The sound of ragged breaths filled the dark room.
Short, desperate gasps echoed off the cold stone walls, each one shaky and uneven. The air was thick with dust and the metallic scent of fear. Outside, distant shouts of terror rang through — people screaming, running, the chaos of a world falling apart.
The young boy's breathing grew faster, heart hammering so loudly in his ears it drowned out everything else. The darkness pressed in on him, heavy and suffocating, broken only by the faint, flickering light of dying torches somewhere far away.
Then… silver eyes opened in the dark.
They glowed faintly, wide with terror, scanning the blackness around him. The rumbling started again — deep, earth-shaking tremors that made the ground beneath him vibrate. The world felt like it was descending, collapsing in on itself. Dust fell from the ceiling in thin streams, the walls groaning under the pressure.
The boy's breath came in short, panicked bursts. His small hands clutched at his worn, dirty tunic, knuckles white. The sound of his own heartbeat thundered in his ears, mixing with the distant screams outside.
Then... Dark purple aura slipped into the room like smoke.
It swirled slowly around the space, casting an eerie, unnatural glow. The aura moved toward the boy, wrapping around his thin arms first, revealing pale skin covered in dirt and bruises. His frightened face came into view next — a young boy, no older than eight, with wide silver eyes full of pure terror. One small hand was pressed over his mouth, trying to stifle his breathing.
The aura stretched across his skin like icy fingers, cold and invasive. He remained perfectly still, frozen in place, too scared to even move.
The aura continued to wrap around him, revealing his full appearance — worn, ragged clothing that was little more than torn rags, bare feet covered in dirt, and a small, frail frame trembling in the dark.
This was Jin, but younger.
Then he heard it.
A woman's voice, carrying immense weight and Authority, echoed through the room and the world beyond.
"Cease Your Descent."
Suddenly, the world seemed to come to a halt. The rumbling stopped. The screams outside faded into eerie silence. The air grew still, heavy, as if reality itself had been commanded to obey.
Jin fell to his knees in terror, the sound echoing through the small room. His silver eyes were wide with fear as he stared into the darkness.
It's her... It's definitely her.
Jin jolted awake, eyes snapping open wide as he gasped for air. His chest heaved, his heart pounding like he had just escaped a nightmare that refused to let go. His senses felt sluggish, the world around him hazy and distant, as if he were waking from a long, heavy sleep.
He tried to move — and felt the rough bite of ropes around his wrists and ankles.
He was tied up.
His silver eyes adjusted slowly to the dim light. He was in a cool, stone chamber with thick, ancient walls that seemed to absorb sound. The room was empty except for a single flickering torch mounted on the far wall, casting long, dancing shadows. He was alone. The only sound was the faint, muffled noise of a busy world outside — distant voices, the clatter of carts, the hum of life going on as if nothing had happened.
Jin's body felt… strangely whole. No wounds. No bruises. No pain from the brutal fight he remembered. Only a deep, gnawing hunger and thirst that made his throat feel like sandpaper. He flexed his fingers, testing the ropes, then slowly pushed himself up into a sitting position.
Where am I? This doesn't feel like the canyon… or the forest. How did I get here?
He stood up, legs shaky at first, and walked toward the exit — a heavy wooden door slightly ajar. He peered out into a long, dimly lit corridor lined with more torches. The stone walls were old, carved with faint, unfamiliar symbols. The air carried the faint scent of incense and cooked food from somewhere deeper in the structure.
Jin stepped into the corridor, his bare feet silent on the cool stone. His mind raced with questions, but he kept moving, cautious and alert, searching for any sign of where he was — or how to get out.
The corridor stretched ahead, quiet and empty, the flickering torchlight casting shifting shadows on the walls. Jin's steps were slow, deliberate, every sense heightened. He passed several closed doors, each one heavy and unmarked. The distant sounds of the outside world grew slightly louder — voices talking, the clink of metal, the occasional laugh — but none of it felt close.
He reached the end of the corridor and stepped into a larger chamber. Sunlight filtered in through high, narrow windows, illuminating a simple but well-kept room with wooden tables, benches, and shelves lined with jars and scrolls. No one was there.
Jin stopped, taking it all in. The place felt… lived in. Safe. But the ropes on his wrists told a different story.
He found a small basin of water in the corner. He drank deeply, the cool liquid soothing his parched throat. Then he splashed some on his face, trying to clear his head.
This doesn't make sense. One moment I'm fighting for my life, the next I wake up here… tied up, but unharmed. I still do not understand... Where am I?
He tested the ropes again, but they held firm. For now, escape wasn't an option. He needed answers.
Jin moved toward the main exit of the chamber, pushing the heavy door open just enough to look outside. The sunlight was bright under a blue sky, revealing a quiet courtyard with stone paths, flowering plants, and a few people moving in the distance. The air smelled fresh, with hints of blooming flowers and cooking smoke.
This isn't the forest... Where am I?... No... this place... Why does it feel like Varta?
He stepped out cautiously, staying close to the wall, eyes scanning for threats.
The place felt peaceful. Too peaceful.
"It really is Varta..."
Jin's silver eyes narrowed as he tried to piece together what had happened. His last clear memory was the fight in the forest, the tall dark figure, the overwhelming dread… and then nothing.
This doesn't make sense. Am I dreaming again?... No... this feels almost real. An illusion?!
The courtyard was calm, the soft sounds of daily life drifting through the air. Jin moved carefully, staying low and out of sight. His bare feet were silent on the cool stone paths. The scent of flowers and fresh bread from nearby kitchens mixed with the faint metallic tang of his own dried blood on his skin.
He paused behind a pillar, watching a group of people pass by. They looked normal — talking, laughing, carrying baskets. But something felt slightly off. The way they moved, the rhythm of their steps… it was too perfect. Too rehearsed.
Then the world began to fracture.
Tiny shifts appeared. The air started to swirl like water, rippling gently at first, then more violently. Jin narrowed his eyes in confusion, a sharp headache blooming behind his temples. The world tilted. The noise grew louder — the laughter, the footsteps, the clatter — all blending into a deafening cacophony that pressed against his skull.
What the hell?!... This is... This must be... an illusion!
He fell to his knees, hands clutching his head, trying to block out the overwhelming sound. His eyes squeezed shut as the world spun faster and faster around him.
Then… darkness claimed him.
Jin's eyes opened slowly.
A rush of cold wind hit his face. His body felt light, small. He blinked, looking up at the sky — a vast, blood-red expanse stretching endlessly above him. He turned his head, and his eyes widened in pure terror.
Not again!
He was falling.
High above the world, plummeting through the air. His small hands reached out instinctively, grasping for anything solid. He looked younger — a child, no older than eight or nine. Below him, the world stretched out in breathtaking, terrifying scale: endless landscapes, floating continents drifting like islands in the sky, all under the crimson heavens.
He shouted in fear as he fell, the wind roaring in his ears.
Then something else caught his eye.
Ahead of him, a massive crimson-scaled dragon plummeted through the air. Its size was colossal, easily the length of a mountain, casting a dark shadow over him as they both fell. Its eyes were closed, its body limp and unconscious.
That's... Indura!... This must be that day...!
In his right hand, Jin gripped a great sword — massive, ancient, far too large for his small frame.
And this is... Drake!
He held on with everything he had, knuckles white, muscles straining. The sword suddenly came alive, casting a fierce red glow as it began to resist, twisting and shaking violently, trying to throw him off.
Jin gritted his teeth, holding on desperately. The sword spun wildly, forcing him to cling tighter. Then, with a final violent twist, he lost his grip.
The sword flew sideways, disappearing into the distance.
Jin fell alone now, the wind howling around him as the ground rushed up to meet him. The world spun again, faster and faster. He clutched his head, shouting as everything blurred into chaos.
He opened his eyes again, still shouting.
He was lying on the cold stone floor, shirtless, surrounded by skinny, tall figures — Kharatans. Their yellow eyes glowed in the dim light as they stared down at him. Some held swords, others had hands raised with blue magic circles glowing beneath their palms. A large blue magic circle was etched on the floor around him, pulsing with energy.
Jin sat up slowly, confusion and wariness clear on his face. The Kharatans screeched at him in their guttural language, some sheathing their swords but still watching him with open hostility.
He stared back at them, heart pounding, trying to make sense of where he was and how he had gotten here.
Jin quickly stood up, heart racing as he tried to summon his flames. Nothing. He reached for his mana — and felt nothing. The familiar heat was gone, as if it had been locked away. Panic flashed across his face as he looked down at his hands, trying again. Still nothing.
I see. So this is reality. I'm alive for now, but I must find a way out of here fast.
From behind him, a deep voice spoke, calm and measured.
"Calm down."
Jin leaped away, spinning around. He stretched his arm out, and from the back of the chamber, his staff flew over, settling into his grip even though he couldn't feel his mana. His silver eyes locked onto the figure standing in the shadows of the chamber.
This is the one responsible, but... Do I stand a chance?!
It was the same figure from that night in the forest — tall, lean, and muscular, wearing dark red armor with black bracelets on its wrists and forearms. Its bare feet were silent on the stone floor, and its long black and red dreads fell down its back. Its dark red eyes glowed faintly as it looked at Jin.
The figure took a slow step forward, towering over him.
"It is... alright."
Jin's breath was ragged, his body tense, ready to fight even without his flames. His mind raced.
Calm down... Calm down. For now, I must calm down. What does it want?
The figure studied him for a moment, its expression calm but unreadable. It tilted its head slightly, then spoke again, voice deep and raw.
"You are safe here. Trying... to escape would be meaningless. Starting a fight… even more so."
Jin's grip tightened on his staff, his silver eyes narrowing.
Safe?
The figure seemed to sense his thoughts. It raised one large hand slowly, palm open, showing it held no weapon.
"I am Zoltan. I am the Leader of the Kharatans."
He paused, letting the words settle, then continued.
"Follow me outside. We have much to discuss."
Jin stood still for a long moment, chest rising and falling as he tried to process everything. Zoltan waited patiently, his dark red eyes watching Jin without hostility. The silence in the chamber was heavy, broken only by the distant sounds outside.
Jin finally lowered his staff slightly, though he remained wary.
This doesn't make sense. One moment it's trying to kill us, the next it's offering to talk? But fighting right now… I don't even have my mana. Do I have a choice?
He gave a small, reluctant nod.
For now... For now, I'll go along. I do not sense any hostility from him, even though his appearance is intimidating. I'll have to be ready for anything, but first, I must know where I am.
Zoltan turned and began walking toward the exit, its footsteps silent on the stone. Jin followed cautiously, staff still in hand, eyes never leaving the tall figure ahead of him.
They stepped outside into the settlement.
The air was warm and alive, carrying the fresh scent of flowing rivers and tall, lush trees that swayed gently in the breeze. Bushes heavy with berries dotted the green land, and small, sturdy huts with thatched roofs were scattered across the open space. Above it all stretched the familiar red sky of Chaos, casting a deep, warm hue over everything.
Jin followed Zoltan closely, his eyes scanning everything with cautious curiosity. The place felt strangely peaceful — rivers winding through the settlement, children playing near the water, adults tending to gardens or carrying baskets. Yet every step reminded him how vulnerable he was without his mana.
Zoltan turned his head slightly toward him as they walked.
"Your friend is alive. He woke up first."
Jin's expression shifted — a flash of surprise, then genuine relief. He hadn't thought about Hanz the whole time, too caught up in his own confusion and wariness. But knowing he was okay lifted a weight from his chest.
Zoltan continued, voice calm.
"You have been asleep for five days. You were badly hurt. Your body required time to recover, even with mana."
Jin remained quiet, walking a few steps behind. He noticed how aware Zoltan was of everything around them — the way his head turned slightly at every sound, how the other Kharatans respectfully stepped aside or bowed their heads as they passed. Zoltan moved with quiet authority, like someone who didn't need to prove his power.
Five days!
Zoltan spoke again without turning.
"Calm yourself. If I wanted you dead, you would not be walking beside me now. You are alive simply because I decided it."
He gestured forward.
"Hurry. You will be late for the feast."
Jin was confused, his mind racing with questions. Fear kept him silent. He followed without protest, eyes darting around the settlement.
The Kharatans here moved with purpose — some tending to crops, others sharpening weapons near the river, children laughing as they chased each other through the grass. A few stopped to bow their heads as Zoltan passed, but he kept walking without acknowledgment, his presence alone commanding respect.
They finally reached a large garden at the heart of the settlement. Tall trees provided shade, flowers bloomed in vibrant colors along winding paths, and a long wooden table sat at the center, filled with roasted meat, fresh fruits, and large pitchers of water. On the sides of the garden stood tall, muscular Kharatans in heavier armor — clearly different from the hunters Jin had faced in the forest. They stood guard, silent and imposing.
Zoltan gestured to the table.
"Sit."
Jin walked over and sat next to Hanz, who was already there. They shared a quick, relieved look — no words needed. Both turned their attention to Zoltan.
Zoltan studied them for a moment, then spoke.
"I do not know much of human language, but I know this is how you discuss matters. Sharing a meal brings people closer. So eat."
Hanz and Jin hesitated, glancing at each other. The meat smelled rich and savory, but trust was hard to come by after everything that had happened.
Zoltan tilted his head slightly.
"What is wrong?"
Hanz finally reached out, grabbing a piece of meat. He took a cautious bite — then his eyes widened slightly.
It's… actually good.
Jin watched him for a moment, then slowly began to eat as well. The food was warm and flavorful, easing the hunger that had been gnawing at him.
I'm only doing this to... what does it matter anyway.
The silence at the table was heavy.
Only the quiet sounds of chewing and the occasional clink of wooden cups broke it. Hanz and Jin sat side by side, eating slowly, their eyes darting toward each other in quick, uneasy glances. The meat was tender and flavorful, the water cool and refreshing, but neither of them could fully enjoy it. The weight of the situation pressed down on them, sitting across from the same figure who had nearly killed them just days ago.
Zoltan ate in silence, his movements calm and deliberate, tearing into the meat with his bare hands and drinking deeply from his cup. His dark red eyes occasionally flicked toward them, but he said nothing, letting the quiet stretch on.
Hanz shifted uncomfortably in his seat, the long pause making his skin crawl. He glanced at Jin again, his expression clearly asking What the hell is this?
Jin gave a tiny shake of his head, his own face tight with confusion and wariness. The peaceful garden around them — the blooming flowers, the gentle breeze, the distant sounds of the settlement — only made the moment feel more wrong. Like they were sitting in the eye of a storm that hadn't decided whether to break yet.
Zoltan took a long drink from his wooden cup, some water dripping down his neck and onto his dark red chest plate. He set the cup down on the table with a loud thud that made both Jin and Hanz flinch slightly. They swallowed hard, watching him carefully.
He let out a long, satisfied exhale, clearly enjoying the meal. Then he leaned back slightly, his dark red eyes slowly moving from Jin to Hanz and back again, studying them with quiet intensity.
"I have not seen humans cross these lands in a thousand years," he said, voice deep and measured. "Yet here you are. The last time I saw your kind… they were being scorched to death by the Dragon King. The human race burned beneath his flames. I thought you were extinct."
He smiled faintly, the expression cold and curious.
"This is interesting."
Jin and Hanz exchanged a quick, uneasy glance. Jin's expression was guarded, a mix of confusion and wariness, while Hanz looked visibly unsettled, his hand twitching slightly toward his axe.
Zoltan's voice dropped lower.
"Now... I am curious about how you two came to be; maybe I am wrong. But... Why are you crossing my lands?"
The question hung in the air, heavy and expectant. The garden around them felt suddenly quieter, the gentle breeze the only sound breaking the tension.