As he finished the battle with the last of the Solithrae beasts, Selarion continued northeast, moving with deliberate caution yet instinctive speed, aiming for the village of Aetherwyn. The forest had been relentless, every step a test of endurance, every encounter a measure of survival. His body bore the marks of combat: burns along his arms, cuts on his legs, the sting of muscle fatigue. Yet his mind cataloged the forest with meticulous precision—the layout of twisted roots, shadowed clearings, and the faint rustle of distant creatures.
"I want to take it slow… memorize the locations of the forest beasts… return later to hunt them and complete my other mission," he thought, each movement careful, each breath measured. Instinct and calculation coalesced seamlessly within him. Every broken branch, every disturbed leaf, every subtle shift of shadow in the dim light was noted, filed, and stored. Even the scent of the forest—the damp earth, the faint tang of distant water, the coppery hint of blood—was processed and understood.
The system's voice broke his concentration, calm yet precise:
"I don't think that's a good idea. At night, your advantage is minimal, and that is when Umbra elemental beings thrive—they are at their strongest."
Selarion froze. A chill ran up his spine, the hairs on his arms standing straight. His voice trembled slightly, betraying the panic he tried to suppress.
"So… in short, I will die?"
"Yes," the system replied, unflinching.
Time seemed to stretch. His injuries screamed for attention, but before pain could reach him, he took a step—and another—and felt… nothing. No sting, no agony, only the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
"How… how am I not feeling any pain despite these wounds and burns?" he demanded, eyes wide as he instinctively tested the strength in his legs.
"It is due to one of your racial abilities, combined with the Luminis element," the system explained.
Selarion's eyes narrowed, comprehension sparking. His blood still throbbed, his muscles screamed for endurance, yet the world seemed to bend to his will—his body healing faster than his mind could even process. He activated Divine Perception, and suddenly the forest seemed alive in a way it never had before. Every predator's position, every faint glimmer of movement, every disturbed leaf and bent branch became visible in his mind's eye. Lines of energy traced every creature, every object, highlighting danger and opportunity alike.
"It is time to explain the Fragments of Aeonis—their origins and their purpose," the system continued, its tone heavier, almost reverent.
Excitement surged like wildfire. For the first time, the system revealed knowledge far beyond his understanding. He barely noticed the trees thinning until the distant rooftops and guards of Aetherwyn came into view. The village lay quiet under the emerging night sky, the warm glow of lanterns and hearth fires flickering like tiny stars scattered across the darkened streets.
Selarion paused beneath a sturdy oak, lowering himself to one knee. He inhaled deeply, steadying his body and mind. Memories of old adages drifted to him:
"Always be prepared, because life and fate are always conspiring against you… so that they stay on top."
"Those who are first always want to be first."
Resting now meant clarity later. Strength before confrontation. Preparation before action.
"There are a total of five types of Fragments of Aeonis, each with five shards. Right now, you are about to receive the first type, along with all five of its shards," the system said, pausing to let him process the information.
Selarion's chest rose and fell rapidly as he absorbed the gravity of the revelation. After a heartbeat, he prompted the system to continue.
"Now that you understand there are five types of Fragments, each with five shards, here is their purpose:
The first shard of the Fragment of the Future allows the wielder to see what would happen if a specific event occurs in the multiverse.
The second shard makes the future of the wielder unknowable, even to the concept of Time itself.
The third shard grants the power to manipulate certain events according to the wielder's will.
The fourth shard provides a deep understanding of the future, its underlying elements, and the concepts that make it possible.
The fifth shard grants the wielder dominion over the concept of the future itself, or even the ability to bypass it entirely."
Selarion's eyes flared with uncontained excitement. For a heartbeat, he almost leapt to his feet and sprinted straight to the village gate, imagining the untold power coursing through him. But the system intervened.
"You will not be able to access all the advantages of the Fragments of the Future because you are currently too weak."
The words hit him like a gust of icy wind. His steps faltered. Excitement soured into irritation. His fists clenched at his sides, teeth gritting as he fought against the sting of limitation.
Just as he prepared to turn away, frustrated and bitter, a new display appeared before him—mission details, precise and daunting:
Mission: Village and Fragments
Objective: Travel northeast to Aetherwyn and steal the Fragments of the Future
Failure: The Primordial Dark Gods will find you
Time Limit: 30 days
Rewards: 250 System Points, plus 100 to all stats, 200 Unassigned Stat Points, unlock the stat Luck, 8000 EXP
"You will be able to access the power of the second shard," the system added, neutral yet weighty.
Renewed vigor coursed through Selarion's veins. Determination replaced hesitation. He approached the village gate, each step calculated.
The guards immediately noticed the subtle Luminis shimmer surrounding him, faint yet impossible to ignore. Their hands instinctively went to their weapons, but something about him—the aura, the calm authority, the quiet danger—made them hesitate.
Selarion crouched slightly, his eyes scanning their movements. He could sense the rhythm of their patrols, the slight tension in their stances, the flicker of uncertainty. With precise timing, he slipped behind a stack of crates. One guard turned sharply, a low curse escaping his lips, but Selarion had already moved, silent and unseen. Shadows became allies, narrow alleys became passageways, and even the faint noises of villagers working did not betray him.
It was at the quiet edge of the village that he nearly collided with Tarya Nivalis. She carried a small basket, her amber eyes widening in surprise. Her chestnut hair, loosely tied, swayed with the movement, and the flickering lanterns highlighted her sun-kissed skin. She was five feet six inches, slender yet sturdy, her posture a mixture of caution and fascination. She carried nothing extraordinary, no cultivation or power, but there was a quiet courage in the way she met his gaze.
"Are… are you a god of good looks ?" she asked softly, awe and disbelief mingling in her voice.
Selarion inclined his head, a faint smile forming. "No god. I am Selarion Aetherion."
Tarya froze, staring at his face in a daze. Her blush deepened as she took in the calm authority, the golden eyes that radiated warmth, the faint lines of wear and experience that marked a man far beyond ordinary. She stood motionless, captivated, as if memorizing every detail.
"I'm Tarya Nivalis," she said finally, composing herself. "I… I can't explain why, but you feel… remarkable."
Selarion studied her carefully. "Tarya, you are remarkable in your own right," he said, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "You carry a quiet strength. That alone is admirable."
She remained still, caught in the moment, amber eyes locked on his face, cheeks tinged pink. "I… thank you. That is very kind of you."
Selarion inclined his head slightly. "I speak only the truth."
"If you wish to rest, the mats are ready," she said softly, still shy. "You may stay here tonight. You will be safe."
Selarion nodded. "Your hospitality is appreciated. I will not take it lightly."
Inside her modest home, the hearth glowed warmly, casting gentle shadows. Selarion observed quietly, noting the simplicity and comfort of her life.
[System Notification]
Axion Acquired: Convergence Slash
Origin: Granted after the battle with the Ignis Drake in the Primeval Forest.
Effect: Condenses all active elemental energy into a single devastating slash. Accuracy and destructive power increase proportionally with elemental mastery. Can be used once per day; recharge requires rest.
Selarion absorbed the details sharply. The memory of the Ignis Drake—its blazing fury, the precise strikes—surfaced vividly. He understood this Axion's purpose: mastery, control, precision.
Tarya offered water for bathing. Selarion respected her privacy, washing himself while she moved about the room, glancing occasionally, her eyes lingering on his face. Embarrassment and curiosity flickered across her expression, but the scene remained entirely respectful, highlighting human vulnerability, mutual trust, and quiet intimacy.
They shared the small space, moving respectfully, conversing softly. Subtle gestures—the brushing of hair, quiet laughter, the warmth of proximity—created a profound connection without crossing boundaries.
Night deepened. Tarya occasionally looked at him, still captivated by his face, and Selarion rested, easing from combat and travel, absorbing the rare comfort of simplicity.
By the time the night was fully upon them, the warmth of the hearth and the rhythm of quiet breathing filled the room. Selarion's eyes closed, a rare serenity washing over him. And in that rare moment, two lives—one extraordinary, one ordinary—found connection in simplicity and trust.
A bond had formed: a normal human offering safety without understanding the extraordinary presence she sheltered, and a man of legend finding a rare moment of peace among simple humanity.