《Edge Of The Frozen Dawn》


 Information

    Prologue: The Awakening of an Uncertain Fate


    In a world where snow-covered forests meet towering mountains and lush plains, a young man awakens, alone and without memories. His name: Veil.


    Lost in this hostile universe, he will have to face far more than monstrous creatures lurking in the shadows. Every battle, every encounter, every choice will bring him closer to fragments of his past. But this path is far from clear.


    This journey will push him beyond his limits, forcing him to fight terrifying enemies and survive against forces beyond comprehension. Yet the fiercest battles aren''t always external. Within him lies a darkness he doesn''t yet understand¡ªa force as capable of destruction as it is of salvation.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    What if this world was waiting for him to be its hero?


    And what if, despite all the signs, he was nothing more than a shadow destined to consume everything?


    Important Information:


    Official Launch: The first 16 chapters will be released on 01/06/2025to immerse you directly into the story.


    Publication Schedule:After that, 2 new chapters will be released everyMonday and Friday.


    Interaction:Your feedback, comments, and votes are essential to bring this adventure to life. Don''t hesitate to share your thoughts!


    Thank you for joining this epic journey. Get ready to explore a world rich with mysteries, sacrifices, and discoveries. Veil''s story is just beginning...

 ARC 1 - Chapter 1 : A Mundane End, An Unexpected Beginning

    A modest apartment. The walls are white, the furniture simple yet neatly arranged. The sound of running water echoes continuously from the small bathroom. Steam rises, fogging up the mirror above the sink.


    Veil (internal thoughts): "Nothing beats a good shower after a long day..."


    He turns off the water. The warmth of the room contrasts with the cold air seeping under the door. Veil pulls back the shower curtain, reaching for the towel hanging to the side, but it slips to the floor.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Veil (sighs): "Of course... Figures..."


    He steps one foot out of the bathtub, still wet, and places it on the smooth floor. The sole of his foot slides. His balance breaks.


    Veil (grimacing): "No, no, no!"


    He flails his arms in an attempt to steady himself, but he loses control. His head hits the edge of the sink with a loud thud. The sound reverberates in the bathroom, followed by an eerie silence. His body slowly slumps to the floor as his vision blurs. The white ceiling becomes fuzzy, shading into gray, then black.


    Veil (internal thoughts): "Huh... is this... the end... already...?"


    The warmth of the floor against his skin fades. His mind drifts. Total darkness surrounds him, but in the distance, a bright light bursts forth.

 Chapter 2 : The Eyes of the Void

    Floating in an endless space, there is neither up nor down. An absolute void¡ªno sound, no sensation of cold or warmth. Just the feeling of "being there."


    Veil (voice trembling): "What... is this?"


    Specks of white and golden light appear in the distance, swirling like fireflies. These lights gather into a large circle, expanding more and more. A luminous halo engulfs him.


    Veil (panicking): "Wait, wait! What''s happening?! Am I falling?!"


    His body is pulled through the circle. The sensation of falling becomes real. Wind lashes against his face as his arms flail in the emptiness. The sky shifts colors, from black to deep blue, then to blinding white. Clouds spiral around him, and the specks of light multiply.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Veil (screaming): "No, no, no, NO! Stop! Stop this!"


    His body keeps plummeting, endlessly. Time seems to stretch, each second feeling like an eternity.


    Veil (internal thoughts): "Is this... is this a dream? No... I can feel it... All of this... I can feel it..."


    He glances downward. Below him lies an absolute nothingness¡ªa black, infinite expanse, incomprehensible and vast. The white lights swirl around him as though observing him.


    Veil (internal thoughts): "Where is... the ground? Where is... anything?"


    A thick mist begins to form around him. It spreads slowly, covering the infinite horizon with a milky haze. The contours of this space blur, as if reality itself is uncertain.


    Vague shapes emerge from the mist. Ephemeral shadows, shifting and unidentifiable. They don''t speak, but an invisible presence weighs on his shoulders.


    Veil (internal thoughts): "What is that...? Why does it feel like I''m being watched...?"


    The oppressive feeling of being observed grows stronger. Veil turns around quickly, but nothing solid comes into view. The mist moves, writhing like tendrils of smoke.


    He closes his eyes as the specks of light intensify, wrapping his body in a radiant cocoon.


    Silence.

 Chapter 3 : In the Embrace of the Cold

    Silence. Then, a faint rustling of wind through the trees. Whirling snowflakes dance in the air. The ground, a radiant white, sparkles under a diffuse light. A column of brilliant light pierces the heavens, fading slowly.


    At the center of this column lies Veil, arms outstretched, his back against the snow. His breathing is slow, his eyelids quivering.


    Veil (groaning): "It''s... cold... so... cold..."


    He slowly opens his eyes. A grayish sky looms above him, framed by snow-covered branches of towering conifers. He blinks several times, his thoughts struggling to settle.


    Veil (staring at his hands): "My... hands? Why... what¡¯s happening to me?"


    His gaze falls on his fingers. His skin looks smoother than before. He flips his palms, inspecting his nails. Not a single sign of wear, no calluses, no scars he would have expected to see. An unsettling chill runs down his spine.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Veil (internal thoughts): "This isn¡¯t right... This body... it¡¯s not mine."


    He struggles to sit up, his body still numb. His muscles react sluggishly, as though they¡¯re learning how to move for the first time. The snow beneath him melts slightly, leaving a clear imprint of his form on the ground. He scans his surroundings with wide eyes.


    Veil (internal thoughts): "Where am I? This... this isn¡¯t home."


    He stands slowly, his legs trembling. The icy wind bites at his skin, and he wraps his arms around himself in an attempt to stay warm. His clothing is ill-suited for the biting cold. His gaze drops to his frame. His torso is leaner but more defined. A strange sensation of "newness" washes over him, as if he¡¯s rediscovering every movement of his body.


    Veil (whispering): "I need to move... I¡¯ll freeze here..."


    He glances around, searching for a landmark, but the forest stretches endlessly in every direction. There are no roads, no houses, nothing familiar. The towering trees loom over him, their branches heavy with snow. Faint cracks echo as ice shatters on the branches, punctuated by the howling breaths of the icy wind.


    Veil (internal thoughts): "I have to stay calm. Move... just... move."


    He begins walking, his heavy steps sinking into the deep snow, every motion requiring immense effort. The cold pierces through his legs, each step more painful than the last. But he presses on, one foot in front of the other, his teeth clenched.


    Unbeknownst to him, he was being watched from the shadows.

 Chapter 4 : The Watcher in the Shadows

    Several meters away, perched on a branch, a woman observes. Her piercing gaze never leaves Veil.


    ???? (internal thoughts): "A human... here? And that column of light... What¡¯s going on?"


    Her wolf-like ears twitch, alert. Her tail, white as snow and silky, sways gently from side to side. Her ebony fur catches the daylight, reflecting faint bluish hues. Her expression is both curious and wary, a spark of caution shining deep within her vivid blue eyes.


    Her face exudes a fierce yet soft intensity. Her features are delicate, but her striking eyes seem to pierce through anyone who dares meet her gaze. Her lips are pressed tightly together, a testament to her focus. Her posture, even while perched, conveys total mastery of balance. She embodies elegance and wildness in equal measure, her body honed by a life lived amidst nature.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Beneath a fur cloak of ashen gray, hints of lightweight, functional clothing peek through¡ªdesigned for freedom of movement. Her arms are partially bare, revealing fair skin marked by faint scars, evidence of countless battles.


    She narrows her eyes, scrutinizing Veil¡¯s every move.


    ???? (internal thoughts): "He doesn¡¯t seem very strong... But he¡¯s not panicking. He moves slowly, deliberately."


    The wind picks up, blowing harder. She adjusts the fur cloak on her shoulders, briefly revealing a dark leather pauldron beneath. Leaning forward, her vivid blue eyes study every detail of Veil.


    ???? (internal thoughts): "Let¡¯s see how he handles the cold... Hang in there, stranger."


    With a fluid motion, she straightens up and leaps into the shadows of the branches, her movements as silent as a breath of wind. The forest shadows envelop her entirely, leaving behind only the faint impression that she was never there at all.

 Chapter 5 : The Hunt Begins

    Veil trudges through the forest, his breath transforming into puffs of mist. The cold gnaws at his skin, his damp clothes clinging to his body. Each step grows heavier, the snow seeping through his shoes. His teeth chatter involuntarily.


    Veil (panting): "It''s... so cold..."


    A sharp crack echoes behind him. Veil spins around, his eyes wide. The wind carries a dull noise¡ªlight but steady footsteps in the snow.


    Veil (internal thoughts): "Someone¡¯s following me? No... Not someone... something."


    He quickens his pace, his breathing growing faster, but the steps draw closer. The cracking sounds multiply. Low growls emerge, soft at first, then more pronounced.


    Veil (internal thoughts, panicked): "Animals? No... This isn¡¯t good, not good at all!"


    He glances to his left, then his right, searching for the source. Three pairs of yellow eyes glare at him from the snowy underbrush. Wolves. Their bluish fur blends into the landscape. Their teeth gleam between curled lips.


    Veil (cold sweat): "Wolves... No way! They think I¡¯m prey!"


    He steps back, but a branch snaps under his foot. The wolves¡¯ ears perk up. Their growls deepen. A fourth wolf emerges from the thicket, cutting off his retreat.


    Veil (internal thoughts): "I have to defend myself... I¡¯m not dying here!"


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    His eyes dart around, searching for anything useful. A broken branch lies on the ground, half-buried in the snow, hardened by the cold. He bends down, grabs it, and shakes off the snow. The wood is cold but firm.


    Veil (grimly): "Alright... okay... I¡¯ll make do."


    The first wolf lunges. Veil reacts purely on instinct, throwing himself to the side and rolling through the snow. The cold bites at his neck. The wolf lands inches away, scattering snow. Veil scrambles to his feet, breathing heavily, clutching the branch in both hands.


    Veil (gasping): "Too close! Way too close!"


    The wolf turns, growling louder. It leaps again. Veil raises the branch with both hands and swings it down with all his remaining strength. CRACK! The sharp sound echoes, and the wolf¡¯s head hits the ground with a yelp of pain.


    Veil (internal thoughts): "Did I... hit it? Did I do it?"


    His eyes widen, his hands trembling. But there¡¯s no time to celebrate. Two more wolves charge simultaneously. Veil retreats, slipping on the snow and crashing into a tree trunk. The impact knocks the air out of him. A wolf lunges from the right; he rolls to the ground, the snow scraping against his face. Jaws snap near his arm, missing his flesh by inches.


    Veil (internal thoughts): "No... no, no, no! I refuse to die here!"


    He spots a stone half-buried in the snow. Reaching out, he grabs it and grips it tightly. He rolls to the side and rises to one knee.


    Veil (shouting): "TAKE THIS!"


    He hurls the stone with all his strength. It slices through the air and strikes a wolf¡¯s snout. A sharp yelp echoes as the wolf shakes its head and retreats, growling.


    Veil seizes the opportunity. He charges the wolf, screaming with every ounce of energy. Grabbing the broken branch, he swings it down in a fierce arc. CRACK! The blow lands on the wolf¡¯s skull, accompanied by a dull thud and a muffled whimper. The wolf¡¯s body collapses into the snow, its eyes staring blankly into the void.


    Veil (gasping): "Did I... do that?"


    The remaining three wolves don¡¯t retreat. Their ears twitch, their muscles tense as they circle him, trying to trap him. Their predatory instincts remain unbroken.


    Veil stands his ground, the branch still in his grip. Blood trickles from his forehead, the cold gnaws at his muscles, but his eyes burn with ferocity. The wolves watch him intently, their yellow eyes gleaming through the frosty haze. They don¡¯t flee. They prepare their next attack.


    He remains motionless, his legs trembling. The cold engulfs him, his breath coming in ragged bursts. His eyes drop to the lifeless wolf¡¯s body, the snow around it stained red.


    Veil (internal thoughts): "I killed it..."


    His fingers tighten around the branch. The reality hits him like a tidal wave. His body buckles, his knees sinking into the frigid snow.


    Veil (gasping): "I won¡¯t... DIE HERE!"


    His breathing grows ragged, his legs faltering with every step. The icy wind tears at his skin, but he keeps moving, one step at a time. Each step is a battle.

 Chapter 6 : The Will of a Survivor

    The wolf-woman perches on a high branch, observing the scene below. Her gaze remains steady, her ears twitching at every sound.


    ???? (internal thoughts): "He doesn''t run... He fights. No panic... just raw determination. Interesting."


    Below, the last wolf growls, its muzzle bloodied. Its fangs gleam under the light filtering through the snow-covered branches. Veil is out of breath, his shoulders rising and falling erratically. His right leg bleeds profusely, a deep gash leaving a vivid red trail on the white snow. Pain surges through him with every step.


    Veil (panting): "Hah... hah... it¡¯s... not over yet..."


    The wolf lunges, its fierce eyes locked on him. Veil shifts to the side, grabs a broken trunk at his feet, and with a desperate cry, swings it down with all his might as the wolf leaps.


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    CRACK!


    A dull snap echoes. The wolf collapses to the ground, lifeless. The force of the impact sends vibrations through the branch where the observer watches. Snowflakes fall gently around them, carried by a light breeze.


    Veil (panting): "Hah... hah... it¡¯s... done..."


    He drops to his knees, his hands pressed against the snow. The cold bites at his palms, but all he feels is exhaustion. His breath is ragged, his shoulders trembling. A fleeting smile crosses his face.


    Veil (internal thoughts): "I survived... I¡¯m alive..."


    He lowers his head, staring at the snow stained red beneath him. His gaze shifts to the icy wolves¡¯ bodies scattered around. Their bluish fur glimmers faintly before dimming entirely.


    Faint blue lights rise from their bodies, floating for a moment before converging on the ground. Objects materialize: a rudimentary dagger, some dried meat, and makeshift bandages rest amidst patches of melted snow and blood.


    Veil (looking at the objects): "What... is this?"


    He stares at the items, his eyes narrowed with fatigue. He hesitates to reach out.


    Above him, the wolf-woman continues to observe. Her sharp gaze never leaves Veil, studying his every move with silent focus. Her tail sways slowly from side to side, exuding a feline patience. Her breathing is light, measured.


    ???? (internal thoughts): "Stay on your feet, stranger. Show me what you''re made of."


    She narrows her eyes before vanishing into the shadows of the branches, leaving behind only a faint rustle. The snowflakes continue to fall, undisturbed.

 Chapter 7 : The Fall into the Cold

    Veil, drained from his battle with the wolves and the relentless freezing air, clutches the items he salvaged in his trembling hands. His breaths are shallow, and each step feels heavier than the last. The trees around him blur as his eyelids grow heavier.


    Veil (internal thoughts): "Just a bit farther... just a little more..."


    But his body refuses to comply. His legs buckle, and his shoulder slams into the trunk of a tree before he collapses onto the snowy ground. His vision blurs further, the cold creeping into every fiber of his being. Snow slowly engulfs him, each flake settling on him like a frozen shroud.


    Veil (whispering): "Not... here..."


    Darkness envelops him.


    The faint rustle of a branch pierces the forest''s stillness. A figure descends from a tree with fluid, silent movements, as precise as a predator¡¯s. Wolf-like ears perk atop her head, and her tail sways gently behind her.


    The wolf-woman approaches Veil, her piercing blue eyes studying him intently. She kneels beside him, extending her hand toward his neck. Two fingers press lightly against his skin, searching for a pulse.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    ???? (internal thoughts): "He''s still alive. Stupid human. You should already be dead."


    She glances at the horizon, scanning the forest around her. The icy wind howls, carrying with it a mist of fine snow. Her gaze hardens.


    ???? (internal thoughts): "If he stays here, he won''t last an hour."


    With a smooth motion, she leans down, sliding her arms under his shoulders and legs. Veil is light¡ªmuch lighter than she expected. With a quiet grunt, she hoists him onto her back, wrapping his arms around her neck.


    ???? (under her breath): "Don''t make this harder than it already is, human."


    Her steps are light but swift. She weaves through the forest with remarkable agility, her feet avoiding roots and hidden snowdrifts. Her breathing remains steady, even with the added weight on her back. The wind lashes at her, but she doesn¡¯t falter.


    After several minutes of graceful strides, she stops near a rocky outcrop, partially concealed by bare, windblown bushes. A cave.


    ???? (internal thoughts): "This will do."


    She nudges the bushes aside with her foot, carrying Veil inside. She places him gently against the rocky wall. Her tail sways slightly as she examines him, ensuring he¡¯s still alive. His chest rises and falls slowly but steadily.


    ???? (internal thoughts): "At least you''re still breathing."


    She turns away, retrieving a small piece of flint from her leather belt. Scanning the cave floor, she gathers dry twigs and a few pieces of brittle wood, snapping them with her hands.


    TCHAK! TCHAK! Sparks leap from the flint. TCHAK! TCHAK! Flames flicker to life, casting a faint, dancing glow on the cave walls.


    She sits down, arms crossed, her sharp gaze fixed on Veil.


    ???? (internal thoughts): "Stay alive, stranger. You¡¯ve piqued my curiosity."

 Chapter 8 : The Encounter with Alynia

    Veil slowly opens his eyes. The flickering glow of a fire dances along the walls of the cave, casting shifting shadows. The air is warmer than the biting cold of the forest outside. A silhouette sits beside the fire. His vision remains blurred for a few seconds as the shapes gradually come into focus.


    He rubs his eyes with the palms of his hands, his muscles still sluggish. A faint crackle of burning wood fills the air. His gaze moves slowly across the contours of the cave before stopping on two piercing blue eyes staring back at him, unmoving. A wolf¡¯s tail sways gently at her side.


    ???? (calmly): ¡°You¡¯re lucky to be alive.¡±


    Veil (startled): ¡°What... who... who are you?¡±


    She watches him silently for a moment, her eyes scanning him from head to toe. Her tail stills briefly. Her face remains expressionless, but her wolf ears twitch slightly.


    ???? (calm and direct): ¡°My name is Alynia. Stay still, human.¡±


    Silence. The fire crackles softly. Shadows on the walls shift to the rhythm of the flames. Veil freezes, the gravity of the situation hitting him like a wave.


    Veil (hesitant): ¡°Why... why did you save me?¡±


    Alynia doesn¡¯t answer immediately. She turns her gaze toward the fire, watching the embers dance. The silence stretches on, heavy and tense.


    Veil (more firmly): ¡°Why did you save me?!¡±This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Alynia slowly turns her head toward him, her blue eyes piercing him with a calculated coldness.


    Alynia (coolly): ¡°You want a reason? Let¡¯s just say I don¡¯t like seeing useless corpses in my forest.¡±


    Her words drop like stones. She rises slowly, stretching slightly, her tail swaying gently in the air behind her.


    Alynia (calmly): ¡°Show me your leg. The wound.¡±


    Veil frowns but complies. He slowly rolls up his pant leg, revealing the gash. Blood has dried around the cut, but the wound is red and swollen. His breathing becomes more anxious at the sight.


    Alynia (examining the wound): ¡°Hmph. Not pretty. You can walk on it, but it¡¯ll get worse if you try anything stupid.¡±


    She kneels beside him, rummages through a small leather pouch at her belt, and pulls out a tiny glass vial filled with a bluish liquid. She pours some of the liquid onto a scrap of fabric torn from her clothing.


    Alynia (locking eyes with Veil): ¡°This is going to sting.¡±


    She presses the cloth to the wound without waiting for his response.


    Veil (groaning): ¡°Grrr... ARGH! You warned me, but come on, that¡¯s not fair!¡±


    Alynia doesn¡¯t react to his complaints. She methodically cleans the wound with cold precision.


    Alynia (focused): ¡°Complain all you want, but don¡¯t move. I¡¯m not doing this twice.¡±


    She finishes cleaning the wound, then pulls out a bandage and wraps it tightly around his leg. Her movements are quick and practiced, showing experience with this kind of field care.


    Veil (exasperated): ¡°You¡¯re not exactly gentle, are you...¡±


    Alynia raises an eyebrow and lets out a faint chuckle.


    Alynia (smirking): ¡°I¡¯m here to heal, not coddle.¡±


    She stands, crossing her arms, and looks down at Veil. Her tail sways gently behind her.


    Alynia (seriously): ¡°If you plan on surviving here, you¡¯d better toughen up. This forest doesn¡¯t forgive. Make a mistake, and you¡¯re dead.¡±


    Silence. She fixes Veil with an intense stare, waiting for a reaction. He lowers his gaze to his bandaged leg, takes a deep breath, then looks back up at her.


    Veil (defiantly): ¡°I don¡¯t plan on dying here.¡±


    Their gazes lock for a moment, a silent exchange passing between them. Then, Alynia narrows her eyes, a faint smile curling at the corner of her lips.


    Alynia (smiling): ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±


    She turns and sits back down by the fire, her eyes fixed on the dancing flames. The fire crackles softly, filling the space with a comforting warmth. Veil exhales a long sigh, his body heavy against the cave wall.


    The night drags on slowly, the flames casting flickering shadows on the rocky walls. Veil¡¯s breathing grows lighter, his eyelids slowly closing. He casts one last glance toward Alynia, still seated by the fire, her silhouette illuminated by the orange glow.


    Veil (internal monologue): ¡°This time... I can sleep.¡±

 Chapter 9 : Revelation of Magic

    The fire crackles softly, its dancing light illuminating the cave walls. The comforting warmth contrasts sharply with the bitter cold still lingering outside. Veil leans against the rocky wall, his bandaged leg stretched out before him, his gaze lost in the flames.


    Alynia rises without a word. Her steps are light, silent, almost feline. She fixes her gaze on the cave walls, following the droplets of water trickling down the stone. The tiny droplets glisten in the firelight.


    Alynia extends her hand, her focus sharpening. Her palm opens wide toward the wall. The droplets stop falling, trembling slightly as if drawn by an invisible force. Slowly, they lift from the stone, gathering into a perfect sphere of water floating before her hand, which she gently pours into her small flask.


    Veil (eyes widening): ¡°That¡¯s... How did you do that?¡±


    He sits up straighter, his mouth slightly open. Alynia creates another sphere of water with ease. Veil¡¯s eyes follow the fluid movement of the water sphere, captivated by its simple yet mesmerizing beauty.


    Alynia (with a faint smile): ¡°I have an affinity for water magic. I¡¯m not a master, but I know how to use it.¡±


    She glances at Veil, noting the mixture of surprise and envy in his expression.


    Alynia (subtle smile): ¡°Want to try?¡±


    Silence. Veil looks at the water sphere, then at Alynia. At first, his expression is wary, but slowly, a spark of curiosity ignites within him.


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    Veil (hesitant): ¡°Try? Me? I don¡¯t even know if I can.¡±


    Alynia (gently): ¡°You¡¯ll never know unless you try. Come on, give it a shot.¡±


    He hesitates a few moments more before using the wall to help himself stand. His legs are still stiff, his injured leg protesting with every step, but he moves forward. He limps slightly but doesn¡¯t stop. Alynia watches him out of the corner of her eye, her ears perking up as he approaches.


    He stops near a small puddle on the ground, formed by the dripping walls. He leans down slightly, extending his hand over the water.


    Alynia (calm, measured voice): ¡°Focus on the movement of the water. Feel it. It¡¯s alive, always in motion, even when it seems still. Sense it flowing beneath your skin, listen to it.¡±


    Silence envelops the cave. Only the faint crackle of flames can be heard. Veil¡¯s fingers tremble slightly. He closes his eyes, his breathing slows.


    Veil (internal monologue): ¡°Feel the water... How am I supposed to do that? This is stupid...¡±


    He grits his teeth, then loosens the tension in his hand. He takes a deep breath. His breathing grows calmer.


    Veil (internal monologue): ¡°Feel it... just feel it...¡±


    The surface of the water ripples. Small circular waves spread gently around his hand. A light vibration passes under his skin, an unfamiliar sensation, but not unpleasant. His fingers flex slightly, and the ripples in the water respond to the motion.


    Alynia (mildly surprised, softly): ¡°Not bad... You¡¯ve got potential.¡±


    Veil cracks one eye open, surprised by the water¡¯s reaction. He sees it shift slightly beneath his hand, moving in time with his fingers.


    Veil (whispering): ¡°Did I... did I move it?¡±


    He pulls his hand back, slightly shaken. His breathing quickens, his eyes fixed on the water, now still again.


    Alynia (firm but not harsh): ¡°That wasn¡¯t an accident. Your body reacted. You felt the flow of mana. It¡¯s in you, whether you know it or not.¡±


    She kneels beside him, one knee on the ground. She points to the puddle with her index finger.


    Alynia (intensely): ¡°You felt that, didn¡¯t you? The sensation under your skin? The shiver inside? That was mana. Everyone has it, but few people access it naturally without training.¡±


    Veil stares at her, still unsettled by the experience. He doesn¡¯t fully understand, but he knows something within him has shifted.


    Veil (internal monologue): ¡°Mana... That¡¯s what I felt? It¡¯s been inside me all along?¡±


    Alynia stands, shaking her head slightly, but a fleeting smile crosses her face. She turns her back to him and walks toward the fire.


    Alynia (without looking back): ¡°Rest, human. That was just the first step.¡±


    The fire crackles softly. The ripples in the puddle fade, but Veil continues to stare at its surface with newfound intensity. His fist tightens slightly.


    Veil (internal monologue): ¡°I can do it. I can do it again.¡±

 Chapter 10 : Sharing the Fire

    The fire crackles softly in the cave. Shadows dance along the walls, their shapes shifting to the rhythm of the flames. The warmth gradually fills the space, driving away the biting cold of the forest outside.


    Veil sits close to the fire, placing the items he had scavenged from his battle on the rocky ground before him. The rudimentary dagger, bandages, and small pieces of meat land with a faint thud. Alynia watches silently, her wolf ears slightly perked. Her sharp gaze scrutinizes each object, though she remains quiet.


    Veil (internal monologue): "Not much, but it''ll have to do."


    He grabs one of the pieces of meat, skewers it on a stick, and plants it near the flames. The grease begins to melt, dripping into the fire with a soft sizzle. The aroma of roasting meat fills the cave, an inviting scent that makes Veil¡¯s stomach growl faintly.


    Carefully turning the meat, he glances at Alynia. She remains still, but her eyes are locked on the meat.


    Veil (with a faint smile): "Want some?"


    Alynia narrows her eyes, but a faint grumble escapes her stomach. She pretends not to notice, though her ears twitch slightly toward him.


    Alynia (coldly): "I don¡¯t bite strangers, but I don¡¯t expect anyone to share with me, either."Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Veil (chuckling lightly): "It¡¯d be dumb to eat alone. Food tastes better when you share."


    He pulls a piece of the cooked meat off the stick and offers it to Alynia. She eyes it cautiously, her gaze shifting between the meat and Veil as though searching for a hidden trap.


    After a moment, she takes it silently, pulling it from the stick with her fingers. She bites into it slowly, her sharp teeth briefly visible. Her jaw moves deliberately, savoring each bite.


    Veil (internal monologue): "She eats carefully... Looks like she hasn¡¯t eaten well in a while."


    Silence falls again, broken only by the faint chewing sounds and the fire¡¯s steady crackle. Alynia shifts her gaze toward Veil while still chewing, studying him with a poorly concealed curiosity.


    Alynia (fixing her gaze on Veil): "What¡¯s your name, human?"


    Veil remains still for a moment, staring into the flames as if the fire itself had asked him the question. Finally, he draws a slow breath and turns his head toward her.


    Veil (hesitant but firm): "Veil. My name is Veil."


    A flash of recognition flickers in Alynia¡¯s eyes. Her tail sways gently behind her. Her gaze becomes more calculating, though tinged with a playful edge. She takes another bite of the meat, a faint half-smile forming.


    Alynia (mocking tone): "Alright, little cub. Thanks for the meat."


    Veil (surprised): "I give you my name, and you change it immediately?"


    Alynia raises an eyebrow, her tail wagging more energetically. A teasing smirk spreads across her lips.


    Alynia (with a sly grin): "I¡¯ll call you by your name the day you¡¯re my equal."


    Silence. Veil stares at her, then lets out a quiet, frustrated laugh through his nose, tinged with defiance. Shaking his head, he picks up another piece of meat to cook.


    Veil (muttering to himself): "We¡¯ll see, Alynia. We¡¯ll see."


    The fire continues its endless crackling. The sound of wood snapping fills the space with its soothing melody. Alynia crosses her arms, leaning against the wall with her eyes half-closed. Her tail sways lazily to the rhythm of the flames.


    Veil (internal monologue): "If I have to become her equal, then I¡¯ll do it. No matter how long it takes."

 Chapter 11: First Battle as a Duo

    The fire dies down, its dancing flames reduced to faint red embers. Veil and Alynia, their stomachs full of grilled meat, sit near the fire. The cave has grown quiet, the sound of burning wood filling the space.


    A piercing scream echoes in the distance. It¡¯s a sharp, high-pitched sound, almost metallic. Veil¡¯s eyes snap open as he listens carefully. A second scream follows, closer this time. This one is accompanied by a deep growl, distant but menacing.


    Alynia (fixed gaze): "They''re coming. The smell of meat must have drawn them in."


    She stands with a fluid motion. Her ears swivel toward the noise, and her tail flicks slightly, a sign of heightened alertness. Veil grits his teeth, wincing in pain. His injured leg protests with every move, but he refuses to stay seated.


    Veil (panting): "I... I can walk... I can fight."


    He rises with difficulty, briefly leaning against the cave wall. The pain is sharp, but he bites down and follows Alynia slowly, dagger in hand. The cold bites at him once again, but this time, it''s not the cold that concerns him.


    Outside, the forest is cloaked in dim light. The pale gray sky is heavy with thick clouds, and snow crunches softly beneath their feet. Three ice wolves emerge from the edge of the forest, their piercing yellow eyes glowing like torches. Their growls rumble like distant drums.


    Above them, two snow raptors circle in the sky. The large birds have dazzling white feathers, but their plumage looks rigid, almost as sharp as blades.


    Alynia (cold gaze): "I¡¯ll handle the birds. You take care of the wolves."


    She doesn¡¯t leave him a choice. Alynia leaps forward, her feet gliding across the snow with ease. She raises her right hand toward the sky, and water swirling around her gathers into liquid spears. With a swift motion, two water lances shoot toward the raptors.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Veil (internal thought): "Three wolves... Three against one..."


    He backs away, dagger in hand, his gaze locked on the wolves advancing slowly, circling their prey. Each step the wolves take sinks into the snow, creating an oppressive, steady rhythm.


    Veil (breathing heavily): "Too close... Too close!"


    The first wolf lunges, fangs bared. Veil rolls to the side, his shoulder slamming into the icy ground. He scrambles to his feet, but the second wolf is already upon him. He raises his dagger just in time to block the bite. The wolf¡¯s teeth clamp down on the blade, the sound of metal ringing out.


    Veil (shouting): "Let go of me!"


    He pushes with all his strength, but the wolf doesn¡¯t relent. The third wolf attacks from the flank. Veil pulls his leg back just in time, but the pain from his injury makes him grimace. His breathing becomes erratic as his body starts to falter.


    Above, Alynia engages the raptors. One of her water lances pierces the first bird. A sharp cry echoes through the forest. The second raptor dives toward her. Alynia sidesteps, narrowly avoiding its talons.


    Veil (panting, panicked): "I can¡¯t... I can¡¯t do this!"


    A wolf pins him down. His head slams into the snow, and his vision blurs. The wolf¡¯s claws dig into his coat, the weight on his chest suffocating. The fangs draw closer to his face.


    Veil (screaming in rage): "NO!"


    A sharp sound. A blurred figure moves across his vision. A swift, precise strike.


    The wolf is thrown aside. Blood stains the snow. Alynia stands over him, her posture low, her eyes fixed on the remaining wolves. She holds her dagger in one hand, her claws extended.


    Alynia (firm tone): "Get up. Now."


    Veil slowly rises, his breathing heavy, his gaze hollow. A mix of shame and anger flashes across his face. His hand grips the dagger tightly, his knuckles white.


    Alynia (icy stare): "They won¡¯t give you a second chance."


    She leaps at the nearest wolf, her dagger plunging into its side. The wolf struggles, but she ends it swiftly by slashing its throat with a precise stroke of her claws. Her gaze remains steady and cold.


    The two remaining wolves growl, their ears pinned back, but they don¡¯t retreat. They charge head-on. Alynia sidesteps, her claws flashing through the air in a clean arc. The wolves collapse into the snow, motionless. Her claws drip with their blood as she stands.


    Silence.


    Veil remains on the ground, his eyes fixed on his trembling hands. His breathing is ragged. He clenches his fists, a mix of shame and frustration clouding his expression. His gaze drops.


    Veil (internal thought): "I was useless... Again... Too weak..."


    Alynia wipes her dagger and claws clean on a corner of her coat, her eyes locked on Veil. Her gaze is harsh, but not cruel.


    Alynia (calm voice): "Rest now. But next time, you will stay on your feet."


    The icy wind sweeps through the forest.

 Chapter 12 : A Request for Training

    The icy wind howled through the forest, carrying with it the scent of blood and freshly trampled snow. The bodies of wolves and snow raptors lay scattered across the ground, their fur and feathers strewn about after the battle. Veil collected the spoils¡ªa wolf pelt, sharp feathers from the raptors, and the dagger Alynia had plunged into a wolf¡¯s flank.


    Alynia watched silently, her arms crossed. She adjusted her fur coat before turning on her heels and heading toward the cave. Her steps were sure and calm, a stark contrast to Veil¡¯s still hesitant movements. He followed behind, limping slightly as pain shot through his injured leg with every step.


    The fire in the cave crackled softly. Alynia rekindled it, settling herself near the flames as their warmth began to fill the space, driving out the relentless cold from outside. She sat with her tail swaying gently beside her, her sharp eyes fixed on the flickering light.


    Veil remained standing, his gaze locked on the ground, his fists clenched tightly. His knuckles turned white under the strain. His breathing was heavy, his chest rising and falling rapidly.


    Alynia (calmly, without looking): "Are you planning to stand there all night?"


    Veil didn¡¯t respond. His chest heaved, his shoulders trembling slightly.


    Veil (voice trembling but determined): "... Teach me."Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Alynia turned her head slowly toward him. Her piercing blue eyes scrutinized him without blinking. Her tail froze mid-sway. She narrowed her eyes slightly, clearly surprised by his request.


    Alynia (neutral tone): "What?"


    Veil (raising his voice, gaze fixed on her): "Teach me! Magic! Teach me how to fight!"


    His gaze was unsteady, but his expression was resolute. Tears brimmed at the edges of his eyes, but he refused to let them fall. Shame, anger, and the desire to improve¡ªall of it burned in his eyes.


    Alynia (staring at him for a long moment): "You lost once, and you''re already crying?"


    Veil (shouting): "I would¡¯ve died! You saw it! Without you, I was finished!"


    A heavy silence falls. The flames from the fire dance along the walls of the cave. Veil¡¯s words still echo in the space. His breathing is ragged, his shoulders rising and falling unevenly.


    Alynia studied him for a long moment. Then, with a sharp exhale, she closed her eyes briefly.


    Alynia (getting up slowly): "Magic isn¡¯t a toy. It¡¯s a force you can¡¯t control with willpower alone."


    She took a step forward, standing face to face with Veil. Her gaze was cold, but her words were clear.


    Alynia (seriously): "I won¡¯t go easy on you. If this is truly what you want, you¡¯ll have to push beyond your limits."


    Her sharp eyes locked onto his. She leaned in slightly, her gaze intense and unyielding, as if daring him to falter.


    Alynia (cold voice): "You have four days. Not a second more. I don¡¯t have time to stay here longer."


    The words dropped like blades. Four days. No more.


    Veil stood frozen, his fists still clenched. But this time, he wasn¡¯t trembling. He didn¡¯t lower his gaze.


    Veil (exhaling slowly): "Four days... That¡¯s enough."


    Alynia held his gaze for another second before a faint smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. She turned back to the fire, sat down, and stared into the flames, her eyes half-closed. She didn¡¯t say another word.


    Veil didn¡¯t sit. He remained standing, his eyes fixed on the fire. His gaze had changed. It was harder.


    Veil (internal thought): "Four days... I¡¯ll do it. No matter what."

 Chapter 13 : Day 1 – Learning the Mana Thread

    The dawn light filters through the entrance of the cave, casting a soft yet cold glow inside. The campfire¡¯s remains smolder, leaving behind red, smoky embers. The forest is silent, save for the occasional distant chirp of a bird.


    Veil sits cross-legged in the center of the cave, hands resting on his knees, his gaze fixed on the ground but his mind focused. Alynia stands before him, arms crossed, her piercing gaze locked on him.


    Alynia (calm but firm): "Sensing mana is like reaching out to an invisible thread running through your body. It¡¯s there, within you, but you can¡¯t see it. To find it, you must listen¡ªnot with your ears, but with your whole being."


    Silence falls. The faint crackling of the dying fire echoes softly in the cave.


    Veil (sighs): "Sounds so easy when you say it¡­"


    Alynia steps closer and presses a finger against his forehead. Veil flinches slightly at the contact.


    Alynia (piercing gaze): "It is simple. But simple doesn¡¯t mean easy."


    She pulls her finger back and moves to sit cross-legged in front of him.


    Alynia (calmly): "Close your eyes. Breathe slowly. Focus on the flow within your body¡ªevery heartbeat, every subtle vibration of your skin. That¡¯s where the mana resides."


    Veil closes his eyes. His breathing slows, but his body remains tense. His face is tight, his jaw clenched.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Veil (internal): "Finding an invisible thread¡­ Feeling my body¡­ All I feel is the pain in my leg, and that¡¯s not helping me find this damn mana¡­"


    Minutes stretch on, the stillness growing oppressive. His fists clench on his knees, and his breathing becomes heavier.


    Alynia (sharp tone): "If you try to force it, you¡¯ll find nothing. The thread doesn¡¯t appear through willpower; it reveals itself. Relax."


    Veil takes a deep breath, then exhales slowly. He releases the tension in his fists, and his jaw loosens. Gradually, his breathing evens out, leading him to a state of calm he hasn¡¯t experienced in days.


    A faint tingling.


    Veil (internal, startled): "What¡­ is that?"


    He feels something. Light, fragile¡ªa pulse. It¡¯s not a heartbeat but a shiver running up his spine.


    Veil (internal, excited): "I felt it!"


    His eyes snap open, and his breathing quickens. Alynia shakes her head slowly.


    Alynia (watching him): "Close your eyes. If you lose it, it won¡¯t return easily. Try again."


    Frustrated but resolute, Veil closes his eyes once more. This time, he focuses on the same shiver, the faint pulse deep inside him. His breathing becomes steady and deliberate, as if he doesn¡¯t want to scare the sensation away.


    Mid-afternoon


    Veil sits before a small puddle of water on the cave floor, his hand hovering above its surface.


    Alynia (arms crossed behind him): "Connect the thread¡ªnot with your mind, not with brute force. The thread. Feel the resonance. If you force it, the water will resist you."


    He stares at the water¡¯s surface¡ªstill, smooth, unyielding. Closing his eyes, he calms his breathing.


    Veil (internal): "The thread. The resonance. Focus¡­ Focus¡­"


    Ripples emerge. Gentle at first, faint vibrations on the water¡¯s surface. His fingers tremble slightly as he senses the reaction.


    Veil (internal, astonished): "It¡¯s moving! Is this¡­ because of me?"


    The thread snaps. The water returns to its still state. Veil¡¯s eyes shoot open as he gasps, his hands shaking. Exhaustion washes over him.


    Alynia (calmly): "You felt it, didn¡¯t you?"


    Veil (panting): "Yes¡­ but¡­ I lost it."


    Alynia steps forward, crouching beside him. She places a hand on his shoulder.


    Alynia (serious): "You found it once. That means you can find it again. This is your first step. Tomorrow, the thread will be easier to reach. Every failure brings you closer to success."


    Veil¡¯s eyes brighten with determination. He stares at the water, his fingers clenching slowly.


    Veil (internal): "I¡¯ll grasp it. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll make it mine."

 Chapter 14 : Day 2. The Impatient Student

    The dawn light streams through the cave entrance. Soft rays of light cut through the morning mist, illuminating the cold stone walls. The campfire has almost died, with only a few red embers stubbornly glowing.


    Veil sits cross-legged, eyes closed, his back straight. His breathing is slow and steady, and unlike the previous day, his face no longer shows tension. He is calm.


    Alynia watches in silence, leaning against the wall, arms crossed. Her sharp blue eyes follow every subtle movement of Veil. Her expression remains neutral, though her ears perk slightly as she notices his measured breathing.


    Veil (internal thought): "Feel the thread. Don¡¯t force it. Light¡­ fragile..."


    He recalls Alynia¡¯s instructions. This time, the tingling sensation comes more quickly¡ªa faint tickling climbing up his spine, and he senses it faster than yesterday.


    Veil (internal thought): "I can feel it. I¡¯ve got it."


    He remains still, his body relaxed and his mind focused on this subtle sensation. No clenching, no tension. His breath flows soft, almost imperceptible.


    Alynia (internal thought): "Not bad, Cub¡­ It¡¯s only the second day, but he¡¯s making progress."


    She closes her eyes briefly, a faint smirk appearing at the corner of her lips, only to disappear immediately.


    Mid-morning


    Veil crouches before the shallow puddle of water, one hand hovering above its surface. This time, his eyes are open, focused on the ripples.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Alynia (firmly): "You¡¯ve found the thread. Now you need to connect it. Not by force. You don¡¯t command it. You guide it."


    Veil stares at the still water, his gaze intense, more determined than yesterday.


    Veil (internal thought): "Connect the thread. The resonance. Don¡¯t force it..."


    He inhales softly and raises his hand. His fingers tremble slightly but steady themselves. His focus sharpens, his jaw tightens. The water ripples begin to form, more pronounced than the previous day.


    The ripples grow stronger. Veil¡¯s brows furrow, and his breath quickens.


    Veil (murmuring): "Move... move!"


    The water quivers but doesn¡¯t lift. It vibrates violently but remains anchored to the ground.


    Alynia (sternly): "Stop!"


    Veil flinches, his concentration broken. He drops his hands to the ground, panting. Frustration clouds his face.


    Alynia (coldly): "I told you not to force it. The water isn¡¯t your slave. It¡¯s like pulling a nonexistent rope. You don¡¯t pull it¡ªyou glide it. Gently."


    The silence is broken only by distant forest sounds. A faint, cool breeze drifts in.


    Veil (gritting his teeth): "I get it, but¡­ it was moving! Why didn¡¯t it work?"


    Alynia approaches and crouches next to him. Her face remains calm, her gaze piercing.


    Alynia (intense gaze): "Because you tried to impose your will on it. That¡¯s not how this works. If you want the water to follow you, you have to dance with it, not push it. Understood?"


    Silence. Veil meets her gaze, processing her words. He takes a deep breath, calming himself once more.


    Veil (quietly): "I¡¯ll try again."


    Late afternoon


    Veil sits with his hand stretched above the water. The daylight dims gradually, painting the cave in hues of orange. His eyes are half-closed, his breathing steady and smooth.


    The ripples reappear, but this time, they¡¯re not erratic. They flow in a slow, harmonious rhythm.


    Veil (internal thought): "Slowly¡­ gently¡­ follow it, don¡¯t push it."


    The ripples converge at the center of the puddle. Gradually, a single droplet of water lifts off the surface. Just one drop. It trembles, fragile, almost imperceptible. It rises slowly, floating above Veil¡¯s palm.


    Veil (internal thought, awestruck): "I did it¡­ It¡¯s rising¡­ It¡¯s rising!"


    He opens his eyes, astonished. His gaze locks onto the droplet as it hovers. His hand moves slightly upward, following it.


    The droplet wavers, trembles, and then falls. It splashes back into the puddle, but there¡¯s no frustration on Veil¡¯s face. A small, subtle smile forms instead.


    Alynia (calmly): "Not bad, Cub. You¡¯ve stopped being a spoiled child and started to understand."


    Silence. Veil doesn¡¯t reply. He continues to stare at the water, his faint smile unwavering.


    Veil (internal thought): "Tomorrow¡­ I¡¯ll lift it higher."

 Chapter 15 : Day 3. An Unexpected Manifestation

    Dawn breaks gently over the forest. The first rays of light pierce through the gray clouds, bathing the cave in a soft, diffused glow. The campfire has long since died out, leaving only a faint morning chill lingering in the air.


    Veil is already seated in front of the puddle of water, cross-legged, his gaze fixed on the surface. He wastes no time today. His hand hovers above the water, his eyes wide open this time.


    Alynia (observing from a distance, arms crossed): "In a rush today, Cub? Don¡¯t forget¡ªpatience is your most valuable weapon."


    Veil (focused on the water): "I know. But I can do it."


    Silence descends. His breathing slows, becoming controlled. He closes his eyes briefly to center himself. The tingling sensation comes almost instantly. The shiver he sought so desperately over the past two days now feels familiar.


    He doesn¡¯t tense. His breathing stabilizes, and the thread connects almost naturally. His hand hovers a few centimeters above the water. Ripples form on the surface¡ªslow, fluid, perfect circles radiating from the center.


    The water trembles beneath his hand.


    Veil (internal thought): "Stay calm¡­ Slowly¡­ Attract it, don¡¯t force it."


    Droplets begin to rise from the surface. Not one, but three. They float gently, trembling in the air like liquid stars. The droplets oscillate, ready to fall at any moment.


    Veil (smiling): "That¡¯s it¡­ more¡­ higher!"If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    His gaze sharpens, and he raises his hand slightly, attempting to gather the droplets. But the shiver in his spine shifts. His breath quickens.


    Alynia (with a steady gaze, a slight frown): "Easy, Veil. Control yourself."


    Veil (internal thought): "No, I can do better! Higher! Bigger!"


    He forces it. His fingers tighten, his teeth clench, and the flow becomes chaotic. The droplets vibrate more violently, and instead of rising, they are flung into the air.


    A sudden gust of wind sweeps through the cave.


    The remaining flames extinguish instantly. Embers scatter, and ash swirls in the air. The puddle of water bursts into dozens of droplets, which spray in all directions.


    Veil (startled, eyes wide): "What?!"


    The wind intensifies. A swirling gust emerges from his left hand. The air pressure scatters the dust and ashes, and a cold draft courses through the cave, making Alynia¡¯s fur stand on end.


    A small whirlwind springs from his palm.


    Alynia (eyes widening): "Impossible..."


    The whirlwind expands abruptly before dissipating as quickly as it appeared. The wind dies with a sharp stillness, leaving only the pounding of Veil¡¯s heart.


    Veil (panting): "What¡­ was that?"


    He stares at his hand, his gaze unfocused, his breath shallow. His fingers tremble.


    Alynia (serious): "That was wind."


    Veil (slightly shocked): "Wind?"


    Silence. Alynia steps forward, her sharp eyes fixed on him. She analyzes him, her ears upright, her gaze intense.


    Alynia (low, serious tone): "The mana of water and wind sometimes respond to each other¡­ but you did more than respond. You called it."


    Veil clenches his left hand, his gaze drifting into the void for a moment. A thought begins to form deep within him.


    Veil (internal thought): "The wind¡­ Was that me?"


    Alynia steps back. Her gaze lingers on him for a few seconds before turning toward the cave entrance.


    Alynia (distant voice): "You did something even I don¡¯t do. Think about what that means, Cub."


    A cold wind blows through the cave¡¯s entrance.


    End of the day


    The daylight dims. Twilight casts a deep orange hue across the cave. Veil remains seated, his hand hovering above the puddle. This time, he is calm. His breathing is smooth, his expression resolute.


    Droplets of water levitate above his hand. Not one, but several. They gather slowly, very slowly, forming a small, unstable sphere. The water shifts in tiny jerks, as if struggling to break free from his control.


    Veil (smiling faintly): "Stabilize it¡­ gently¡­"


    The sphere continues to vibrate, but it doesn¡¯t break. Alynia observes silently.


    Alynia (internal thought): "It seems the wind woke something in him."