rickety clicked his mandibles in approval. "Exceptional finds. These will bolster our resources considerably."

    Slythe leaned back, his massive frame casting a shadow across the room. "Still, we''re poking the bear. Texxon won''t take this lightly."

    Lanoir nodded, her gaze shifting to Jun. "Which is why we need everyone ready. Including you, Jun."

    That night, while the others slept, Jun found himself restless. He retreated to his room, the shadow snake''s presence a constant whisper at the edge of his mind. Frustration gnawed at him. Despite weeks of training, he still felt a barrier between himself and the creature.

    "Why won''t you let me in?" he muttered, summoning the snake once more. It appeared before him, its iridescent form coiling in the air like smoke.

    To his astonishment, it spoke. "Fellow creature, it must be fate that we meet. Know that I am not a beast but a concept. Together, we will achieve great things."

    Before Jun could respond, the snake dissolved into a blinding light. The room filled with an intense surge of energy, and Jun''s vision blurred as he collapsed.

    Jun awoke to the sound of hushed voices and the sterile scent of the medical bay. His body ached, but his senses felt sharper, more attuned. A medic leaned over him, relief evident on her face.

    "You''re awake," she said. "We thought we''d lost you."

    "Lost me?" Jun echoed, confusion clouding his mind.

    Rickety''s voice clicked from the corner. "You were dead for an hour, Jun. A mana surge erupted from your room, overwhelming every system in the warehouse. We did everything we could, but nothing worked. Then, your snake appeared, and suddenly, you had a pulse again."

    Jun''s mind reeled. "The snake¡­ it spoke to me. It called itself a concept. What does that mean?"

    Rickety''s compound eyes glimmered. "It means you''ve bonded with something far greater than a mere creature. The shadow snake is an embodiment of ideas and power. Its potential is limitless, but so are its demands."

    Over the following days, Jun discovered the extent of his transformation. Mana flowed through him with unparalleled ease, as natural as breathing. His training sessions took on a new intensity, his movements precise and his spells potent.

    One evening, while practicing alone, he managed to summon the snake''s true form. It emerged, larger and more defined than before, its scales shimmering with an otherworldly light.

    "We are one now," it said. "Our journey has only begun."

    For the first time, Jun felt a sense of purpose stirring within him. He wasn''t just surviving anymore¡ªhe was preparing, not only for the battles ahead but for the role he was destined to play.

    And as he stood in the glow of the shadow snake''s presence, Jun realized something else: he wasn''t alone anymore.

 The Drill

    The decision was made in the relative stillness at the Shadow Banner''s safehouse. Lanoir stood at the center of the main living area, her platinum hair catching the flickering firelight from the central hearth. The team sat around her, their faces set in lines of determination and exhaustion. Juniper sat at the edge of the circle, silently watching, the shadow snake coiled loosely around his shoulders like a living scarf.

    Perhaps we should keep low for a spell," she said, her voice forceful yet considered. "Texxon Co. won''t take kindly to our latest heist. No one leaves for a month. Meanwhile, we drill on Jun. He has potential; however, potential does not win battles."

    Myrda nodded her head slowly, her stormy eyes flaring. "Agreed. He''s strong; however, he''s just not refined enough. Let''s train that out.

    Slythe grinned, his scaled face splitting into a toothy smile. "About time. Let''s see what the kid''s made of.

    The next morning, the warehouse''s open training arena buzzed with anticipation. Juniper stood at the center, his staff held tightly in hand. The shadow snake''s dark form undulated around him, its iridescent scales shimmering faintly as it whispered inaudible advice into his mind. His opponents, the entire Shadow Banner squad, formed a loose semicircle, their beast companions by their sides.

    Lanoir went first. She advanced, Wraith Raven, Muninn, on her shoulder, perched majestically. The ghostly feathers of the huge bird drank in the light; his glowing eyes settled on Jun with an almost predatory intensity.

    "You will all have a turn," Lanoir said, calm but commanding. "No quarter asked. No quarter given. We don''t mean to hurt you, but we won''t give in, either.

    Jun nodded, determination hardening his features. "Understood."

    Lanoir didn''t wait for a signal. With a sharp motion, she and Muninn moved as one, a blur of shadow and steel. Muninn launched into the air, its wings creating an unnatural silence that disoriented Jun. Lanoir closed the gap in a heartbeat, her blade slicing through the air. Jun barely managed to block with his staff, the impact jarring his arms.

    Stay focused," the shadow snake hissed in his mind. "Use me."

    Jun exhaled, calling on the void energy he had been practicing. The shadow snake''s form elongated, wrapping around him like an armor of darkness. With a twist of his hand, he conjured a sphere of void energy, flinging it at Lanoir. She dodged effortlessly, but the attack disrupted her rhythm, giving Jun a moment to reposition.

    Muninn, however, was relentless. The raven''s talons raked through the air, sending waves of ethereal energy toward him. Jun redirected one with a pulse of void magic, but another struck his shoulder, the impact staggering him. Lanoir''s voice cut through the chaos.

    "Good," she said, retreating slightly. "You''re learning. But you''re still too reactive." And then She and Muninn went towards each other and formed a dual spell, [Whirlwind Dice] Jun''s eyes gleamed in blue and a message box appeared. Realizing that identification came from everything he set his thoughts on, nodding approvingly towards the shadow snake.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    Jun casted [Void step] and dodged the first barrage of [Whirlwind Dice], razor winds that sliced with tremendous strength. But just as he finished [Void step], he had to use it again immediately, Lanoir wasn''t giving him breathing space.

    At the end, Jun was puking from exhaustion, as this was his first formal fight which expended a lot of mana which he has never done so before.

    After an hour of resting, next was Myrda, her Storm Toad, Stygs, loping beside her. The creature''s bulbous form crackled with electricity, and its glowing eyes seemed to size up Jun with unsettling intelligence.

    "Don''t underestimate Stygs," Myrda warned, a playful smirk on her lips. "He''s slow, but he hits like a thunderstorm.

    And if that weren''t enough to prove her point, Stygs let loose with a deafening croak[Strike], sending arcs of lightning screaming across the arena. Jun barely had time to raise a void shield in time; the energy crackled harmlessly against the shadow barrier. Myrda followed up with a series of precise strikes, her dagger flashing in the light.

    Jun met the assault with a charge of nothingness, his body blurring as he closed the gap. The snake of darkness retracted its length, struck at Myrda, but she danced around those tendrils of darkness so easily that her movements flowed with an element of unpredictability. Stygs leaped into battle, its vast bulk driving Jun back.

    "You are quick," Myrda admitted, her tone approving. "But velocity alone won''t save you."

    Jun grit his teeth, summoning a [void blade]. With a roar, he lunged at Stygs, aiming for its vulnerable underside. The blade connected, but the toad''s tough hide absorbed most of the impact. A retaliatory shockwave sent Jun sprawling, the shadow snake''s energy flaring protectively around him. Myrda won the match.

    If Myrda was a tempest, Panois was an inferno. His Typhon Salamander, Lygs, emitted heat; the air around it seemed to shimmer with thermal energy. Jun felt the temperature climb as Panois stepped into the arena, his confident smirk tightening Jun''s stomach.

    "Let''s see if you can handle the heat," Panois said, his voice teasing.

    Lygs did not wait. The salamander unleashed a torrent of flame, the flames roaring towards Jun like a living beast. Jun dived to the side, void armor absorbing the edges of the blast. The shadow snake whispered its words in his ear, guiding him as he weaved through the inferno.

    "Strike the source," it urged. "Disrupt their synergy."

    Jun focused, channeling void energy into a pinpoint blast aimed at Lygs, [void missile]. The salamander roared as the attack struck its flank, momentarily breaking its connection with Panois. Seizing the opening, Jun rushed forward, his void blade clashing against Panois''s flame-forged sword.

    The duel was intense, with each strike and counterstrike a testament to Panois''s experience. Jun found himself on the defensive, his strength sapped by the heat. Finally, a well-timed swipe from Lygs forced him to yield, the flames licking at his heels as he retreated.

    By the end of the day, Jun was tired but exhilarated. Each battle had tested him to his limits, pushing him to adapt and grow. The shadow snake''s guidance had been invaluable, with its void-based abilities complementing his developing combat skills.

    That night, sitting alone in his room, Jun reflected on his progress. The shadow snake appeared beside him, its form coiling in the air like a living shadow.

    You are beginning to understand," it said, its voice a soothing whisper. "But our journey is far from over. Embrace the void, and you will become unstoppable."

    Jun nodded, determination lighting his eyes. "I''ll get there. With you, I''ll get there.

    The weeks passed and with each session, Jun was sharpened more and his connection to the shadow snake deepened. By the end of the month, he was no longer that green newbie anymore. He was a warrior in the making, ready to stand beside the Shadow Banner in the battles to come.

 The Pipeline

    The next month started with a full equipment check-up. Slythe, team blacksmith and armor smith, took charge with precision. His workshop, set in a reinforced corner of the warehouse, was old-world craftsmanship combined with advanced technology. Mana-circuits along the walls powered an array of tools designed to forge, repair, and enhance their gear.

    Jun observed with fascination as Slythe worked, his scaled hands deftly repairing a damaged mana rifle. "Every piece of gear tells a story," Slythe said, not looking up. "Yours, kid, needs to say you''re ready for anything."

    Jun nodded, putting on his newly made uniform. It was fitting tightly, designed for both agility and protection. On his shoulders, a cloak with solar cells was draped; its fabric was slick black, shimmering dimly under light. The cloak was covered with solar radiation, transforming it into energy that could power spells, weapons, or barriers to defend himself. As he put on the cloak with the shadow snake curled around him, Jun was feeling more prepared than ever.

    The briefing came the next morning. Lanoir stood at the head of the table, her commanding presence amplified by Erebus perched on her shoulder. Myrda, Panois, and Jun listened intently.

    "Our target is a mana-oil pipeline that runs through a civilian zone," Lanoir began. "The pipeline''s existence is an open secret. The people there hate it, but they''re powerless to oppose Texxon Co. We''re going to change that."

    What''s the catch?" Myrda questioned, pulling back with a measuring gaze.

    Lanoir''s features grew shadowy. "The pipeline has minimal armed guards, however, but the control center has something of a monkey wrench. Human-beast Infusions."

    The room went quiet. Infusing men with beast quality was almost taboo even for such corporations; it created robust warriors at the expense, often literally, of some humanity

    "Taboo," Panois replied, biting his jaw so hard one could almost envision his clenched teeth. "They go that low?

    Lanoir nodded grimly. "We''ll neutralize the tower, drain the pipeline, and destroy it. The people need to see that Texxon isn''t invincible. Let''s move."

    Under the disguise of illusion spells, they sneaked into the civilian area. Jun was able to appreciate the subtlety of the magic in that his reflection in the broken shop window showed up as a nondescript laborer instead of himself. Streets were filled with quiet despair. The people here had become numb with their exploitation.

    Myrda and Panois separate to scout, mingling with the locals and dressed as laborers. Jun followed Lanoir, staying out of sight as they watched the pipeline. A steady thrum reverberated through the air, which came from the mana-oil flowing through the gargantuan construction. Pipes ran throughout the district, their metallic gleam a harsh reminder of corporate avarice.

    An hour of surveillance over, the team reconvened in an abandoned warehouse.

    "The pipeline''s security is a joke," Myrda reported. "No patrols, and the control tower staff look half-asleep."

    "They''re either overconfident or distracted," Lanoir said. "We''ll take advantage of that."

    Under the cover of darkness, the team moved swiftly toward the control tower. Jun felt the shadow snake''s reassuring weight as it coiled tighter around him, its voice a whisper in his mind.

    This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work."Steady, young one. We''ve trained for this."

    Ahead was looming the tower, its weak lights barely lighting up the surrounding area. They slipped into it unnoticed, but soon, upon entering the control room, alarms started howling. The door crashed shut after them, and they found themselves facing thirteen guards. These were not mere mercenaries; their eyes blazed with an unnatural shine and their movements seemed to come with a macabre precision.

    "Infusions," Lanoir breathed, her hand tightening over her blade. "Stand ready."

    The guards charged. Spells and gunfire filled the air as the Shadow Banner engaged. Lanoir moved like a phantom, her blade slicing through the air in tandem with Erebus''s strikes. The raven''s ethereal wings sent waves of disorienting energy, creating openings for her to disable opponents.

    Myrda and Stygs were working in perfect sync, the storm toad''s electric croaks stunning groups of enemies while Myrda''s daggers found their marks. Panois and Lygs unleashed controlled chaos, the salamander''s fiery breath forcing enemies into Panois''s waiting blade.

    Jun stood firm, the shadow snake spreading into a churning vortex of darkness around him. He called upon void magic, creating rifts that swallowed enemy projectiles and redirected them. When two infused guards rushed him, he countered with a burst of gravitational force, pinning them to the ground.

    "Well done," the shadow snake purred. "But stay vigilant."

    One of the guards, a man fused with a bear-like beast, roared as he charged at Jun. The impact would have been enough to shatter bones, but the shadow snake wrapped tightly around him to absorb the brunt of the blow. Jun retaliated with a blade of void energy, slicing into the infusion''s armor as it sent it crashing down to the ground.

    With the guards neutralized, the team turned to their primary objective. Myrda and Panois co-cast a spell, [Liquid Storage], creating glowing reservoirs of magic to siphon the mana fuel and oil. Jun watched in awe as the pipeline''s contents flowed into the reservoirs, their combined magic maintaining perfect control.

    "Efficient as always," Lanoir said, watching the process. "We''ll need every drop for the resistance."

    As the last of the fuel dropped off, the team sowed charges along the length of the pipeline. Lanoir gave the go ahead through their high-tech earpieces and retreated back from the area.

    "Ready," Panois said in the crackling comms voice.

    "Do it," Lanoir replied.

    The explosion lit up the night, a series of controlled blasts that reduced the pipeline to rubble. Cheers erupted from the nearby civilians, who had gathered to watch the spectacle. For the first time in years, they saw a symbol of corporate oppression fall.

    Back at the safehouse, the team held a quiet meal and had a debriefing session. Jun felt a mixture of exhaustion and pride; he had proven himself in the field, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Shadow Banner''s best.

    "You did well out there," Lanoir said, raising her glass in a rare gesture of camaraderie. "But this is only the beginning. The corporations won''t ignore this.

    Jun nodded, determination burning in his eyes. "We may probably have to lay low for a while."

 Slow Burn

    The morning sun seeped through the warehouse windows with a pale light that glowed over the gathering Shadow Banner in the central room. Lanoir stands by the window, caught in the early light shone on her platinum locks as she read the report. Her expression was unyielding as she looks at the others.

    "It''s terrible," she said. "Every civilian near the pipeline was taken in for questioning. They''re being accused of aiding terrorists¡ªus.

    The air became charged. Slythe''s scaled fists clenched, and his voice rumbled like distant thunder. "We can''t let them suffer for what we did. We have to break them out."

    Myrda nodded, her stormy eyes flashing with anger. "They''re innocent. Texxon is just making an example of them."

    Panois leaned forward, his fingers tapping out a rhythmic beat on the table. "A coordinated strike could work. Hit the detention center, get them out before the corporations can spin their lies."

    "No." Lanoir''s voice cut through the room like a blade. "If we act now, we''ll only make things worse. They''ll see us coming, and those people will pay the price for our rashness."

    Rickety clicked his mandibles thoughtfully, his compound eyes shimmering. "She''s right. Texxon thrives on control. If we retaliate openly, it''ll give them the excuse they need to escalate. We need another way."

    Jun, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "What if we lay low? Gather resources for legal aid or bribes? We could also use the time to scout and prepare for when the moment is right.".

    Rickety turned to him, curious. "Not such a bad plan, that is. I could watch the CyberWeb; have access to the black market nets. It''s not easy and it''s a crap-shoot, but I do have experience finding holes in the wall," he said.

    They were pondering on it when Panois set down breakfast dishes: black jelly, made from mana eels, sprinkled with scrambled eggs. Its faintly glowing texture was both eerie and captivating.

    "Let''s mull this over while we eat," Lanoir said, sitting down. "We need a scheme that keeps us low-visibility but lets us have eyes on Texxon and the Flying Squads."

    By evening, the group had dispersed into the city, each member tasked with gathering information while blending into the crowd. Lanoir paired with Jun, a deliberate choice to teach him the subtleties of reconnaissance.

    "Stay close," she told them as they wove through the market. "Listen more than you speak. People tell more than they know if you listen."

    Jun nodded, his eyes scanning the crowd. The shadow snake lay loosely around his shoulders, its presence a constant reassurance. They moved effortlessly through the throng, listening in on bits of conversation and sensing the mood of the people.

    In one corner of the market, a group of laborers huddled together, their voices low but heated.

    "First the pipeline, now they''re rounding up innocents," one man said, his face lined with worry. "How long before they come for the rest of us?"

    "We need to fight back," another argued. "But how? They''ve got the Flying Squads, and we''ve got nothing."

    Jun felt a pang of guilt but composed himself as he filed the information. Lanoir gave him a nod of approval as they continued on.

    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.Rickety stepped into the Beggar''s Den, a broken-down enclaved suburb of the city ruled by scavengers and outcasts. Burning rubbish filled the air with acrid odors and narrow alleys had makeshift shelters.

    He came upon a pair of figures huddled over the rusty barrel fire. Rewa, a wiry woman with a patchwork coat, looked up and grinned. "Well, if it isn''t Rickety. Didn''t think I''d see you back here."

    "Rewa, Meyo," Rickety greeted them, his voice crackling like static. "I need information. What''s the word on the street?

    Meyo, a broad-shouldered man with a mechanical arm, shrugged. "Same as always. Texxon''s tightening its grip, and people are scared. But there''s talk of something big coming down the pipeline. Rumors about a new weapon."

    Rickety''s mandibles twitched. "Interesting. Keep your ears open. I''ll make it worth your while."

    Slythe chose the Can''o More, a bar everybody in town knew of only because it served only canned booze. The air was dimly lit with murmurs and clinks of metal on glass.

    He leaned against the bar as if he owned the place. People gave him warry glances, yet the bartender, Edd, approached cautiously. "What''ll it be, Slythe?"

    "Just information," Slythe said, placing a coin on the counter. "What''s been going around here?

    Edd put the coin in his pocket and leaned in. "Not much good. Flying Squads have been circling around, but they''re looking for something particular. Heard they''ve received orders to relocate equipment to a new facility outside of the city."

    "Thanks," Slythe said, finishing his drink and out.

    Myrda and Panois walked to the city''s academy, an uncompromising brutalist structure that dominated the district. Officially, they were scholars, with papers clearing them to enter places usually restricted. Unofficially, they were spied.

    Panois worked in the archives digging through files for leads as to Texxon''s whereabouts. Myrda moved through the students, with quick wit and disarming charm coaxed out small pieces of rumor.

    "They''ve been moving a lot of resources out of the city," one student confided. "Nobody knows where, but it''s big."

    Myrda told Panois all of this as they were leaving the academy. "Looks like Rickety''s rumors were right," she said. "We need to find out what they''re planning."

    The team continued their undercover operations for months, piecing together the bigger picture. They watched Texxon and the Flying Squads, keeping an extremely low profile. Efforts unveiled growing discontent in the people, the whispers of rebellion simmering below the surface.

    This time around, Jun is training further with the group and gets closer to his shadow snake. The animal''s whispers are becoming very frequent now, and they sharpened his instincts so much.

    One evening when they sat reviewing their results, Lanoir came up before the group to say, "The people are almost at breaking. We need to be all set when the time finally comes. Until then we keep gathering intel and make alliances."

    Jun looked around the room. He had found his renewed sense of purpose. The Shadow Banner was more than just a team; it was a family, and its members were united against oppressors. And he was ready to play his part.

 Tipping Point

    Sector 31 was a highly tensed place. The past month, corporations and militaries had continually removed the equipment from this city as they built in several miles away from a civilian place, supply depot, supposedly. Rickety spent her time digging diligently into both Interwebs and CyberWeb to find truth that most of these depts stood as staging area either before war or huge evacuation move. The ones whom he fed and turned to one side were slowly going more furious.

    "It''s happening," Rickety said one evening, his mandibles clicking as he displayed a holographic map to the team. "The depots are concentrated around the western outskirts. They''re not just mining resources¡ªthey''re preparing to abandon the sector."

    Lanoir''s expression hardened. "So, they''ll strip the land and leave the people to die. Typical." She glanced around the room. "We''re not letting that happen. It''s time to push back."

    The Shadow Banner leapt into action. Under heavy disguises that changed daily, they infiltrated the slums and shanty towns. Lanoir and Jun focused on teaching the basics of self-defense and how to use magical gadgets like mana rifles and spell bombs. Panois and Myrda spread word of Texxon''s abandonment plans, planting seeds of dissent in every conversation. Rickety and Slythe worked in tandem, arming the people and establishing hidden supply caches.

    The rebellion swelled in whispers and shadows, fueled by the anger and desperation of the people. The final spark came in what was intended to be a peaceful demonstration. A factory worker dared to ask a Flying Squad enforcer why the rationing hadn''t come through yet. The answer came quick and brutal: the worker''s head severed with a stroke of a mana blade, his blood staining the square. The crowd exploded. Weapons emerged from hidden folds, and the Flying Squad found themselves surrounded by an armed mob.

    The riots spread like wildfire, jumping from district to district. Other Shadow Banner teams spread throughout Sector 31 to increase the chaos, spread important information, and arm more citizens. What was initially a series of scattered protests became an organized rebellion.

    Rickety''s intelligence had uncovered a vulnerable weak point. Texxon and the military were taking their evacuees--and funneling them into the depots to blast off in ships waiting for them at a makeshift spaceport. Lanoir''s team got the message: stop the evacuation if it kills you.

    The depots were heavily fortified, with Flying Squads and corporate mercenaries patrolling the perimeter. Under cover of night, the Shadow Banner split into two groups: Lanoir, Jun, and Rickety took the western flank, while Slythe, Myrda, and Panois attacked from the east.

    The first battle broke out as Slythe led a head-on charge. His Mana-Quill Porcupine sidekick flared with bright quills, firing a salvo that breached the guards'' defenses. Myrda and her Storm Toad, Stygs, continued the attack, electrifying the metal barriers and immobilizing groups of foes. Panois and Lygs, his Typhon Salamander, used controlled flames to clear a path through the depot''s outer defenses.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    On the western flank, Lanoir''s Wraith Raven, Erebus, dove low, its spectral form dazing the guards with waves of shadow energy. Rickety deployed his Azure Owl to intercept enemy drones, its precision strikes blinding the depot''s surveillance systems. Jun advanced with the shadow snake coiled around him, void energy crackling in his hands.

    "Take out their reinforcements first," Lanoir commanded, deflecting a mercenary''s strike. "Jun, cover Rickety!

    Jun nodded, creating a shield of void energy that blocked the incoming barrage. The shadow snake lashed out, striking an enemy rifleman and pulling him into the shadows. Rickety''s compound eyes glimmered as he hacked into the depot''s communication grid, scrambling enemy signals.

    "Reinforcements delayed," Rickety declared. "But they''ll still come. Work fast."

    As the teams converged near the launch site, they were met with fierce resistance. Two massive rockets loomed on the pad, one emblazoned with Texxon''s logo, the other marked with military insignia. The Shadow Banner focused their efforts on the Texxon rocket first, knowing it carried key officials and resource manifests.

    "Jun, you''re up," Lanoir said, her voice firm. "We need that rocket grounded."

    Jun''s heart pounded as he stepped forward, the energy of the shadow snake coursing through him. He extended his hands, channeling every ounce of void magic he could muster. The air around him darkened, and a vortex of shadows swirled at his fingertips.

    [Void Stinger Barrage] Jun chanted, launching a torrent of jagged bolts which seem to be sucking in the space around them as they flew in lightning speed, each one as big as a log. The barrage hit the rocket''s engines, detonating fuel reserves and sending the massive structure crashing back to the ground. The explosion lit up the night, debris scattering in every direction.

    The force of the spell sucked all the energy out of Jun. He collapsed on his knees, his eyes blurring as the shadow snake coiled protectively around him.

    "Jun''s down!" Rickety cried out. "Cover him!"

    Lanoir and Erebus flanked Jun, beating away at mercenaries. Slythe and Panois scrambled toward the military rocket as it counted down, past the point of no return. Still, they shot off into the air a second rocket, disappearing upward.

    "We''ll deal with them later," Lanoir said, her voice heavy with frustration. "For now, let''s secure the site and get Jun back."

    The Shadow Banner regrouped in the aftermath of the battle. The Texxon rocket''s destruction had dealt a significant blow to the corporation''s evacuation plans, but the military''s escape was a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead.

    Jun woke up hours later in the safehouse, his body aching but his determination stronger than ever. The shadow snake''s voice was a quiet whisper in his mind.

    "You have stepped into the first step in the void''s true potential. Rest now. The fight is far from over."

    Lanoir entered the room, her face unreadable. "You did well, Jun. That spell saved countless lives tonight. But remember, power like that comes with a cost. Use it wisely."

    Jun nodded, determination flickering in his tired eyes. "I won''t let you down.

    The win from the team had now swayed the scale of advantage for the rebellion. War, however, for Sector 31 was far from won. They were still in preparation for battles, which were to come along.

 Mission

    The Shadow Banner''s mission had been grueling, but when they broke into the vacated command center, it suddenly became clear how tough the struggle was. The place was eerily silent; its machinery powered down, its halls devoid of life. Jun followed closely behind Lanoir, with the shadow snake coiled tightly around his arm, sensing the unease.

    Myrda touched the central console, and her fingers flew over the holographic interface in a blur of motion. Logs and communications flared to life, casting a pale light across the room. The team gathered in to hear Rickety''s translation of the information as his mandibles clicked irritably with annoyance.

    "Texxon really doesn''t care about Sector 13," he said, narrowing his compound eyes. "They''ve stripped everything of value. Oxygen factories, water, food ¡ªall emptied. They left the people here to die. Nothing will be able to sustain the whole planet"

    Jun clenched his fists. "How can they do this? How can they just¡­ leave?"

    Slythe growled low in his throat, his scaled hands tightening on the hilt of his weapon. "Typical empire behavior. We''ve seen it before. They''ll be back, though. They always come back for more."

    Lanoir''s face was composed, but her eyes were a little darker. "Not new to me. Same thing happened on another pseudo-planet I liberated. The corporations and the military consider frontier worlds expendable." She raised her fist in the air. "This time, though, we are ready.".

    She touched something on her wrist and, all of a sudden, the room was filled with a soft hum. The others sighed in relief but Jun looked around confusedly.

    "What just happened?" he asked.

    Myrda smirked. "Just wait and see."

    Within thirty minutes, the beam of otherworldly light drenched Sector 13. The surface shimmered and the fabric of space twisted and rippled. Jun watched in awe as the stars outside the windows of the command center moved to be replaced by a nebula of bright colours stretching across the universe.

    "Welcome to the Universal Commune," Panois said, stepping up beside Jun. "We teleported the whole sector into friendly territory. This is home."

    "The first half of the Aftermath Mission is evacuation," Lanoir declared. "We have to get everyone out before the terraformers arrive. The commune will take care of them, but it''s our responsibility to make sure no one gets left behind."

    The team dispersed fast to allocate the evacuees. Mega-spaceships the size of small towns started to touch down flat on the flatlands. Ramps began to reach out from these landing spaceships touching down to touch the ground, and streams of people mustered up, nervous yet hopeful.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    Lanoir moved forward, authoritative step calming the anxious mob. Jun followed behind, helping where he could. Shadow snake slid out periodically from the crowd, colors of it shifting hypnotically on the children.

    Three men stood at the entrance to the first ship. Three guards, each wearing his sleek suit of armor across his shoulders, their rifles slung. The three grinned widely as Lanoir approached.

    Lanoir smiled and embraced Jayn, Smriti, Leela, "It''s been far too long."

    "And here you are, saving the day as always," Jayn returned, her voice edged with awe. The three women were hybrids, as Jun was, their unusual features a result of evolving on different planets. Smriti''s antennal eyes glinted with curiosity as she surveyed the gathering, and Leela''s feline tail whipped lazily back and forth behind her.

    Myrda and Panois joined the conversation, exchanging banter and catching up. Jayn turned her attention to Jun, her sharp gaze appraising him.

    "So, you''re the new recruit," she said with a teasing grin. "Up-and-coming revolutionary, huh?"

    Jun rubbed the back of his neck, feeling both pride and nervousness. "I''m still finding my way, but¡­ I''ll do my part."

    She let out a laugh, the sweet sound relieving tension. "Oh, we like this one. He''s humble. Don''t let Lanoir work you too hard, kid.

    It was a short conversation, but it made Jun feel connected to the greater good. The last of the evacuees boarded as drones and soldiers spread out over the landscape, scanning for any remaining civilians. No one would be left behind.

    The scanning over, the ships launched with the roar of their engines alive with mana-imbued power. Jun found himself on the Aeroch with his eyes widening at the wonder of the ship''s interior. The living quarters compared favorably to the cold harsh conditions of Sector 13. Soft lighting and plush furniture greeted evacuees who had spent most of their lives experiencing nothing but cold, rough conditions.

    Jun settled into his room, flipping through the Red Book left on the bedside table. The manifesto of the Universal Commune outlined its principles: equality, collective responsibility, and the dismantling of oppressive systems. It resonated deeply with him, reaffirming his commitment to the fight.

    That evening, Lanoir visited him. She leaned against the doorway, her expression softer than usual.

    "You did good today, Jun. You''re growing into your role."

    "Thanks," he said. "But there''s still so much to learn. So much to do."

    Lanoir nodded. "There always will be. But you''re not alone. The commune will support you, and so will I."

    She handed him a communicator. "My supervisors have been briefed about you. They''ll assign you a placement soon. Till then, you''re free to reach out if you need anything."

    Jun took the gadget with mixed feelings of gratitude and determination. "I won''t let you down," he said.

    Lanoir smiled weakly. "I know you won''t."

    The Universal Commune absorbed evacuees very fast. Professionals and skilled persons were assigned jobs where they could best fit in. Others received stipends and were given opportunities to explore their fields of interest. Even those who did not have an idea were granted contracts of citizenship so that everyone could find a place.

    As the Aeroch slid through the nebula, Jun gazed out at the stars before him, deep, abiding hope in him. For the first time in his life, he wasn''t running; he was part of something greater, a revolution that could change the face of the galaxy.

    "Void is vast, but together we will carve out our path," the voice of the shadow snake whispered in his mind as she stirred.

    Jun nodded though a faint smile played on his lips. Though the fight was far from being over, for the first time, he would be facing it ready.

 Aboard the Aerochs

    The Aeroch moved gently through space, its vast form vibrating with the life it carried. The spaceship inside itself served like a self-sufficient city, meeting the needs of the displaced: the poor, the sick, the injured, and the tired. Every corner was agog with activity, and yet the systems and personnel of the ship ran as if by magic.

    Jun wandered through the residential area, his shadow snake coiled loosely around his arm. He marveled at the ship''s design¡ªthe clean lines, the soft hum of mana-infused engines, and the gentle lighting that created a sense of calm. As he observed the staff moving about¡ªwaiters balancing trays, cleaners sweeping floors, and managers coordinating logistics¡ªthe shadow snake stirred.

    "Look closer," it whispered. "You''ll see."

    Jun blinked as his perception shifted. For the first time, he saw them: the beast companions of the Aeroch''s crew. Each staff member had one, their forms as varied as the stars.

    A waiter carried plates while a Glidefin Otter, its sleek body shimmering with aquatic mana, darted through the air beside him, helping with balance.

    A manager led operations with the aid of a Brass Falcon, its metallic feathers shining as it relayed messages throughout the ship.

    A nurse cared for a child, her Bloomhare friend emitting a soft, healing glow that calmed the patient.

    A janitor moved purposefully, followed by a Dustspider, which spun webs that collected detritus and cleaned the air.

    Jun''s eyes widened as the shadow snake''s voice echoed in his mind. "These are not ordinary workers. They are soldiers, trained and ready. Even in peace, they prepare for war."

    The realization filled him with a mix of admiration and unease. The Universal Commune''s commitment to unity and preparedness ran deeper than he''d imagined.

    That afternoon, Jun was called for a debriefing. In a small conference room, he met a lawyer assigned to guide him through the contract process. The lawyer, a meticulous high human named Corvan, greeted him with a polite nod.

    "Juniper Green," Corvan started, pushing a set of documents across the table. "You have several options to choose from. The Universal Commune offers all evacuees the opportunity to integrate into our systems based on their skills and aspirations. Let''s review your choices."

    Jun leaned forward as Corvan outlined the options:

    1.Military Service: A fast track to citizenship with advanced training and steady income.

    2.Civil Service: Positions in administration, education, or logistics.

    3.Miss-Academic Sponsorship: SDE loan program for further higher education and a small lot of land for private means.

    Jun furrowed his brow as he ponders his decision. His interest in the academic scholarship raised an eyebrow for Corvan.

    "Most of the evacuees chose military or civil service", Corvan said. "The academic route is kind of.unconventional for your taste. It takes loans, and the land assigned is a remote lot, away from Urban areas.

    Jun nodded. "I''ve thought it through. I''m thirty years old. If I don''t concentrate on mastering my magic now, I''ll lose the chance to really grow. The land will give me the space I need to train."

    Corvan studied him for a moment before nodding. "Very well. I''ll process the paperwork

    As the Aeroch drew near its destination, passengers filled the observation windows. Jun stood among them, his breath catching as the planet came into view. Gaia was a beautiful green and blue orb with vast forests and shimmering oceans, stark contrasts to the industrial wastelands of Sector 13.

    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.The shadow snake moved, his voice tinged with approval. "A world of life. A proper place for a new beginning."

    As they drew nearer, it became apparent that the extent of Gaia''s operation was immense. Tiny spots of spaceships darted across the sky, filing in neat queues for customs and inspection. Jun caught snippets of astonishment from the evacuees around him.

    "I never thought planets could look like this," one of them whispered.

    "It''s beautiful," another said, tears in their eyes.

    The Aeroch joined the queue, and after thorough vetting, it began its descent toward a sprawling spaceport. The evacuees disembarked in waves, stepping onto Gaia''s lush soil with a mix of trepidation and hope.

    Jun wandered through the jammed spaceport, drinking it all in, taking on this new life. Scanning the crowd, neon purple hair flicked back at him. A bright splinter of hair like neon against her pale face. She weaved and danced through the crowd like she owned the place- the fishnets and Gothic were a sight to herself alone.

    Their eyes met for a fleeting moment, and Jun felt an odd sense of recognition, though they did not say a word to each other. He shook it off and continued exploring.

    Later, in a corner of a cafe, Jun sat with a glass of Rotch¡ªa cheap whisky popular in the Goldilocks Zones. He stared into the amber liquid, lost in thought, when the same girl appeared again, her presence a chaotic whirlwind.

    "Mind if I join?" she asked, slipping into the seat across from him without waiting for an answer. Her beast companion, a sleek Sleeping Leviathan, curled around her neck like a delicate scarf, its translucent form pulsing faintly.

    Jun raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Go ahead."

    The girl grinned. "I''m Riry. You look like you could use a distraction."

    "And you seem like you bring plenty of it," Jun answered dryly, but not so dry that a small smile didn''t crack out across his face.

    Riry is manic and excitable with great passion talking about all she''s frustrated by and frustrated about resettlement dreams, about making a difference. Jun who was initially more cautious becomes involved in talking military strategies political philosophies.

    "Free will is a myth," Riry declared, her eyes gleaming with intensity. "Everything we do is shaped by the systems around us."

    Jun leaned forward. "And yet, within those systems, we still have choices. Small, perhaps, but meaningful."

    Their debate grew heated, but neither seemed angry. Instead, they smiled, a mutual respect forming between them.

    "You''re interesting," Riry said, extending her hand. "Let''s do this again sometime."

    Jun shook her hand, noting the warmth in her grip. "I''d like that."

    They exchanged contact information, and as Riry left, her Sleeping Leviathan flickered with a soft glow, as if echoing her excitement.

    That evening, Jun returned to his quarters aboard the Aeroch. The shadow snake stirred as he settled onto the bed, its voice calm but firm.

    "This is a start, Jun. Make good of it. The nothingness does not wait for anyone."

    Jun nodded as determination flared in his chest. The future was not certain, but he was ready to face it. With new friends, a new home, and a promise of growth, he would forge his destiny within the vast expanse of the Universal Commune.

 A New Beginning in Gaia

    Gaia was a revelation, stark contrast to the desolate, industrialised landscapes of Sector 13. Evacuees stepped onto the planet, with wide eyes taking in greenery and life. Actual trees swayed in a gentle breeze, their leaves a kaleidoscope of greens. Flowers dotted the ground with bursts of color, and a clean, earthy perfume from unspoiled nature was carried in the wind. The wind, free of gritty industrial smog, was clean and fresh. For many, it was the first time ever they had seen a world that was not ravaged by corporate greed.

    The infrastructure of the planet showed the true ethos of harmonious living. Buildings were designed to live in harmony with nature-intramural vines and technologically sophisticated solar panels on top. Water collected everywhere stood glistening in the light, and water ways were crystal clear and unsullied. Existing at the heart of every community was the Commons-a resource shared between the state and local communities to ensure its sustainability-the epitome of balance and fairness.

    The shadow snake tightened itself coiled on Jun''s arm, the voice soft hissing inside his mind. "I like this place. It has a charm that outshines many planets. Perhaps even the void would pause to admire it."

    Jun smiled faintly; he agreed with the sentiment of the snake. This was what hope looked like: Gaia.

    As the evacuees were led to their quarters by Commune officials, Lanoir and the rest of the Shadow Banner team searched for Jun. They finally found him standing nearby a grove of trees, his eyes taking in the entire activity surrounding him.

    "Jun!" Lanoir waved her hand over his way. Beside her, Slythe, Myrda, Panois, and Rickety grinned and gave him that welcoming warmth.

    "How''s it going?" Myrda asked, her stormy eyes curious.

    Jun shrugged, his shadow snake shifting on his shoulder. "It''s¡­ overwhelming, but in a good way. I chose the academic path. I need to catch up on everything I''ve missed."

    "That''s a good call," Panois said, nodding approvingly. "You''ve got the brains for it."

    Rickety tilted his head, his mandibles clicking thoughtfully. "Just remember, the Universal Commune values progress. You''re here to grow, not to dwell on what''s behind you."

    Slythe clapped a heavy hand on Jun''s shoulder, his scaled grip firm but reassuring. "And hey, healthcare and education are free, except for the really advanced stuff. But you''ll ace those tests, I''m sure."

    Lanoir smirked, withdrawing a slim folder from her bag. "Speaking of education, I took the liberty of compiling your portfolio." She handed it over to Jun, who unfolded it curiously.

    And inside were detailed assessments of his skills and potential:

    - Athletics and Fitness: B

    - Mana Theory: B

    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.- Intelligence: A

    - Cunning and Sharpness: A

    - Potential: S

    At the bottom, Lanoir had added a personal note: "Subject is smart but lacks formal education in history, technology, and beast theory. Highly resourceful and capable of improvisation. Kind and trustworthy."

    Jun''s face flushed as he read the last line. "You think I''m¡­ kind?"

    Lanoir chuckled, misreading his reaction. "I know, I know. Bureaucracy and paperwork can be tedious. But trust me, this portfolio will smooth your way through the system. Most people already have one, but I figured you''d need a little help."

    Jun looked up, his gratitude evident. "Thank you. This means a lot."

    "No thanks needed," Lanoir said, waving him away. "You are team. And if you''re off to Argenic University, then that''s the best the Commune has to give you. It''s close to your land, so you''ll not miss it."

    That was how their conversation would have gone on and then was cut short by that familiar voice.

    "Jun! There you are."

    Riry emerged, her neon purple hair glowing under the sunlight. She had that same manic energy as earlier, while her Sleeping Leviathan drifted lazily around her shoulders.

    "Riry," Jun said in a softer tone. "You came too?"

    Of course," she replied, grinning. "I had this feeling you were going to follow the academic path. Though if I''m being honest with you, I thought maybe you''d pick something less structured."

    Jun''s smile fell. "I spent my whole life just scrambling to survive. Now I have a chance to learn everything I missed. I can''t waste it."

    Riry''s face softened. "I didn''t mean to¡­ you''re right. You deserve this. Sorry if I came off wrong."

    "It''s okay," Jun said, his sincerity breaking through her manic exterior. "We all have our paths. This is mine."

    The two continued to chat as the rest of the Shadow Banner team began to say their goodbyes. Lanoir clapped Jun on the back. "You''ve got this. Don''t let us down."

    "I won''t," Jun promised.

    Jun and Riry boarded Arrow Train, a piece of engineering art promising to be both comfortable and swift. The train had a three-story structure with seating space and expansive windows allowing one to see the panoramic view. However, its engines, which were powered through mana, propelled it at a dizzying 1,000 miles per second.

    Jun just could hardly fathom his changes in scenery as the train headed towards Evergreen Falls. Rolling hills were first, then dense forests with wide openings to vast plains dotted with shimmering lakes. The beauty of Gaia was almost overwhelming.

    Riry broke his silence. "So Evergreen Falls. What are you going to do there once we get there?

    Jun leaned back in his chair, eyes drifting off. "I''ll start with the basics. Mana theory, beast theory, history¡­ everything I never had a chance to learn. Then, who knows?"

    Riry nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds like you have it all planned out. Me? I will probably cause a little chaos, shake things up. Can''t help it."

    Jun chuckled. "Sounds about right."

    Their conversation drifted as the train moved into its destination. When it finally arrived, the two had grown even closer, their excitement over what was to come forging a bond neither had anticipated.

    As the Arrow Train receded over the horizon, Lanoir and the rest of the team waited at the station. The hum of its engines died into the distance as she turned to the others.

    "They have more potential than we did at their age," she said, her voice laced with pride.

    "They''ll make a difference," Rickety agreed, his compound eyes reflecting the fading light.

    Slythe crossed his arms, serious. "Let''s hope they''re ready for what''s ahead."

    The team nodded silently in acceptance as their thoughts settled with Jun and Riry into the new journey ahead. Vibrant Gaia skies stretched above them, reminding the team that even in dark times, there are new horizons that await the brave enough to seek them.

 Stigmata Tree

    The morning air was sharp and cool, a light chill of hinting of the bright energy alive in Everbloom. Jun sat at his round table, finishing off the last bits of breakfast. Yogundr lay lazily coiled near the warmth of the stove, its half-closed eyes savoring the heat. "Today," Jun announced, "we are going to visit the Stigmata Tree.

    Yogundr lifted its head, and the scales on its body reflected the morning sun. "A wise decision," it said, with a hint of approval in its voice. "The journey will test you, but the rewards may prove transformative.

    Jun packed his rucksack carefully, making sure it contained all the essentials: potions, a home compass, and a waterskin. He slung the bag over his shoulder and donned his cloak, its fabric a mix of Sector 13''s roughness and the State''s enchantments. With Yogundr resting comfortably on his shoulder, they headed into the wilderness.

    The trail was full of life, Everbloom vibrancy pulsating all around him. Magic hung in the air, pouring into the plants and animals that surrounded him. Jun''s breaths were lighter now, his cultivation subtly improving as he harmonized with the environment''s mana. He saw a bed of fibrous plants with pale, silken strands as he walked.

    "Yhute," he murmured, examining it closely.

    "Good cortage material," Yogundr said. "Strong, durable, and enchantable."

    Jun took his time harvesting a bundle, bundling it neatly before tucking it into his rucksack. He pressed onward, marveling at the beauty around him. The land seemed to breathe with magic, every step revealing new wonders.

    Jun''s progress was both fast and meandering, his pace often interrupted by the fascinating creatures he saw. A group of Soim Toads hopped lazily near a shallow pond. Jun recognized them from his studies; their alchemical value was immense, especially when dried or alive.

    Further along, he came upon a **Xiaxoan Snail**, its shell shining with an intricate, iridescent pattern. The creature was the size of a watermelon, moving with slow deliberation. Jun''s Rigg confirmed that snails with specialized diets, like magma, developed stronger and sharper shells that could be used for enchanting.

    He looked up and froze. Perched on a high branch was a **Baymouth Owl**, its predatory gaze fixed squarely upon him. The bird exuded the aura of dominance, and for a moment, Jun felt he was the prey. He felt that bead of cold sweat trickling down his back, but he managed to hold its stare until it finally looked away.

    "That one has seen battles," Yogundr whispered. "It likely commands more magic than you do. Be careful in its domain."

    Jun nodded, moving on but keeping a wary eye on the trees above.

    The distractions continued: a patch of Tygmil Shrooms, hallucinogenic fungi prized for their shamanic properties; a grove of Whistling Ferns that sang like wind chimes when the breeze picked up. Jun harvested what he could, his rucksack steadily filling with the region''s unique offerings.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    As the afternoon dragged on, Jun''s attention was sharply snapped in by a heavy distortion around him in the mana. The air vibrated as thick with tension as when an intense magical clash was on its way. "What is happening?" Jun asked, scanning the area about him with his Rigg.

    The device chimed in with its gentle, female voice. "Two adult creatures detected: a Slouched Bear and a Tree-fork Elk. Both are engaged in combat. Estimated sizes of combatants: 10 feet tall. Types of magic: Slouched Bear ¨C Fire and Nature; Tree-fork Elk ¨C Arcane, Nature, and Water."

    Jun moved slowly, ascending up a tree for better observation. The dense foliage in front allowed him to view the two colossal beasts battling brutally.

    The Slouched Bear was the color of fiery oranges streaked with mossy green; it roared as a burst of flames erupted from its massive paws, flaying the ground and trails of ash and scorched foliage. It spelled out with a conjuring Jun had never seen anything like¡ªit was a Thorn Spire¡ªheavy, spikily barked vines spewed out of the ground and whiplashed the opponent toward it.

    The Tree-fork Elk is a powerful creature with long, branching antlers that counter in finesse. Its antlers glow as it uses [Aqua Veil], an ethereal shield of water that quenches the flames and repels the thorns. Not waiting a single moment, it launches a return with [Arcane Torrent], sending waves of glowing, crackling orbs toward the bear.

    Again, the bear roared, its mana surging as it used [Inferno Roar], a wave of flame that pushed the elk back. The elk stumbled but regained his footing quickly, siphoning mana from the environment to heal minor wounds. His eyes shone with intelligence as he changed tactics, using [Nature Bind] to bind the bear''s hind legs in roots before summoning a waterfall to slam into his opponent.

    Despite its ferocity, the Slouched Bear was no match. The elk''s combination of elemental magic and combat experience overwhelmed it. With a final, devastating charge, the elk impaled the bear with its antlers, lifting it momentarily before letting the lifeless body fall to the ground.

    Jun held his breath as the elk turned its gaze on him. For five long seconds, their eyes met. There was no malice in the creature''s expression; only a quiet acknowledgment. Then, with a flick of its antlers, the Tree-fork Elk turned and disappeared into the forest, its movements fluid despite the massiveness of its frame.

    Jun moved carefully, reaching the dead Slouched Bear. The body was warm, and its fur and leather were intact.

    "This pelt is worth preserving," Yogundr said. "Its mana-rich properties will serve you well.

    Jun nodded, drawing out his dagger. It was a challenge to skin the bear, but his Rigg offered step-by-step instructions and, with years of survival in the streets, he had the sharpness to execute it precisely. The process took him six long hours, making him physically exhausted but very pleased. He was able to bring back 100 kilograms of meat, with the pelt, which he immediately started treating with preservative spells.

    As he prepared to send out a Hovering Beacon to summon aid from a nearby forestry post, Yogundr broke in.

    "There''s no necessity for that," the shadow snake said. "You forget that most void practitioners have access to void space. Whilst you have yet to master how to use it yourself, I can store the meat and leather for you."

    Jun stared at Yogundr in disbelief. "You can do that?"

    "Of course," Yogundr replied smoothly. "This will make your burdens much lighter. Void space is something you''ll learn soon enough."

    Jun handed over the materials, watching in amazement as Yogundr''s form shimmered briefly before the items vanished into storage.

    It turned dark very fast, and Jun made camp high up in the trees. Utilizing stout branches and collected Yhute, he erected a small platform on all sides of a shelter, a design reminiscent of hunting stands but with camping purposes.

    As the mist rolled in, Jun worked late into the evening, treating the Slouched Bear''s pelt with strengthening spells while making sure its elasticity remained intact. His Rigg provided precise instructions, and the preservation process went smoothly.

    When he finally lay down to rest, exhaustion weighed on him, but his mind replayed the battle between the Slouched Bear and the Tree-fork Elk. The creatures'' use of magic fascinated him, particularly the seamless way they cast spells without visible runes or incantations.

    "How do they do it?" he murmured, half to himself and half to Yogundr.

    "They''ve had lifetimes to attune to their magic," the snake replied. "For them, casting is as natural as breathing. You''ll learn in time."

    Jun closed his eyes, but he could see the Tree-fork Elk''s glowing antlers vividly in his mind. His journey to the Stigmata Tree had only just started, and he was already feeling the weight of Gaia''s mysteries settling on him. With each step, new challenges appeared, new lessons to learn, and new possibilities were presented. And Jun wanted to face them all.

 Stigmata tree 2

    Jun opened his eyes to the soft illumination of Gaia''s twin suns peeking shyly at opposite ends of the horizon. The early morning was alive with the sounds of a bustling wilderness: wings flapping, hooves pounding the earth, growls, grunts, and the occasional sharp thud. Even in his groggy state, he could feel the mana-rich air humming with energy. From high in the trees, he saw travelers down below. He heard murmurs blended into the symphony of life.  A stretch, shake off the last of his sleep, and make a quick breakfast.

    He was chewing a pan-fried slab of Slouched Bear meat, larded with Rutol rub that he had prepared days before, when its savory scent filled his senses. With it washed down with Wild Herb Tea, which combines Sparkbark, Glowthorn, and Veilroot herbs, he admired the stimulating kick blended with clarity that would send his mind to thoughts of possibilities and plans. Jun stashed the tea away in a tin and buckled his equipment then, with Yogundr relaxed over his shoulder, he trudged onward. "Pace yourself," Jun said over his shoulder to Yogundr, scanning out ahead of himself at the route.    "Quickly?" Yogundr said, sounding sarcastic as it responded to Jun. "That would be a first time."

    Jun chuckled at himself, acknowledging how right Yogundr was about him.

    The trail to the Stigmata Tree was a mix of wonder and distraction. Jun''s sharp eyes caught sight of an Etherfern growing near a shallow stream. He crouched, carefully harvesting a few fronds, their ghostly translucence shimmering in the light.

    Further ahead, a cluster of Blue Ringed Mushrooms caught his attention. Each was as large as a small stool, with softer outer rings that could be used in alchemy, engineering, or cooking. Jun broke off a piece and popped it into his mouth.  "Tastes like a meaty apple," he remarked.  Yogundr snickered. "Your palate is as peculiar as your journey, Jun."  ---

    As Jun moved closer to the Stigmata Tree trail, the traffic grew heavier. People of all shapes, sizes, and species filled the path, each carrying an air of purpose and anticipation. Groups of travelers spoke in hushed tones about the life-changing properties of the tree, their expressions a mix of hope and apprehension.

    Jun soon found himself in line with a group preparing to ascend the final hill. Clerks dressed in pale blue robes moved efficiently, ensuring the groups adhered to strict policies.

    "One hundred at a time," one of the clerks explained. "The tree scans all who approach. If you¡¯re deemed eligible, you¡¯ll know."

    As Jun waited, a familiar voice called out, ¡°Juniper!¡±The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    He looked around to find Riry, her purple hair shining in the sun. "I''m not surprised to find you here," Jun said, nodding at her.

    "Yeah, me too," Riry said with a big grin. "I''m actually here on a mission to observe and study about the tree management. Three months of observation and research¡ªit''s a dream come true! I''m going to study the hell out of it." She flashed him an energetic thumbs-up.

    Jun couldn''t help but laugh. "Of course you are."

    ---

    As it was his group''s turn to climb, the whispers of excitement turned into gasps as the Stigmata Tree came into view. From afar, it seemed to encompass the entire mound of the hill, its vast canopy sprawling like a celestial crown.

    As they moved closer, the grandeur of the tree was almost overwhelming. The trunk was as wide as a fortress, its bark flashing a glimmering bluish sheen that seemed to pulse in time with the mana saturating the air. Tendrils as thick as Jun''s arms dangled down in clusters, forming intricate barriers that left only narrow paths for movement.

    Jun saw a young hybrid girl in the distance. Her tears shone like pearls in the soft light. A Man''O''War jellyfish floated by her side, its tendrils pulsating with an electric charge. Yogundr leaned in toward Jun.

    "Her mana is refined," Yogundr whispered. "Their bond must be exceptional."

    Jun nodded at the girl''s aura but looked back to the path ahead.

    The group reached the base of the tree, and the mana density became almost oppressive. Jun''s chest tightened; his breath came in short gasps. Others stumbled, and a few collapsed outright.

    "Steady yourself, Jun," Yogundr said over his discomfort. "The mana here is like thickened air¡ªdense, almost liquid. Synchronize with its rhythm.

    Jun closed his eyes, listening to Yogundr''s instruction. He was slowly adjusting his breathing, which allowed the mana to flow in him instead of resisting it. After a while of nausea, he stabilized. One brief bout of vomiting. He was then stable.

    "Well done," Yogundr said approvingly. "You are learning."

    ---

    At the end of the route, the group was sent to individual tendrils. Each person stood before one, waiting for further instructions. Jun reached out tentatively, his hand hovering near the tendril''s surface.

    A figure stepped out onto a platform in front of the tree, dressed in robes of azure and black, streaked with red. The face was hidden behind a headdress, and the very presence seemed to demand silence. They started chanting, the words meaningless but somehow imbued with meaning that seemed to seep into the mind of every being there. Even the stones seemed to listen.

    As the chanting subsided, an azure flame flared up in a pit at the figure''s feet. The light was like nothing Jun had ever seen; starlike and brilliant, yet steady and unruffled.

    A message flowered in Jun''s mind; its voice was neither male nor female but ancient and profoundly wise:

    [You may try reaching out to the Stigmata Tree.]

    Jun exhaled, feeling the gravity of the moment. He glanced at Yogundr, who offered a rare nod of encouragement.

    ¡°Focus, Jun,¡± the shadow snake said softly. ¡°This is what you¡¯ve been preparing for.¡±

    With steady resolve, Jun placed his hand on the tendril before him.

    The world shifted.

 Stigmata Tree 3

    Jun opened his eyes to find that he was no longer in his own body, but he somehow instinctively knew it was him. His limbs felt lighter, his skin unscarred. He touched his face, running his fingers over features he hadn''t seen in decades. The air around him was cold, carrying a faint metallic tang that made him shudder. Toxic fumes clung to the breeze, biting at his lungs and pulling him into familiarity: Sector 13.

    He stood in the alley, with walls stained with grime and neglect. The sharp scent of burning refuse filled his nostrils, and the faint hum of machinery hummed in the distance. This is where he grew up, surviving on scraps and wit.

    Jun cautiously emerged from the shadows of the alley into the harsh artificial lighting that streamed from the streetlights. The world had gone silent; as he glanced up, those on the street turned to regard him all as one. It was as though the way they had moved was rough and jerky, their gazes empty and yet fixed onto him. It made his blood run cold.

    They started forward before he even thought.

    "Hey! Back off!" Jun yelled, panic rising in his voice.

    But the bodies didn''t stop. They twisted at odd angles, their joints writhing as if their bones were water. He staggered backward, his breath growing quick, and wheeled to run. His feet pounded on the pavement as he dived back into the alley. The footsteps, dozens of them, chased him, louder with every step.

    He ran faster, dodging crates and barrels. A crate caught his arm as he dodged by, splintering the skin. The pain was sharp and immediate.

    "This can''t be a dream," he muttered, clutching the wound as he ran.

    The pursuers closed in. Hands, cold and powerful, grasped his legs and dragged him to the ground. Jun kicked wildly, screaming and writhing. It did no good. More hands held onto his arms and head, keeping him pinned. He thought that he was as good as dead.

    As if in answer, the figures began pulling. His limbs stretched beyond their limits, his body tearing apart in agonizing bursts of pain. The moment was fleeting¡ªdeath came swiftly.

    Jun woke again, gasping for air. This time, he was in a bed. The sheets were familiar, the faint scent of lavender bringing a rush of memories. His old room. He was a child again, just shy of being a teenager.

    He could hear his parents talking in the next room, their voices soft and soothing. For a moment, Jun allowed himself to sink into the warmth of nostalgia.

    But then the nightmare returned.

    His parents'' voices stopped abruptly, replaced by the sound of heels clicking against the floor. His bedroom door creaked open. When his parents entered, their faces were wrong. Their eyes were hollow, their smiles unnaturally wide.

    "Jun," his mother said, her voice layered with something alien.

    He scrambled backward, his body small and weak. "Stay away!

    They didn''t listen. Moving as one, they lunged at him, their hands cold and unyielding. He screamed, but it was no use. His parents snatched him up, tearing him apart just as the people in the alley had done.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    ---

    The loops started, going round and round.

    Jun relived the streets of Sector 13 and the warmth of his childhood home only to have each twist into a grotesque nightmare. He tried everything he could think of to break the cycle and tried doing things differently every time, but the results kept getting stranger and more horrific.

    Sometimes, he''d skulk out of the street, hiding in an alley. The sky would break open when he did that and a monstrous featureless hand fall down and stomp him like an insect.

    The other times he tried to push his luck: he stood face to face, demanding explanations of the people who walked along that street. The people laughed- their voices bounced off his chest in strange laughter-and swarmed him like some horde of ants consuming food.

    The childhood loop was no kinder. Jun tried to run away from his parents, but the door of his room was locked, closing him in. His mother once started humming a lullaby as she slowly slid a knife across her throat, blood spilling into the impossible quantities on the floor. His father, unmoved, bashed his head against the stone table until his skull and the table broke.

    ---

    Now, mania intensified. This time, Jun was able to find his way out of the alley into a square. Here, he met a monstrous version of himself, gargantuan in its size and shape, its face split into a grin that never seemed to end. The doppelganger chased him down, its laughter echoing in his mind, then devoured him with one bite.

    One day, in his loop of childhood, he lay in bed quietly enough to be hoped over by his parents. When they entered, their shapes collapsed into a mess of squirming tendrils that pulled him into the floor.

    New terrors came with each loop. In the streets, people''s limbs stretched, their hands into sharp claws that pierced him like needles. At home, walls bled and his toys became alive, eyes glowing as they tore at his flesh.

    Jun lost count of how many times he died.

    ---

    By the 50th loop, desperation had begun to creep in.

    "Why is this happening?" he shouted into the void as he lay in the alley, waiting for the inevitable.

    No answer came. The figures arrived, their eyes blank, their hands outstretched.

    By the 70th loop, he stopped trying to flee.

    He positioned himself in the middle of the street, arms outstretched wide, and let the crowd overtake him. He looked at the ceiling of his childhood bedroom, not blinking as his parents closed in. The pain was excruciating, but at least it was over quickly.

    ---

    It was during the 89th loop that something changed.

    He did not wince in the child loop. Jun closed his eyes and heaved hard breaths. The mana was churning around him. The cadence flowed into the air.

    "Yogundr," he spoke softly, hearing no response.

    The familiar voice of his shadow snake echoed faintly in his mind. "You are not truly here, Jun. This is the trial of the Stigmata Tree. It shows you your past, your fears, and your weaknesses. You must overcome them."

    "Find the truth within the chaos," Yogundr replied. "You have already begun to see it. Focus on the mana, on the rhythm of this world. Let it guide you."

    ---

    In the loops that followed, Jun tried to heed Yogundr''s advice. He stopped running and began observing.

    He saw the people in the streets of Sector 13 were like the flow of mana; their grotesque forms rippling like echoes of a greater force. He felt that the voices of his parents had an unnatural resonance as if they belonged to the pulsating energy of the tree at his childhood home.

    By the 100th loop, Jun was standing in the alley, calm and centered. As the crowd turned toward him, he didn''t run. He focused on the mana instead. He followed its rhythm, his breath following in sync with it. The figures stopped. The world around him shimmered, like mist that disappears.

    Jun opened his eyes to see himself standing in front of the Stigmata Tree again, hand still on its tendrils. The air was full of mana, but it was warm and inviting now.

    "You have faced the truth," the tree''s voice resonated in his mind. "Your past will no longer bind you. Step forward, Juniper Green."

    Jun took a breath, steady and determined. He survived.

 Waking up

    Jun opened his eyes, letting the gentle warmth of morning sunlight illuminate him as Gaia''s twin suns rose as one. Several dozen others stretched and yawned, their eyes flicking open one by one in response to being jolted from their trials. The stench of mana-charged earth, of being sick was the dominant aroma; Jun felt the same- a nauseating churn at the bottom of his stomach that refused to still. Moments passed, and he doubled over and vomited, retching out the gathered weight of half a century of living in simulated realities. He wasn''t alone. Other afflicted ones were spread around, writhing with their bodies, as they exhaled the price of their test. Azure and gold-robed guards moved around in the group; their faces seemed placid but alert.

    "Take your time", one of the guards said kindly, holding up a young man from his fall to his feet. "It''s normal. The Stigmata Tree leaves its mark on everyone differently."

    Jun cleaned his mouth, grateful for the reprieve. A guard approached him, scanning his Rigg before returning his identification.

    "Congratulations, Juniper Green," the guard said with a small smile. "You''ve gained something few ever do. The Stigmata Tree welcomes you to return when the time is right."

    Jun nodded weakly, still steadying himself. The experience felt like it had aged him beyond his years. Half a century in simulations. Half a lifetime lived and lost.

    Yogundr heard him speak, softly, over his turmoil. "The Stigmata is mischievous, but it has a purpose. It doesn''t live like you or I. Its kind lost their physical vessels long ago. They now are concepts; they are broken shards of their original selves left behind. This tree is simply a container; a faint memory of something so much more".

    Jun closed his eyes and let the words sink in. The Inside Out Stigmata mark still pulsed softly on his skin as if reminding him of the experiences he had and the lessons he learned.

    "Jun!"

    He turned towards the voice, which he knew. And there, too, was the weary smile as Riry jogged up to him. Her bright purple hair was shining with morning light and her grin, even if a bit wilder than it used to be, still bubbled up unrepressed.

    "You made it out alive," she said, clapping him on the shoulder. "I knew you would. You''re too stubborn to let a cosmic tree break you."

    Jun chuckled, shaking his head. "Barely. That was¡­ something else."

    Riry''s expression softened, and she looked at him closely. "You look older. Not physically, but¡­ in here." She tapped her temple lightly.

    Jun shrugged. "It''ll take time to shake it off. But what about you? How''s life in Evergreen Falls treating you?"

    Riry''s face lit up. "Oh, it''s been amazing. I''m now working with the Stigmata Tree''s caretakers. It''s a three-month rotation, and I''ve learned more about mana harmonics and biological imprints in the past few weeks than I have in years. Did you know that tree''s tendrils adjust their frequency based on the dominant mana type of the group visiting? It''s like it customizes the trial for each person."This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    "That explains a lot," Jun mumbled, recalling all those endless loops he had faced. "What else?"

    Well, Riry said, continuing, "I have begun making a catalogue of the flora on and around the lands here. It has a pretty impressive-looking Chronoweed whose reactions differ slightly at whatever point of day when harvested. Of course, forget even about what there are on land itself¡ªa Baymouth Owl nest happens to be found on the walls in the rear by my room; it gives me its scrutiny at every single daybreak.".

    Jun laughed, feeling a genuine warmth spread through his body. Riry''s enthusiasm was infectious.

    "And what about you?" Riry asked, tilting her head. "What''s new in Jun-world?"

    Jun paused, his eyes looking off to one side before his hands swept down the faint curl of tattoos on his arm and torso, it looked like there were tubes inside Jun holding the body up. "The Stigmata Tree gave me this. It''s hard to explain, but it feels like a part of me now. I can blend into light and shadow, hide in plain sight. It''s more than just concealment¡ªit''s adaptation. There may be more."

    Riry''s eyes opened wide. "That''s amazing. And so you. Always sneaky, always finding a way out."

    "Not sneaky," Jun said with mock indignation. "Strategic."

    "Sure, sure," Riry teased, grinning. "Anything else?"

    "I''ve been exploring my land more," Jun said, his tone growing thoughtful. "There are Yeal trees on my plot, older than most civilizations. Someone has been teaching me about them, and apparently, they hold untapped potential. I''ve also started practicing some of the Green Spells he''s mentioned. Slowly, though. I''m still pretty rudimentary when it comes to mana control."

    "You''re making progress," Riry said encouragingly. "And the Yeal trees sound fascinating. I''d love to see them someday. And that someone, I''m guessing it''s the same as my Ymos" summoning the Sleeping Leviathan floating in the air.

    Jun acted surprised but nodded. Ymos opened his eyes, and scanned Jun. Yogundr also manifested, they acknowledged each other''s existence and went back to their plane. "Jun, this one is older than me, but not stronger. Be careful though, they could be helpful allies." Yogundr sent a message to Jun.

    The two fell into comfortable silence for a moment, the hum of life surrounding the Stigmata Tree filling space. Travelers and caretakers moved purposefully, their conversations blending with the rustle of leaves and faint vibration of mana in the air.

    Then Jun finally broke the silence. "I''m glad you''re here, Riry," she said. "Evergreen Falls feels. less overwhelming with you around.

    Riry smiled, her look warm. "Likewise, Jun. This place is big, and it''s easy to get lost in it. But you''ve got me, and I''ve got you. Deal?"

    "Deal."

    The guards ushered the group away from the tree, and the steady stream of visitors continued because of their duties. Riry put a hand on Jun''s arm.

    "Let''s catch up properly soon," she said. "There''s loads we can learn off each other, I think, at least where I am or have been."

    Jun nodded. "Look forward to that."

    As Riry continued with her work once more, Jun stayed there for another moment, casting his eyes towards the Stigmata Tree; its towering aspect seemed to kindle a steady pulse, though silent, recognizing those who''ve walked its length and lived through some of its more trying trials.

    "Ready to move on?" Yogundr asked, its voice steady and reassuring.

    "Yeah," Jun replied, his steps feeling a little surer.

    The weight of new stigmata pressed upon his body-not to burden him-but as if this was now he. Changed at the trial and walking towards this unknown, some quiet resolve could be building, but this did not make a step forward much clearer.

 Shadow Unbound

    The sun set, dipping beneath the horizon as shadows crept long and sprawling across Evergreen Falls. Jun sat cross-legged on a moss-covered stone, his shoulders bent to support the coiled shape of the shadow snake. Mana pulsed about him, invisible and humming-a reminder that even the greatest mage cannot touch everything that is there in Gaia. Jun had something more inside, however-weight deeper than any spell: one born of days in the Stigmata Tree simulation.

    Fifty years of simulation had left their mark. He had lived, loved, fought, and lost countless times under the tight squeeze of trial. The losses of comrades, cities that he promised to defend fall down, and whispers of defeat haunting his mind awake and his sleep. Decades of experience, his head churned; guilt and doubts weigh heavily at his heart.

    Tonight, he sought clarity.

    You are not meditating," the shadow snake noted, its voice smooth and cool. "You are brooding.

    Jun''s eyes snapped open. His green gaze was dimmed in the twilight. "Do you think it''s that easy to let go? Fifty years, Yogundr. Fifty years of mistakes and death." His fists clenched as his voice cracked. "I lost them all, again and again. Every time I thought I finally found a way to protect them, the world found a way to rip it apart.".

    Yogundr shifted, its snake form curling a bit tighter around Jun''s shoulders. "Loss is inevitable. Death is inevitable. The question is not how to avoid them, but how to endure their weight and move forward.".

    Jun stood up abruptly, his breath quickening. "Tolerate? Progress? What if I can''t? What if I''m just. broken?" He ran his hands through his hair, frustration building. The shadow snake didn''t say a word, but its presence remained steady despite Jun''s turmoil.

    A rustling from far away made Jun snap out of his spinning thoughts. He was face to face with Riry, who emerged from the darkness. Her purple hair seemed to glow softly in the moonlight, and her Sleeping Leviathan drifted listlessly behind her, its form a glowing mist.

    "Thought I might find you here," she said, light but tinged with worry. "You''ve been disappearing a lot lately."

    Jun sighed, his tension easing slightly at the sight of her. "Just trying to figure things out."

    Riry tilted her head, studying him. "Figuring things out or punishing yourself?" She stepped closer, her Leviathan circling curiously. "You''re not the only one who''s been through the ringer, you know. But bottling it up won''t help."

    "What do you suggest, then?" Jun asked, his tone sharper than intended.

    Riry smiled, unruffled. "Magic. You have all this raw power, but you''re too wrapped up in your head to apply it properly. Let''s get you untangled."

    Jun arched an eyebrow. "And you think sparring will cure my existential crisis?"

    "Not sparring," Riry corrected. "Channeling. You have all this bottled-up energy. Let''s put it to good use.

    She raised her hand, and Leviathan brightened to match. Air above them etched with runes. "Those are resonance fields. They respond to magic, build on it. If you can''t keep the magic contained, they will blow up, so don''t go too wild."

    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.Jun stopped to glance at Yogundr. The snake''s eyes shone brightly with approval. "This should be interesting. Do not let me down, Jun.

    Oh, great. No pressure," Jun muttered, stepping into the center of the resonance fields. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes and reaching inward to the void where his magic resided.

    At first, it was chaos. Shadow and light collided in his mind, the energy volatile and unyielding. Memories of the simulation surfaced unbidden, each one a jagged edge cutting into his concentration.

    Riry''s voice cut through the noise. "Focus, Jun. The magic isn''t your enemy. It''s part of you.".

    He slowly exhaled and let himself fall into the chasm. They came still, memories; but this time he did not fight them. He let all of them come one after the other, each a thread in the vast tapestry of experience. He saw before him the faces of those he had lost, felt the weight of their absence, and finally¡­ accepted it.

    As the memories faded, so did the magic. A throb of rhythm fired the shadows around Jun as their edges sharpened then faded into fluid. The resonance fields flickered, sipping in that energy and amplifying it exponentially. Riry took a step back, respect gleaming in her eyes, as the changes in her Leviathan-approved hum.

    "There you go," Riry said, her grin spreading wide. "Now let''s see what you can really do with it."

    Jun opened his eyes; the greenish glow within was steady and vivid now. He raised his hands; the shadows unfolded, coiled around themselves, moving like living bodies. He moved his wrist to send a slice of shadow streaming through the air, its sharp edge leaving behind a faint trail of shimmering void energy.

    Riry clapped, coming closer with a teasing grin. "Not bad. But can you aim? Or are you just throwing shadow tantrums?"

    Jun smirked. "Want to find out?

    "Bring it," she shot back, her Leviathan brightening as she set her own magic to ready. They exchanged controlled bursts of energy, the resonance fields catching and amplifying the collision. The grove filled with flashes of light and shadow, their interplay growing more fluid with each exchange.

    Their magic intertwined, Riry darted closer, her voice dropping to a softer tone. "You''ve got the power, Jun, but you hold back. Why?"

    Jun hesitated, faltering in his shadows. "What if I lose control? What if I hurt someone I care about?"

    Riry''s Leviathan wrapped gently around her, its glow softening. "You''re not alone anymore. You''ve got me, Yogundr, and everyone back at Evergreen Falls. We''ll pull you back if you stumble.".

    Her words settled in Jun''s chest like a steadying pulse. He nodded, his shadows regaining their strength. "You''re right. I''ve been holding back for too long."

    He took a deep breath, then poured everything he had into one focused strike. The shadows coalesced into a spear of pure void energy, crackling with held-back power. He threw it at the biggest resonance field, which soaked up all that energy and exploded in a dazzling light-and-shadow display. The grove shook and air sparkled with leftover magic.

    As the dust cleared, Jun stood in the grove, his chest heaving but his head clear. The shadows that surrounded him had settled into a faint aura, their presence no longer chaotic but harmonious.

    Riry approached, grinning with satisfaction. "Now that''s more like it. You might even be able to keep up with me someday."

    Jun laughed softly. "Someday? I''d say I''m already there."

    She playfully nudged him. "Dream on, shadow boy."

    Yogundr''s voice echoed in Jun''s mind. "You have taken your first step toward mastery. But keep this in mind: the void is as boundless as it is unforgiving. You should show respect to power, and power will bestow respect upon you."

    Riry clapped a hand on Jun''s shoulder. "And maybe next time, let''s not wait until you''re about to implode to do something about it. Deal?

    Jun nodded, a genuine smile forming. "Deal."

    The moonlight lit up the path they were taking out of the grove, with long shadows dancing to the beat of Jun''s new resolve. The weight of the past had not disappeared, but it was no longer impossible to bear. Jun felt lighter with each step, his bond with the void stronger, and his purpose clearer.

    The fight was far from over, but for the first time, Jun felt ready to face it. Not as a broken survivor, but as a warrior of shadow and light, unbound and unstoppable.

 Recovery Mission

    Cool morning air filled Jun''s lungs as he readjusted his pack straps. The dense forest behind him stirred with calls of birds and rustling leaves, and Riry Bomra danced beside him, her purple hair catching dappled sunlight; beside her slept her Sleeping Leviathan like a silent wisp of misty transparency, his form reflecting colors within the forest.

    "You''re unusually quiet today," Riry teased, glancing at Jun. "Planning to brood the entire trip?"

    Jun smirked, shaking his head. "Just thinking. These space-time ripples sound like they''re more trouble than they''re worth."

    Riry grinned. "Maybe. But isn''t that what makes them exciting?"

    The two had been instructed to record one of the many phenomena that were spread all over Gaia. Evergreen Falls was full of such mysteries, but the ripples were different. They were described as shimmering distortions in the air, remnants of ancient magic that could not be understood. Approaching one could lead to anything from mild disorientation to catastrophic displacement across dimensions. The prospect both intrigued and unnerved Jun.

    "I still think we should''ve brought someone else," Jun said, stepping over a gnarled root. "What if something goes wrong?"

    Riry shrugged, flashing him a confident smile. "That''s why you''re here, shadow boy. If things go sideways, you''ll just pull us out with your void tricks."

    Jun rolled his eyes but couldn''t help smiling. Riry''s energy was infectious, even if it sometimes bordered on reckless.

    ---

    By midday, the two had ventured into the depths of the forest by following faint pulsations of mana that came on irregularly. They paused within a clearing, setting up their camp. Riry stretched up, her arms above her head. "Okay, lunch first. Then hunt. Can''t face ancient anomalies on an empty stomach.".

    Jun started piling woods while Riry opened the other stores. He heaped woods feeling her eye on him and making fun of him.

    "What?" he asked.

    "Oh, nothing. Just enjoying the scenery," she replied with a twinkle in her eyes.

    Jun blushed red. He was busily fanning the flames of the fire. Riry''s laughter rang through the clearing in a lighter, teasing manner.

    After lunch, they moved further away, their hunt now to have a mana beast for dinner and supplies. The forest became increasingly quiet as they moved, from the usual wild chatter to eerily silent wildlife. Riry''s Leviathan flickered in intensity as he detected nearby mana signatures.

    "There," Riry whispered, pointing to a shadowed grove where a massive stag-like creature grazed. Its antlers shimmered with embedded crystals, and its eyes glowed faintly blue.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    "A Crystal Hart," Jun murmured. "Rare and dangerous."

    "Perfect," Riry said, already nocking an arrow. She glanced at Jun. "You flank left. I''ll take the shot if it bolts."

    Jun nodded, and his shadow snake uncoiled a little as he stepped into place. The air tensed, the forest holding its breath. Riry''s arrow flew straight and true, striking the Hart in the flank. It reared with a deafening cry, its antlers flaring with mana. Jun leapt forward, a shadow tendril wrapping around its legs to pin it down. Together, they brought it down swiftly, the creature''s glow fading as it slumped to the ground.

    Jun and Riry walked back to their campsite together, sorting the fish. Jun removed Hart''s skin; folding its body to store until later use as he peeled, Riry obtained alchemical supplies from antlers and organs which she obtained through swift hands moving quickly.

    "It looks like you''ve done this before," Jun said as she ground shards from the antler into a dust.

    "My family taught me some things that way," Riry said her words surprisingly grave in tone.

    Jun''s eyebrow shot up. "Your family?"

    She took a deep breath, let it out in a sigh. "Guess it''s only fair I tell you. My full name is Riry Bomra. As in the Bomra lineage. One of the Dragonlord families."

    Jun froze, knife poised over a cut of meat. "You''re. royalty?

    Riry laughed, the sound tinged with bitterness. "Hardly. I''m the hundredth in line. A glorified footnote in the grand Bomra legacy. The only thing I''ll ever inherit is their expectations."

    Jun studied her, noting the tension in her posture. "Is that why you''re here? To get away from all that?"

    She nodded, gazing away. "Evergreen Falls was the first place I ever felt like myself. No titles, no politics. Just Riry."

    Jun rested a light hand on her shoulder. "If it''s worth anything, just Riry is pretty great."

    Her cheeks coloured and she looked down, a small smile playing at her lips. "Thanks, shadow boy."

    As the sun set, they cooked dinner, and the smell of roasted Hart meat filled the clearing. Riry offered Jun a skewer, their fingers touching briefly. The moment hung in the air, unspoken tension crackling like the campfire between them.

    "So," Jun said, breaking the silence. "If you could go anywhere in Gaia, where would it be?"

    Riry tilted her head, thinking. "Anywhere with mysteries left to solve. There''s something about the unknown that''s. freeing. You?"

    Jun stared into the flames. "Somewhere quiet. Peaceful. Where I can. figure out who I''m supposed to be."

    She nudged him playfully. "You''re overthinking it, as usual."

    He chuckled, shaking his head. "Maybe."

    That night, the forest seemed to pulse with anticipation. The Leviathan''s glow brightened, and Yogundr stirred restlessly around Jun''s shoulders.

    "We''re close," Riry said, her voice barely above a whisper.

    They packed their gear quickly and moved through the darkened forest, their path illuminated by the faint glow of mana veins in the earth. The air grew thicker, charged with an electric tension that made Jun''s skin prickle.

    They finally reached a small opening. In the center of it, a rippling distortion hung out, as if heat waves are rising from a fire. The space-time ripple throbbed rhythmically, and its borders flickered between visibility and transparency. Colors that could not be described swirled within its depths, and faint whispers echoed through the air.

    Jun and Riry exchanged a glance, their usual banter replaced by awe and trepidation.

    "That''s it," she said, as though the words contained some kind of sacred truth. "The ripple.

    Jun came forward, a snake shadow clutching at his leg. "Now what?"

    Riry was smiling faintly. "Now we see if it lets us in."

    With tentative steps together, they crept forward one step, into the light spilling from the ripple, spilling into the mystery.

 Space-Time Ripple

    The space-time ripple shimmered in the glade, a glowing distortion in reality that seemed alive, breathing with an otherworldly rhythm. Riry and Jun stood transfixed, their beast companions¡ªthe Sleeping Leviathan and Yogundr¡ªstirring with unusual energy. The ripple pulsed in sync with the creatures, as if responding to their presence.

    Do you feel that? Riry breathed, her voice quiet. Her Leviathan drifted closer to the ripple, its ethereal form glowing more brightly with every pulse.

    Jun nodded, the shadow snake that coiled him tightening further around his body. "It''s like they''re. connected.".

    The Leviathan hummed softly, its glow now deep azure, matching the pulse of light in the ripple. Yogundr''s scales began to shimmer weakly. The darkness that was their normal sheen was giving way to an understated iridescence. The pulsing of the ripple appeared steadier, as if tuning in.

    Riry looked at Jun. "What do you think is going on?

    "No clue," Jun said, his eyes still on the ripple. "But I feel like they are trying to show us something."

    The Leviathan came closer, its shine growing brighter as it crossed into the ripple. The distortion expanded outward, covering the creature in a spate of light. Yogundr whispered, a hiss that resonated in Jun''s mind.

    "Follow, but tread lightly. The void and the ripple are cousins¡ªboth endless, both perilous."

    Jun looked at Riry. "Yogundr says we have to follow it. Cautiously."

    Riry smiled at that. "Careful doesn''t really feel like me, but I can try."

    Both of them crossed the threshold over the ripple as its light touched them. Reality seemed to turn inside out and then flip around again within a blur of colors and outlines. Time dragged and stretched inside this, creating a disorienting yet oddly still sense.

    ---

    When the distortions cleared up, they appeared in a tremendous, open flat under a liquid silver sky, and in the distance, light pulsed on towering crystalline structures that sent their rhythm up in echo through the ripple in the air as it buzzed with energy from mana and mystery.

    "Where are we?" Riry asked, turning around in a slow circle. Above her, a Leviathan float glowed brightly.

    "Not on Gaia anymore," Jun said, his voice wary. "At least, not the Gaia we know."

    Yogundr''s voice echoed inside his mind. "This is a nexus, a place where the threads of space and time converge. The ripple brought you here because you are tethered to us."

    Riry''s Leviathan hummed, and she frowned. "It''s saying something similar. That this place exists because of ancient bonds between creatures like them and the magic of Gaia. Apparently, we''re¡­ compatible."

    "Compatible?" Jun echoed, raising an eyebrow.

    She shrugged, her usual grin returning. "Guess we''re special. Let''s figure out what that means."

    Stolen novel; please report.

    They came upon crystalline structures. They advanced by design. These structures hummed a soft resonant sound as their vibrations mirrored that of the creature''s energy. The two halted at the base of the largest spire, gazing upon a swirl of light around it.

    "They want us to touch it," Riry observed, staring upon the core.

    "Are you kidding me?" Jun asked, his voice skeptical. "Last time we touched something weird, it didn''t end well."

    Riry smirked. "No risk, no reward. And if this explodes, we''re probably already in another dimension. What''s the worst that could happen?"

    Jun sighed, shaking his head. "You''re impossible."

    "And you love it," she quipped, winking at him.

    Jun ignored the heat rising in his face, extending his hand toward the core. Riry did the same, their fingers brushing briefly before making contact with the swirling light. A jolt of energy shot through them, and the world around them shifted once again.

    When the light receded, they stood in a chamber filled with intricate carvings and glowing runes. The air was heavy with mana, and the beasts'' energy seemed heightened, their forms almost ethereal.

    "Welcome," a deep voice echoed, startling them. A figure materialized before them, humanoid but wreathed in shimmering light. Its features were indistinct, as though it existed between states of being.

    "Who are you?" Jun asked, his tone guarded.

    "A guardian of the nexus," the figure replied. "You have been brought here because of your bonds with these creatures. The ripples are a gift, but they are unstable. They must be harnessed, or they will consume Gaia."

    Riry stepped forward. "Harnessed how? We''re not exactly ripple experts."

    The guardian gestured to the beasts. "They are the key. The ripples resonate with their energy, and through them, you may stabilize these anomalies. But it will require trust, focus, and strength."

    Jun furrowed his brow. "And if we fail?"

    "Then the ripples will grow unchecked, and Gaia will fracture under their weight," the guardian said gravely. "You must decide if you are willing to take this burden.".

    Riry gazed over at Jun, her brashness abandoned now that the moment was upon them. "Well, it looks like we''re in a jam together, shadow boy."

    Jun nodded, his determination hardening. "We will do it. Tell us what we need to do."

    ---

    The protector guided them through a series of trials for the next few hours, aiming to attune them further to their beast companions. Riry''s Leviathan taught her how to manipulate mana flows with precision, weaving them into intricate patterns that mirrored the ripple''s rhythms. Jun''s training focused on harmonizing his void magic with Yogundr''s energy, creating a balance between light and shadow.

    After sitting there for a bit, Riry flumped herself on the floor of the room. Her breath was coming in jagged jerks. "This''s tougher than I''d anticipated, I assumed it''d take a while and my forehead had been running in sweat with water.

    Jun settled beside her; his pity-tinged features were all over his face. "You''re doing good. Better than me probably.

    She nugged him softly. "Don''t sell yourself short. You have that whole shadow warrior, dark and brooding, thing going on. Pretty impressive."

    Jun grinned. "Thanks, I guess." He fell silent for a moment before he said, "I am glad you are here. I don''t think I could do this alone."

    Riry''s smile dulled a little. "Me too. You make the whole saving the world thing just a little less terrifying."

    They shared a moment of quiet, the space between them growing palpable within that silence.

    ---

    When the trials concluded, the guardian spoke to them once more. "You are ready. The ripples are connected to Gaia''s mana network. Through your bond with these creatures, you can even out their energy. But that is just the beginning. It will be arduous and long."

    "We''ll be fine," Jun said firmly.

    Riry nodded. "Together."

    The guardian''s form faded. "Go now, and may your bonds remain strong. Gaia''s fate rests in your hands."

    The room melted into light, and they were back in the forest glade. The ripple shone dimly, its energy now steady and calm. Riry''s Leviathan and Yogundr seemed brighter, their connection to their humans more prominent than ever.

    Jun exhaled, his shoulders relaxing. "We did it. At least for now.".

    Riry grinned, her confidence coming back. "Told you we''d figure it out."

    He shook his head, grinning. "You''re impossible."

    "And you love it," she teased, brushing past him as they started packing up their camp.

    Jun didn''t answer, but the warmth in his chest told him she wasn''t wrong. Together, they headed back toward Evergreen Falls, ready to face whatever came next.

 Space-TIme Calling

    Weeks and months bled out into days spent by Jun and Riry on the shimmering nexus of their space-time rippling home. The constant background hum of it had become familiar to them all, reminding one of its untapped potential coupled with volatile beauty.

    They didn''t take time to settle much. Riry''s magenta hair fairly shone as if in silvery annulus light, almost otherworldly when one considered the sunrises she''d begun each day by working through. Jun would often find himself arresting his actions for a moment in order to regard her as she worked through glyphs, her eyes glowing hard and intelligent. She, in turn, teased him for his forgetfulness, which is how he caught her sneaking peeks when he sharpened his blades or practiced his magic.

    The land was rich in strange life forms shaped to the ripple''s different energy. Shortly into the visit, they had identified three main mana beasts that not only brought them food and resources but also sparked an interest:

    1. Prism Elk: Elusive and elegant, their crystalline antlers refracting light into colorful rainbows. Their hides were strong yet supple, excellent for making solid garments. Ground into a fine dust, the antlers served alchemy in amplifying spells involving light.

    2. Ripple Fangcats: Svelte hunters, hunting in pairs, their fur was like liquid shadow. They were dangerous, but their pelts provided excellent thermal insulation, and their claw harvests excelled at knife and scalpel production.

    3. Verdant Flitters: Small, winged creatures that flitted about the ripples center, their crystalline wings shed mana- saturated scales. These scales were excellent alchemical material used to stabilize volatile mixtures.

    This hunting of these beasts required much strategy and team effort. Jun''s void magic allowed him to move quietly, strike decisively, whereas Riry''s Sleeping Leviathan served as a reconnaissance of mana signatures that sort of pre-aambushed the creatures. This brought about an efficient pair for each kill, bringing not just survival but learning opportunities.

    The environment surrounding the ripple also provided ample resources beyond beasts. Jun discovered veins of the rare mineral, Ecliptium Ore, which would absorb and store light energy. With Riry''s guidance, they constructed a small forge not far from camp, fueled by mana-infused wood from the Luminth Trees, which were scattered across the area.

    Their forge became the heart of their operations. Jun, under Riry''s watchful eye, forged lightweight yet strong weapons and tools. One of his proudest creations was a pair of matching blades infused with ripple energy: Riry''s glowed with a soft, warm light, while his pulsed with a darker, shadowy aura. The two often sparred with them, their sessions filled with laughter and a playful competitiveness.

    "You know," Riry said one evening as they cleaned their weapons, "if you spent as much time on your form as you do on making these, you might actually beat me one day."

    Jun smirked. "Or maybe you''re just afraid I''ll perfect both."

    She rolled her eyes, but her smile lingered.

    Survival was not just hunting. They discovered cultivatable areas of land and farmed mana-creating crops such as Chronoweed and Glowroot. The leaves of Chronoweed, dried, formed tea restorations of stamina, and the bulbs of Glowroot could be consumed or put in potions.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    She was an alchemy master, using foraged materials to create salves, potions, and even explosive compounds. Jun often marveled at her dexterity and precision as she worked, her focus unshakable.

    "How do you know all this?" he asked one day, watching as she distilled a shimmering liquid.

    She shrugged. "Part study, part instinct. I grew up around alchemists who had all the tools and books you could dream of. I guess I just paid attention."

    He smiled. "You''re incredible, you know that?"

    Riry''s cheeks flushed faintly, and she looked away. "Don''t get sappy on me, shadow boy."

    As they stood near the ripple, they were able to test its properties. They discovered that meditating by it heightened their mana flow, and hence, they become more attuned to their respective elements. Riry''s light magic affinity started to bloom, and she was taught how to bend and shape light into constructs that are tangible, making her shields and even a small platform that she could walk on. Jun''s void magic became all the more precise to the point of surgically sharp accuracy.

    One breakthrough came when they realized they could "harmonize" with the ripple during their meditations. They could sync their energy with its rhythm and glimpse other places¡ªother dimensions. These visions were fleeting but gave them valuable insights into Gaia''s ancient past and the ripple''s role as a stabilizer of mana across the planet.

    Their notebooks would soon overflow with drawings, equations, and notes attesting to the couple''s joint awe and persistence. They spent innumerable nights slumped over a solitary lantern, talking easily from theory to some scintilla of jest.

    Wealth and Power

    within half a year, they have accumulated ample wealth. Some of these consist of:

    - Mana Crystals: Collected from the center of a ripple, they were precious to fuel spells and create magical artifacts.

    - Refined Ecliptium: Melted into bars, it was the foundation of their arms and equipment.

    - Alchemical Elixirs: Potent elixirs that amplified strength, swiftness, and magical concentration.

    - Ripple Pelts: Made into cloaks and armor, they offered unmatched protection and concealment.

    By the end of their stay, they were no longer just survivors but masters of their environment. Their skills had sharpened to a fine edge, and their bond had deepened into something unspoken yet undeniable.

    The shared struggle for survival often set blurred boundaries between friendship and much more. Their dynamic was teasing and playful, but beneath that masked a deep respect and admiration for each other. Jun was excited by Riry''s confidence and brilliance; her laughter soothed the serious face he wore most of the time. And Riry found solace in Jun''s calm strength and his strategic attack on all challenges.

    One night, as they sat by the fire, Riry stretched herself out on a blanket, hair splayed all over like some cascade of violet flames. She caught Jun looking and raised an eyebrow.

    "See something you like?" she teased, her tone softer than usual.

    Jun cleared his throat, looking away. "Just¡­ wondering how someone so reckless can also be so brilliant."

    She laughed, warm and true. "Takes one to know one, shadow boy."

    These were the moments they grew to anticipate, and in a sense, became their cadence-a playful banter shielding them both from feelings not quite ready for each other yet. The subtle contact of their hands when they exchanged tools or brief looks that slipped across during less eventful hours showed that more existed.

    The Turning Point

    On the last day of their sixth month, the ripple pulsed more strongly than ever, its light filling their camp with an almost blinding brilliance. The Leviathan and Yogundr stirred, their energy resonating in harmony with the ripple.

    "It''s calling us," Riry said, her voice tinged with awe.

    Jun nodded. "I think we''re ready."

    They stepped into the ripple together, the beast companions walking at their side. The distortion was familiar; when the light faded, they stood in a chamber unlike any they had seen before. Walls were covered with intricate carvings, chronicling the history of Gaia, and suspended at the heart of it pulsed a giant crystal filled with raw mana.

    "This is it," Riry whispered. "The heart of the ripple.".

    Jun reached out for her hand, and she didn''t pull it away. Hand in hand, they stepped towards the crystal to open up the next page of their journey.

 The First Step

    Jun walked on, the trees a dense thicket, the air thick with hum of mana, whisper of leaves. The weight of the lesson from the ripples and everything he learned of his power settled into him like an old coat, known once, changed. Every move felt charged to him, as if every shadow held a tool. Yet caution would temper his euphoria. Even to the smallest of creatures he wouldn''t touch until he knew how deep his power was.

    As he rode towards his home, which would have taken him a whole day to complete now took him four hours. His speed and endurance had increased exponentially. He felt as if he possessed an ethereal swiftness, but his mind drifted back to Riry often. Her laughter, her sharp mind, and unyielding confidence were in his mind like some melody he had learned and never forgotten. The part of him that thought they might go all the way quickly put that on the backburner. There was work to do.

    He started preparing the materials brought from the hunted Slouched Bear before he left-it was such an enormous bear, even its skin seemed to consist of layers thick with mana-enriched fibers; both too precious and extremely difficult to be handled. Jun arranged tanning leathers, pulling and drying very carefully. This was a laborious process, almost meditative, as he watched his hands stretch out the fur with practiced care as he looked at the things he could envision using the hide for.

    He twisted the sinew into thread. Each strand had to be the same thickness so as not to reduce its strength. It was arduous work, but Jun found he enjoyed the rhythmic, methodical process. Ideas flowed through his head as he worked: reinforced armor, sturdy bags, or even an experimental design for flexible mana-conductive clothing.

    ---

    That night, after cutting the sinew and hanging out the hide to dry, Jun opened a new leather journal. The new pages were waiting for his thoughts that he began to write down with deliberate strokes. It was no diary; it was a journal of his development, his discovery, and his knowledge he wanted preserved for the future.

    Quotes from Jun''s Diary:

    Shadow Magic and Void Theory:

    "The ripple has sunk deeper my relation with Yogundr and the emptiness. Now, with the depth of accuracy I did not even conceive would be within reach, I can command the shadows. It is not inside me, though an embodiment of will and feeling. The empty has no confines to it-it''s a boundlessness-a paradox with creation and annihilation. Know the duality that lets him play it with losing himself

    Crafting and Materials:

    "The Slouched Bear hide is special. If treated right, its mana-infused fibers are extremely tough but very stretchy. Initial testing seems to indicate it could be a fantastic material for some of the lightest armor without sacrificing too much mobility. Sinew also looks like it''s going to have a bright future, either in stitching or reinforcing composite materials.".

    "Riry and I determined that the ripples'' vibrational harmonization with our bestial companions wasn''t coincidence at all. It''s ancient work, part and parcel of Gaia''s structure itself. They steady flow, but any instability can present a problem for the entire realm if left alone. Tuning into the resonant frequency might give us some idea of what keeps the rips closed elsewhere."

    The pages grew dense, but so did the writings: the sketches of the Slouched Bear, diagrams for mana flow, and all manner of notations about things that might be experimented on. It was something more than a factbook, it was a testimony to the interest Jun took in his surroundings.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    On the following day, Jun concentrated on the land itself. His small homestead was quite functional but lacked the refinement he envisaged. Terraforming was a tempting prospect, but he knew better than to take actions without a study. Altering the mana flow of the land might disrupt the delicate balance of this system and so should be researched first.

    He powered up his Rigg, a thin, humming device that shot full into the power state. The interface produced a list of books for him, though most of those were endorsed by the Library Initiative of the State. Pragmatic, he needed advice on how best to improve. He selected four:

    1. "Growing Mana Gardens" by Elitha Vaerlun: This was a very thorough guide on how to grow mana-rich plants as well as techniques for cultivating Chronoweed, Glowroot, and other magical flora. It went into the use of sustainable farming practices as well as how plants were linked to mana.

    2. "The Leathercraft in a World of Mana" by Dandrin Fellweather: an extremely comprehensive guide to the craft of leatherworking, from all phases of tanning to infusion of mana in garments. Case studies of rare hides and their properties were also included.

    3. "Forging the Ether: Smithing with Mana-Infused Materials" by Torvald Hammershade A master smith''s insights into working with rare ores like Ecliptium. The book promised techniques for creating weapons and tools that harmonized with mana, offering both strength and flexibility.

    4. "Gaian Terraforming: Respecting the Balance" by Myra Lonska. A sober consideration of the dangers and benefits of terraforming. She warned against messing with the local mana flows until well-studied, and provided schematics of examples that worked.

    Jun downloaded the books on his Rigg and read through all of them together. The more he read, the more he became aware that the Gaian ecosystem was delicate and intricate with its own sense of balance and requirement for survival.

    Jun spent the rest of the days reading, and then he experimented on making a mini-greenhouse for the mana plants according to the techniques that had been given in Elitha Vaerlun''s book, with careful control that favored proper growth. Under such controlled conditions, the bulbs of the Glowroot thrived under his careful conditions and began showing an emblazoning light around its glowing hue.

    He turned to craft leather goods. With what Dandrin Fellweather said, he crafted the prototype cloak on the hide from the Slouched Bear. That was light with a tough feel with finer fibers set by a very subtle enchantment that repelled minor spells, and Jun didn''t mind, proud to have it on as hours of intense labor were behind its making.

    At sundown, he practiced forming with the recovered Ecliptium near the ripple, due to which methods of the smith, Torvald Hammershade, are most practical in working at the forming of ore into the form of the dagger that by now starts faintly glowing due to stored mana. The weapon in his hands seems to breathe - perfect as both form and function.

    Days turned into weeks, and Jun couldn''t help but think of Riry. She has this way of turning even the most mundane things into an adventure. Her quick wit and unlimited energy were inspiring sources that made him feel this way all the time. Sometimes, he just wondered how she was doing; if she was missing their repartee as much as he missed it.

    One night, outlining a design for a new mana-conductive glove, he came to stop. Perhaps the timing was excellent: it''s a good opportunity to call them out, in knowing if it were possible to help the feeling of connection he''d built evolve to something realer. And, however, went back into working, believing with every accomplishment and skill the person had conquered took him further closer to where his future laid.

    The ripples in the distance reminded him of how big Gaia was-a vast unknown yet to be explored. With his journal in hand, full of so many ideas he had in mind, Jun steeled himself for what he was yet to face; every step an evidence of relentless pursuit in quest for knowledge and mastery.

 Books

    The morning light crept through the small window of Jun''s cabin, golden and bright, across the wooden floor. The air outside carried a low hum, the faint chirping of birdlike creatures he hadn''t been able to identify. Jun sat at his workbench, a steaming mug of Chronoweed tea by his side, his Rigg open to the first of the books he had bought. His journal lay open beside it, its pages half-filled with meticulous notes and sketches.

    This morning he devoted attention to "Growing Mana Gardens," by Elitha Vaerlun, with charts and diagrams explaining optimum growing conditions for mana-rich flora written with a very academic level of detail and was careful with a pen and pencil across a page of a journal making note:.

    Chronoweed prefers shade but tolerates indirect exposure to mana. Glowroot is a high humidity and stable current of mana producer. Would such an artificial conduit for mana stabilize both in the same plot? Possible prototype: carved mana stones arranged in circular array to resemble natural flow

    He slumped into the chair and rubbed his temples with his fingertips; this was no lightweight stuff, but the information sometimes makes the ache worthwhile. He found Vaerlun meticulous, he decided-overcautious-and that''s fitting for what he liked, an orderly self. It was coming together so nice on how what the plants had going with one another would cooperate and even on how he might be able to recreate what he wrote.

    Later, Jun went outside, where he had constructed a simple greenhouse made of whatever the forest and his stockpiles provided. The house was sturdy enough, held tight with mana-treaded rope to keep it from shaking in the gusts which buffeted the edges of the ripple.

    As he settled Glowroot, his shadow snake, into its bed, Yogundr wrapped himself placidly about a post.

    "You are meticulous to a fault, Jun," Yogundr''s voice echoed in his mind. "Not that it''s unwelcome. Precision often precedes survival."

    Jun smirked. "I''ll take that as a compliment."

    He planted the Glowroot bulbs with care, adjusting the soil mixture based on Vaerlun''s specifications. Every now and then, he consulted his journal, comparing his setup to the book''s guidelines.

    Jun spent afternoons reading Dandrin Fellweather''s "The Art of Leathercraft in a Mana-Rich World." The voice was almost chatty, in an almost playful way, with the tones of Vaerlun.

    "The leather is a beast that will not be broken easily," Fellweather wrote. "Treat it wrong, and it will bite back. But coax it with patience, and you''ll have a lifelong companion."

    Jun smiled to himself at the metaphor as he worked on the Slouched Bear hide. Fellweather''s advice on layering mana-infused oils into the leather so it becomes stronger had proven itself helpful, he thought. He massaged the shimmering substance into the hide, captivated by its texture.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    "If I apply the same pressure, perhaps a pliable weave is possible when crosslinking," he thought to himself and placed the idea into his notebook. "Possible applications: light weight armor or travelling duffel."

    Afternoons spent in smithies, studying after "Forging the Ether" by Torvald Hammershade. The pages were both inked and sooted where an author wrote without being ashamed of getting a little dirty himself. Blunt yet inspiring words in the stories of failed experiments and hard-won wisdom.

    Magic is no substitute for skill. Enchantments amplify, but the soul of any fine weapon lies in its making.

    Jun''s furnace roared with mana-infused flames as he hammered at the Ecliptium ore. Sweat ran down his face, but he did not desist, his movements directed by the beat of hammer blows and Hammershade''s tuition. He stopped often to scribble in his journal.

    "Ecliptium responds better to slow, deliberate shaping. Rushing the process creates fractures that weaken the final product. Possible enchantments: light-based resonance to enhance durability without increasing weight."

    He checked the dagger he had worked on earlier. Cool, with a smooth edge, that ran under his fingers. Balancing, that seemed to come alive in his hands; his core pulsed dully with held mana. In his chest, a glow began, warmth, satisfaction, in seeing all the things that one day could be.

    Jun never forgot his magic in those studies. Any time his mind would grow tired from reading or writing, he''d step out into the night to practice his powers. Shadows all around him seemed eager to be responsive to his will, and they moved about and twisted themselves as if they danced to the intent he put forth.

    He tried, under the direction of Yogundr, to experiment with light and shadow together. One exercise was constructing, shields, spears, even fine threads by weaving together light and shadow. He learned very slowly but surely.

    "Focus on the balance," Yogundr taught. "Light reveals; shadow hides. Both are needed for balance."

    Jun nodded, furrowing his brow as he fashioned a shadow blade, its edge glinting faintly with refracted light. He was spent when he finished it, but there was something sweet in the success.

    In free moments Jun found himself thinking of Riry. She had seemed so intelligent, full of energy that he found himself doodling passively about her in the margins of his journal.

    Riry''s alchemy inspires. She has an intuitive grasp of mana flow, adding her own precision planning into it. Potential collaboration: alchemical compounds with leather or metal for hybrid designs.

    He laughed at himself and shut the journal with a small smile. "Focus, Jun. There''s still plenty of time for that."

    Weeks slid by in that rhythm of learning and doing and thinking, sewing through the days. Jun''s journal expanded pages-new day by day; so did the spines of his books, cracked and doodled into with his marginalia. His greenhouse was bursting forth; his forge, producing tool after better tool and weapon, and his magic sharper, honed.

    It was already evening when he decided to go through the notes, and everything made sense for him then.

    "Yogundr," he said out loud, with an excited tone. "The energy of the ripple could be harnessed to stabilize the flow of mana in tools and structures. If I integrate what I learned from Hammershade and Vaerlun, maybe I can make something that''s both functional and symbiotic with Gaia''s ecosystem."

    "An ambitious goal, Yogundr replied. But ambition has always suited you."

    Jun smiled, his pen moving quickly over the page in outlining his next experiment. Share his findings, he thought on Riry crossing his mind-whether she too would be nearly as excited for him.

    As night fell, ripples seemed in the distance echoing his sense of purpose; the hum of the water said that Jun''s journey was far from over but for the first time in his life, he felt ready for whatever lay ahead.

 A Common Day

    Jun''s door was rapped with the rhythmic rhythm that jarred the still morning. He set down his pen and his journal lying under it, half-filled by the jotted notes and sketches of the night before. Yogundr stirs around his shoulders, its head lifting lazily as though equally curious of the interruption.

    That is coming, Jun called out, getting out of his desk. Opening the door, he found Riry standing there, hands on hips, and that bad habit of mischief in her grin. Purple Hair shone brightly during the morning sun and behind was she hovering a shimmering of a Sleeping Leviathan, a faint glow emitted from its ethereal body.

    You''re alive after all, Riry goaded, striding past him into the cabin without waiting for an invitation. "I was starting to think you''d gone full hermit on me."

    Jun closed the door, suppressing a chuckle. "Good morning to you too. What brings you out here?

    "You, of course. Somebody has to remind you not to drown in piles of books or try to turn the place into a livable planet through some accident." Her eyes narrowed at him. "You never take a break, Jun. You know normal people do breaks."

    Jun shrugged once more, scratching at his neck. "There''s work to be done. But now you''re here, so¡­ He gestured to the cups.".

    Riry flopped down across the clutter of his workbench, her glance lighting on the open journal, and the half-hundred assorted tools. "Tea would be nice, then," she said. "And maybe, I''ll get you to knock off for five minutes".

    They sat down a few minutes later, mugs of steaming Chronoweed tea between them. The rich earthy aroma of the brew filled the cabin, mingling with faint scents of leather and metal emanating from Jun''s various projects.

    "So," Riry said, blowing on her tea. "What''s the latest in your grand plans? Terraforming? World domination?"

    Jun smiled cynically. "Neither. I''ve been working on getting ripple energy into tools and structures. Books I read have given me some nice insights, but there''s much too much left out."

    "Gaps I could probably fill," Riry said, leaning forward. "Come on, let me see."

    Jun handed her his journal, and she flipped through it, furrowing her brow in concentration. "You''re thorough, I''ll give you that. But." She pointed to one of his sketches. "Here. If you are stabilizing mana flow through this conduit, you''re going to need a second grounding point. Otherwise, it will loop back and overload."

    "Good catch," Jun admitted, making a note. "That''s why I need you around more often."This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    Riry''s grin spread. "Careful, shadow boy. Keep flattering me like that, and I might never leave."

    ---

    Afternoon was falling over the city, and Jun still read aloud from "Cultivating Mana Gardens," his voice steady as he struggled through the dense text. Riry listened intently, occasionally interjecting with corrections or trivia.

    "Vaerlun really underestimated Glowroot''s adaptability," she said at one point. "In the wild, I''ve seen it grow in almost barren soil as long as there''s a decent mana current nearby."

    "I''ll add that to the notes," Jun replied, jotting it down. "You''ve seen a lot more of Gaia than I have.".

    "Perks of being a Bomra," Riry said with a shrug. "We''re supposed to ''understand the land we''re meant to protect,'' or something like that."

    Jun glanced at her, his tone softening. "Does it ever bother you? All the expectations?"

    She hesitated, her gaze dropping to her tea. "Sometimes. But out here? With you? It doesn''t feel so heavy."

    Warmth bloomed in his chest, but he didn''t raise his eyes from the book. "I am glad,

    As the day grew old, Riry relaxed, and she rested, her tenseness oozing out and away into some quiet comfort within. Her chin sank down to nestle upon one hand as she regarded Jun while he read of "Forging the Ether" in that very low, smooth cadence of sound, rolling her words over him like some lullaby.

    "You''re doing well at this," she mumbled, her eyelids drooping. "Actually makes me think you should have been a teacher or something."

    "Not sure I''m patient enough for that," Jun replied with a small smile.

    Riry''s head drops to the side, breathing slows, and she falls asleep. Jun looks up from his book to find that she has fallen asleep. For a moment, he just looks at her, taking in the relaxed lines of her face and the way her hair shimmers even in the dim light of the cabin.

    He got up quietly and fetched a blanket, which he wrapped over her shoulders. Yogundr uncoiled a little, watching the scene with a faint hiss of approval.

    "You are getting attached to her," the shadow snake said.

    Jun didn''t say anything. He sat back down and went back to his work. But the faint smile on his lips remained.

    Jun''s Journal Entry:

    Today was something I did not expect, yet it was good. Riry came around breaking my solitude once again and reminding me to live. The whole day has been spent by us comparing notes and the books I am reading. She''s brilliant¡ªhow she filled in all the gaps which I had not even looked for or even noticed, making stories out of concepts that seemed abstract and hollow otherwise.

    She corrected Vaerlun''s assessment of Glowroot, adding her firsthand observations of its adaptability. She also pointed out a flaw in my conduit design, which might have cost me hours of experimentation later. I''m grateful for her perspective and her company. It''s easy to lose myself in my work, but she pulls me back into the world.

    Riry slept till evening hours; but I lie awake thinking much how much I depended on her. Not only has she knowhow, but has also brought brightness into this small cabin. Riry is really not a coworker or simply a friend to me; she somehow became an inalienable factor in this overall journey.

    Tomorrow, I''ll work on revising the conduit design and continue the experiments with Ecliptium. But tonight, I''ll let myself appreciate the peace she''s brought to this place.

 Foundations

    Sunlight filtered into Jun''s cabin through the trees next morning, casting dappled patterns on the wooden floor. Riry was already awake; her Sleeping Leviathan circled slowly near the window, its translucent body flashing rainbow hues of light. Jun stirred himself from his room, rubbing his eyes and biting off a yawn.

    "Morning, shadow boy," Riry chirped from her seat at the workbench, where she was flipping through Jun''s journal. "I couldn''t resist. Your notes are fascinating."

    Jun grunted, padding toward the kettle to make tea. "I thought the unspoken rule of house guests was not snooping."

    "Snooping? Hardly. I''m refining your work," Riry said, holding up a page covered with a rough sketch of a mana conduit. "This? Genius. But you''re leaving open the door to ambient mana absorption."

    Jun poured two mugs of tea and passed one to her as he sat down across from her. "Okay. So what do you have?"

    Riry smiled and began talking over her concept, her hands gesticulating animatedly. Jun found himself smiling despite the early hour. Her energy was infectious, and her insights were, as usual, invaluable.

    Out of doors they stood, by mid-morning, near the edge of Jun''s homestead. He had come up with the idea while he was over breakfast. The great oven and smoker hybrid, said he. It could be an outdoor hearth as well as cook, preserve foods, and even the small, tiny forge for small jobs. Next to this one, he''d have his blacksmithing section-perhaps a shaded work space and also rack for tools.

    An oven that''s also a smoker? Riry raised his eyebrow. Ambitious. I like it.

    It will take work, though, Jun admitted. But if we design it just right, it will last. And it''ll fit the land, not sit on top of it.

    Fit the land? Riry repeated.

    Jun gestured out at the trees and the ground''s slope. Permaculture. Work with what already is there. The land decides the shape of the thing.

    Riry smiled and looked back at him, the look slightly sidelong. "You know, most people just buy resources for a project like this. But you? Foraging out here, building everything by hand? That''s. kinda sexy."

    Jun blushed all the way up and quickly turned to look at another tree, just so he wouldn''t have to watch Riry smirking any longer. "Let''s. just focus on getting materials, then."

    Riry snickered softly. "Whatever you say, shadow boy."

    The two spent the next few hours scouring the forest for what they needed. Jun led the way, pointing out stones appropriate for the base of the oven and clay deposits near a stream. Riry gathered bundles of firewood while her Leviathan helped by lighting up shaded areas with its glow.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    "I''m still surprised that you''d actually do this just to avoid a market purchase for bricks," said Riry with a chuckle, tossing the piece of driftwood into the growing pile before them.

    "No, it is not just over the materials; it''s personal if you build like this. Not something dropped there, but with the land in mind," stated Jun.

    With a tilt in her head to study him Riry said "You know you''re way more sentimental than you seem."

    Jun shrugged, his cheeks tinged pink. "Maybe."

    By the afternoon, they had everything they needed. Jun used his shadow magic to move the heavier stones, while Riry employed light-based constructs to reinforce their temporary carrying devices. The teamwork was seamless, their powers complementing each other as naturally as their banter.

    "You''re getting better at this," Riry remarked as Jun levitated a particularly large stone into place.

    "Practice," he said, grinning. "And good company."

    She laughed. "Flatterer."

    The oven came together fast. Jun laid out the stones in a ring pattern and layered clay between them to seal gaps. Riry used her magic and dried the clay faster, making it smooth and strong. The design included two chambers: one for smoking and one for baking, with holes to equalise airflow.

    Beside it, they erected the blacksmithing area. Jun raised a shade for cover using reinforced Ripple Fangcat skins as its roofing. Tool hangers lined one side, and a stone anvil base sat ready to place Jun''s portable forge.

    "It''s¡­ almost cozy," Riry said, stepping back to inspect their handiwork.

    Jun nodded, wiping sweat off his forehead. "Functional and efficient. And it blends in."

    "It''s very you," she said softly. When he turned to look at her, she added with a smirk, "Efficient and a little rough around the edges."

    Jun rolled his eyes, but he couldn''t hide his smile.

    They spent the evening testing the oven. Jun prepared a slab of Prism Elk meat they had smoked earlier in the week, while Riry experimented with Glowroot bulbs, roasting them until their natural sweetness emerged.

    "Not bad," Riry said, popping a piece of roasted Glowroot into her mouth. "You might actually be good at this cooking thing."

    "High praise coming from you," Jun teased.

    They dined under the stars, the shine from the ripple off in the distance casting an odd, glowing air over their supper. Conversation was easy and switched between ideas for future projects to lighthearted taunts. As they finished eating, Riry leaned back in her chair, her gaze aimed at the sky.

    "This place¡­ it feels like home," she whispered softly. "Not just because it''s yours."

    Jun looked up at her and felt that the words became warm between them. He didn''t say, but the curve in his mouth made it known what he wanted to say.

    Jun''s diary entry :

    Today, Riry and I constructed the oven-smoker and added more blacksmithing space. It is in accordance with permaculture principles to have structures fit into natural landscape. I am proud of the oven design, with a double-chambered and shaded forge configuration. They feel like part of this land rather than intruding into it.

    Riry''s insights are precious. She is a very perfect thinking partner to go with this creativity touch in the way of her thinking makes her a great match for such projects. She remarked how rare it was that one is scrounging instead of shopping. That prompted one of her typical sardonic comments. How weird is that how much her nod matters to me. Perhaps not that weird.

    The day ended with a shared meal under the stars. Simple food, good company, and the satisfaction of a day well spent. These are the moments that make everything worth it. Tomorrow we will work on the Ecliptium.

 Bond

    It was one of those entirely predictable yet somehow soothing mornings when birds called out, leaves rustled gently in the wind, and at a far distance, there was the soft hum of ripples of energy. Jun pushed open the door to find Riry already coming up to the forge, examining the work they''d put together the day before. Her Sleeping Leviathan drifted by her shoulder, casting faint rainbows across her face with its reflection of the sun.

    "Good morning," Jun called, stretching out his arms. Yogundr stirred lazily around his shoulders, watching with his usual quiet intensity.

    "Morning, shadow boy," Riry replied without looking up. Her hands flew over the tools, setting them in neat rows. "Did you actually sleep, or were you up all night writing in that journal of yours?"

    "Both," Jun said, getting up to walk over to her. "What''s with the organization spree?"

    Riry looked at him, hands planted on her hips. "We''re working with Ecliptium today. That stuff doesn''t forgive and your forge does. let''s just say it''s got room for improvement."

    Jun raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were an alchemist, not a smith."

    Riry shook her head and grinned. "I''m both, thank you very much, and lucky for you, I''ve got enough experience to keep us from blowing ourselves up.

    The day''s work started with preparation. Jun gathered the Ecliptium ore they had collected near the ripple weeks ago, its faintly glowing surface catching the light as he carried it to the forge. Riry inspected the ore, nodding approvingly.

    Good quality, she said. "But without proper bellows and tongs, we''re going to have a really hard time holding the temperature up."

    Jun frowns. "I ¡­ don''t have those."

    Riry sighed theatrically. "Of course you don''t. Why am I not surprised? Fine. We improvise."

    "You''re very opinionated for a guest," Jun muttered, but there was no bite in his words.

    "And you''re very under-prepared for a smith," Riry retorted with a grin. "Face it, Jun. You need me."

    Jun shook his head, concealing a smile as he put the ore down. "Let''s just get started."

    They worked side by side, Riry guiding Jun step-by-step toward creating a kind of bellows using thick leather and strong wooden frames that were putting out the maximum flow of air; the forge had to be heated no more than necessary.

    "This is how it goes," she instructed, tucking his hands atop hers as together they worked to pump the bellows. "Smooth, consistent pulse. Don''t hurry it up."

    "I''m not rushing," Jun protested, though the warmth of her hands on his made it hard to focus.

    "You are. Shadow boy, if you rush this, the Ecliptium will crack, and we''ll have to start all over."

    "Fine, fine," Jun muttered, adjusting his pace.

    Their banter continued as they heated the ore, hammering it into workable form. Sparks flew at each strike and the rhythmic clang of metal echoed through the clearing. Jun''s hammer had slipped at one point, shooting a small shard of Ecliptium skittering across the ground.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    "Watch it!" Riry scolded, grabbing the shard. "You nearly broke it there. Seriously, how do you survive out here without me?"

    Jun crossed his arms, his voice dry. "I manage just fine. Thanks."

    Riry leaned in closer, smirking. "Do you, though?"

    Their eyes met, and the teasing gave way to a moment of quiet tension. They both blushed, quickly turning back to their work as if the exchange hadn''t happened.

    By midday, the Ecliptium had been hammered and folded into two tiny ingots each with its surface glowing with a light from within. Jun held one of them up in marvel at how it seemed to pulsate faintly with mana

    "It''s unbelievable," he said. "As though it is alive."

    Riry nodded, swabbing at sweat droplets on her brow. "That''s what Ecliptium is. It''s not a metal; it''s a pathway. If we treat it right, it''ll amplify whatever we channal through it."

    Thank God you''re here to help me, Jun said seriously, "I didn''t know what in the world to do by myself."

    The smile thawed from Riry''s lips. "Thank you. And now, let it be said-you''re not half bad, for an amateur."

    Jun closed his eyes to that and wouldn''t smile through them, still couldn''t.

    After all, it was magic practice time and something both were eager to delve into more. They sat by the ripple, pulsating energy flowing steadily as they meditated, reaching out into its flow.

    "Space-time magic is about balance," Riry said softly. "You don''t force it; you align with it. Think of it like ¡­ riding a wave."

    Jun nodded, his eyes closing over. He listened to the ripple''s rhythm and attuned his mind to the tide and current. Very gradually, he started to feel threads of space and time gathering around him, so subtle that they waited only to be woven together.

    Good, Riry whispered. Now try to draw in just a little of it toward you. Not too much. Just enough to feel the connection.

    Jun stretched out his hand, and a faint shimmer appeared in the air before him. He opened his eyes, marveling at the way the distortion twisted and swirled.

    "It''s¡­ beautiful," he murmured.

    Riry grinned. "It is, but don''t get too attached. Space-time doesn''t care about pretty. It''ll swallow you whole if you''re not careful."

    "You always know how to help me feel confident," Jun said dryly.

    "It''s a gift," Riry said with a grin back at him.

    Almost every hour he spent practicing made little advance with a slow start, but one was steady; Riry focused his efforts on creating stable structures-small, glowing platforms floating in the air. Jun has experimented on bent shadows through ripples; and with them was able to create only brief, flickering portals for different points at the clearing.

    And as the sun dipped below the horizon, the two looked at each other, exhaustion and satisfaction waning on their faces. Leah and Yogundr rested nearby, spent of energy yet sated.

    "This¡­ this was a good day," Riry said quietly. "I think we''re onto something here."

    Jun nodded, eyes still on the ripple. "Yeah. And I think if we keep at it, there''s no telling how far we can go."

    They looked at each other, a shared determination passing between them.

    "Promise me we''ll keep doing this," Riry said. "The magic, the experiments, all of it."

    Jun held out his hand, and she took it without hesitation. "I promise."

    Jun''s Journal Excerpt :

    Today I helped shape Ecliptium with Riry. Unrivaled experience of having worked under a blacksmith and though she did tease me the whole day through, I wouldn''t have been able to do this without her. It''s pretty arduous in itself, but worthwhile and this is something nobody could even try to describe or even say something comparable to the texture

    Afternoon practice near the ripple in space-time magic. I am starting to get a feel for its flow and how to line up with it rather than trying to force it. Riry''s constructs are amazing, and her guidance really made all the difference. We both made tremendous progress today, and I feel stronger-more connected to this place and its magic.

    This work will continue together, and we will try to see up to what degree we can pursue a push on understanding. It doesn''t matter whose power or who has knowledge-it''s about the ability to produce something together; it''s the ability to generate something. That''s what makes me look forward to tomorrow

 A year in tandem

    Jun and Riry''s year together unfolded like a tapestry, each thread woven from shared experiences, growth, and the occasional clash of personalities. They fell into a rhythm, alternating between intense days of work and blissful moments of relaxation. Their bond deepened until they were as inseparable as their beast companions, Yogundr and the Sleeping Leviathan.

    On lazy days, the pair foraged for rare forest components, their laughter echoing through the woods as they debated the uses of the flora and fauna they collected. The forest became their playground, yielding treasures like:

    Gilded Puffcaps: A rare, golden mushroom that released spores infused with mana. These were used in alchemy to enhance stamina and resilience. Shadowbark Trees: Their dark, sturdy wood was ideal for crafting tools and furniture, while their sap could be distilled into a potent adhesive. Moonspike Ferns: Delicate plants with silvery leaves, their extracts useful for stabilizing volatile alchemical mixtures. Starweave Silkspinners: Small, mana-attuned spiders whose silk could be harvested to create enchanted threads for clothing or weapon bindings.

    The beasts they hunted provided an equally rich bounty:

    Crystal Hart: Its shimmering antlers were ground into powder for alchemical enhancements, while its hide was used for lightweight armor. Abyssal Fangcat: This sleek predator''s claws and teeth made excellent tools, and its shadowy pelt offered unparalleled camouflage. Mana-Scaled Raptors: Their scales were refined into protective plates for armor, and their blood was a key ingredient in vitality potions.

    On more industrious days, the two worked side by side. Jun''s hands grew calloused from tanning hides and hammering metal, while Riry''s expertise in alchemy and smithing brought a precision to their creations. They bickered constantly, their voices a mix of exasperation and fondness.

    "You can''t just hammer it like that," Riry scolded one day as Jun worked a piece of Abyssal Fangcat hide. "It''ll lose its elasticity."

    "You''ve said that five times already," Jun replied, exasperated. "I''m not an idiot."

    Riry smirked. "Could''ve fooled me."

    Jun glared at her. "You''re insufferable."

    "And you''re slow," Riry shot back, but the grin tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement.

    They both paused, realizing how their bickering resembled an old married couple''s. Their cheeks flushed, and they turned back to their work in awkward silence, though the air between them was warm with unspoken affection.

    One of the highlights of their year was the significant change in their stats, as shown on their Riggs:

    Juniper Green

    Age: 31

    Credit: 6,500

    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.Strength: 32

    Agility: 43

    Intelligence: 55

    Mana: 1000/1000

    Mana Purity: 50%

    Beast: ???

    Type: Symbiosis

    Stigmata: Inside Out

    Riry Bomra

    Age: 89

    Credit: 650,000

    Strength: 180

    Agility: 176

    Intelligence: 350

    Mana: 10,000/10,000

    Mana Purity: 80%

    Beast: ???

    Type: Symbiosis

    Stigmata: Forge

    They compared their stats one evening, sitting around a fire after a long day of work.

    "I''m happy with my progress," Jun said, sipping his tea. "But seeing your numbers makes me feel like a novice."

    Riry shrugged. "You''ve come a long way. Stats aren''t everything." She winked. "Though they do help."

    Jun rolled his eyes. "Thanks for the encouragement."

    "Anytime, shadow boy."

    To celebrate their growth, they decided to spar the next morning. The clearing near the ripple became their arena, and their beast companions watched from the sidelines, observing the match with keen interest.

    Jun drew his shadow blade, its edges flickering with void energy. Riry, in contrast, wielded a glowing hammer, its head pulsing with light.

    "You ready?" Riry asked, her stance relaxed but poised.

    "As I''ll ever be," Jun replied.

    Riry moved first, her hammer swinging with deceptive speed. Jun barely dodged, shadows coiling around his feet to push him out of range.

    "Too slow," Riry taunted, her grin widening.

    Jun countered with a shadow tendril, aiming to trip her, but she leapt gracefully over it, landing with a flourish. "Nice try," she said.

    "Stop talking and fight," Jun growled, charging forward.

    Their blows collided, light and shadow clashing in bursts of energy. Jun focused on exploiting openings, darting in and out with his agility, while Riry''s strength allowed her to dominate the battlefield. Despite the disparity in power, Jun''s tactics kept her on her toes.

    "You''ve gotten better," Riry admitted as she blocked another strike. "But you''re still holding back."

    "Maybe I''m saving my best for last," Jun retorted.

    "Or maybe you''re scared I''ll break you," Riry teased, stepping forward with a feint that forced Jun to retreat.

    Their duel continued for nearly an hour, both of them pushing their limits. Jun''s stamina waned first, his movements growing sluggish. Riry noticed and stepped back, lowering her hammer slightly.

    "That''s enough," she said. "You did well, but you''re not ready for a full match yet."

    Jun scowled but nodded. "I''ll get there."

    Riry smiled, reaching out to tousle his hair. "I know you will. You''re stubborn enough to make it happen."

    The following month was focused on combat and hunting. They worked together to take down challenging beasts, adding to their growing trove of materials. Each creature presented new opportunities for crafting and alchemy:

    Verdant Basilisks: Their scales were highly reflective, used in light-based enchantments. Their venom, when diluted, enhanced focus and clarity. Flarehorn Stags: These creatures'' antlers emitted a faint glow, useful in making lanterns and mana-storing artifacts. Ironback Golems: Their rocky hides contained trace amounts of rare metals, perfect for forging advanced tools.

    They also harvested rare herbs and fungi:

    Crimson Tears: A deep red berry with potent healing properties. Mana Mistletoe: A parasitic plant that absorbed ambient mana, ideal for creating restorative potions. Golden Caps: A luminous fungus that enhanced the potency of mana-infused brews.

    Each hunt and foraging trip brought them closer, their teamwork seamless and their bond undeniable. They lived like a couple in all but name, their feelings for each other evident in the quiet moments they shared and the trust they placed in one another.

    One evening, as they sat by the fire, Jun looked over at Riry. "Thanks for sticking around," he said softly.

    Riry tilted her head, her smile warm. "You''re not so bad, shadow boy. I think I''ll keep you around a little longer."

    They laughed, the sound carrying through the night, a testament to the year they had spent building something neither of them could have predicted.

 Escape and Battle

    The shadows stretched long over the sprawl of the wilderness as Riry leaned against a moss-covered boulder, catching her breath. Her Sleeping Leviathan companion pulsed faintly, like a beacon, floating calmly beside her. She had been running for days, avoiding every road and safehouse known to her family. With every step forward, she defied the life she was born into.

    Riry Bomra was bred into the proud blood of Bomra. Privilege had never known any lack of her, nor the expectations that surrounded her. Family members sat on an empire born upon the back and sweat and toil of many generations spanning over vast swaths of tracts of land around the peaks of the Mana Veil. To Riry, that legacy weighed like chains: splendor and power-the shackles to be broken.

    She had renounced all that for something far greater-than meaning and truth, far from the desolate halls of political ambition, away from the presence of her father-Lord Vortan Bomra whose will-to-power and boundless greed know no satiety of time and experience.

    And here she is.

    It was the soft rumble of a mana-powered skimmer cutting through the air, and Riry''s head jerked up from where she''d settled on her tail, her sharp eyes catching the sleek, silver glint of the imperial craft weaving through the treetops. Her Leviathan hissed faintly as its translucent form curled protectively around her shoulders.

    "They''re here," she panted, her fingers digging tighter into the hilt of her light-blade. She looked to the shadows close by, where Jun stepped silently into view, Yogundr curled tight around his arm.

    "We have to go," Jun said, his voice firm but urgent. "They won''t quit till they get you."

    Riry nodded but didn''t budge. She fidgeted with the utility belt straps, then drew out her blade. "Running won''t cut it anymore. They''ll just keep on hunting me." She looked at Jun with a burning gaze. "It is time for standing and fighting."

    Jun paused, and then nodded again. "Then let''s make them rue for doing so.

    Imperial guards stood perfectly in line. Obsidian armor, with runes placed upon it that glowed with an ethereal light, helped them move like a military team with a definite purpose. All of them were carrying mana-forged arms. Their movements were amplified through the enchantment of their exosuit. Amidst all of them, Captain Allis Vray stood, looking at all of them with a cold and calculating aspect, all of her postures radiating authority.

    "Riry Bomra." Captain Vray bellowed, his shout amplified by his magic. "In the name of Lord Bomra, retreat back to home. Surrender now, and none of you will be so much as so much as even scratched."Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    Riry stepped out as her bright light-blade lit up so brightly that she could hear its clamor like the buzz of victory. "Tell Vortan I''ve played enough to be his play thing.".

    Captain''s eyes darkened. "Rebellion is sure to invite agony. Make it easier, for yourself at least."

    ¡°You should worry about yourselves,¡± Riry shot back, raising her blade. ¡°Because I¡¯m not going quietly.¡±

    With a nod from Vray, the guards charged.

    ---

    Chaos erupted in the clearing. Riry''s sword slid with fluid precision into the first rank of guards, slicing through their ranks, as Jun moved like a ghost, his void-forged swords in hand as he carried them into their ranks. Yogundr coiled in and lashed out, dragging a screaming soldier into darkness as a light burst, billowing in blinding radiance, knocked the advancing troops back through Riry''s Leviathan.

    Not a drop of mercy could be seen by the guards; yet they were that agile. Decades of torture exercises had polished their plans, their coordination perfect. Riry panted in short breaths as she parried an attack vortex created by two guards, her muscles burning from strain.

    "Jun!" she yelled as she evaded a blast of mana energy. "I am surrounded!"

    Jun appeared beside her, his shadow blade deflecting a strike aimed at her back. ¡°Stay close,¡± he said, his voice steady despite the chaos. ¡°We¡¯re stronger together.¡±

    They fought side by side; their movements seemed chiseled to perfection as if they had trained for years. However, the guards were too many and their enchanted weapons began to overwhelm them. Suddenly, there was an explosion of energy that sent both Jun and Riry sprawling, their weapons skidding out of reach.

    She waned. And up she got, stumbled, slipping on her legs within her dress. Captain Vray slowly stepped. She walked towards Aislyn and the captain sword flashed intent lethal intent. "You have fought well," she said, close to a deferential voice. "This however is accomplished.

    She hadn''t time to say a word. Burning slid down along her side. She looked down, saw that her tunic was spreading darkening blood over the fabric there. Jun knelt beside her, groaning as he touched at his own leg, that gashed down there crimson red and deep within his skin.

    "Riry," he gasped hoarsely. "Sorry."

    She gritted her jaw in place and kept herself upright. "This''s not over yet," she muttered, gripping the knife in shaking hands. The chance to stab before she got there didn''t last, however as Captain Vray gestured. A bolt of mana energy was unleashed that crushed into Riry, immobilizing her.

    Dimly, out of the corner of her eye, Riry felt that Jun''s eyes went crazy at the same moment she felt her line-of-sight torn out of her control

    ---

    When Riry opened her eyes, she found that she was tied to the skimmer, her wounds roughly bandaged. The drone of the craft''s engines filled her ears as the horizon smeared outside the window. Captain Vray sat across from her, her face a mask.

    "You should have quit, the captain said finally. "It didn''t have to end like this."

    Riry''s eyes flashed with defiance, though the pain seemed to have weakened her a little. "You don''t know anything about me."

    Vray''s gaze softened a little. "I know enough. Your father isn''t a forgiving man. You''ll wish you had stayed hidden."

    Riry turned her head aside to refuse to talk. In the background, the tops of Mana Veil stood severely pointing toward the home land she wanted to forget long time ago. Her fist was clenching tight as she muttered silently that she will come back: this time; no; next time would be different. She would return but this time it will be different as she will triumph.