The silence after the disappearance of the Master of the Cycle felt unnatural.
Lyra's breathing was still uneven. Her knees trembled from the power she had just released. Around her, the endless field of black and white flowers slowly faded, like a dream dissolving at dawn.
But something felt wrong.
She could feel it deep in her chest.
The presence in the shadows… it was still there.
Kael was still holding her hand. His eyes were fixed on the dark horizon where the mysterious silhouette had appeared.
"Do you see it too?" Lyra asked quietly.
"Yes," Kael replied.
The figure did not move closer. It simply stood there, watching them.
Waiting.
Then suddenly—
It vanished.
As if it had never existed.
The wind swept across the fading field, scattering petals into the air. The world around them began to crack, thin fractures spreading through the sky like broken glass.
A soft silver light appeared.
Maelis stepped forward from it.
"The trial is over," she said calmly.
Lyra lifted her head.
"Who was that person?"
Maelis remained silent for a moment.
Then she answered carefully.
"Someone who should not appear in your story yet."
Lyra frowned.
"That's not helpful."
"Is she an enemy?" Lyra asked.
"Perhaps," Maelis replied.
"Or an ally."
Lyra sighed.
Kael placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"We'll find out later."
Maelis raised both hands, and the entire world around them shattered into light.
The glow swallowed them completely.
One Week Later
Lyra slowly opened her eyes.
The sound of insects buzzed in the air. Leaves rustled above her, and the scent of wet earth filled her lungs.
She was lying on soft grass.
Above her stretched a massive ancient forest, thick and wild. The trees were enormous, their roots twisting across the ground like sleeping serpents.
Lyra sat up.
"Kael?"
He was nearby, leaning against a tree trunk with his arms crossed.
"You're awake," he said.
Lyra scanned the surroundings.
"Where are we?"
Kael looked around at the towering trees.
"Maelis sent us here."
"Why?"
"To survive."
Lyra frowned.
"That's not an explanation."
Kael exhaled slowly.
"She said we need to learn how to control our powers in the real world… not just inside spiritual trials."
Lyra looked down at her hands.
She could still feel energy moving inside her veins—the memories of past lives, the echoes of power that didn't fully belong to this life.
But it felt calmer now.
Deeper.
"How long have we been here?" she asked.
Kael answered casually.
"Seven days."
Lyra's head snapped toward him.
"Seven days?!"
"You were unconscious most of the time."
Lyra stood up immediately.
"And you just let me sleep in the middle of a dangerous forest?!"
Kael shrugged.
"I was watching over you."
Lyra finally noticed the signs around them.
A small fire pit.
A pile of wild fruits.
A makeshift water container made from leaves.
Kael had clearly been surviving here alone.
"You found food?" she asked.
"Yes."
"Water?"
"There's a river north of here."
Lyra crossed her arms.
"Impressive."
Kael allowed himself a small smile.
But the peaceful moment didn't last long.
A rustling sound came from the bushes.
Lyra froze.
Something was moving.
Slowly.
Very slowly.
Kael immediately stood up.
His expression turned serious.
"We're not alone."
The leaves parted.
A figure stepped out.
A boy.
Maybe eighteen years old.
Black hair.
Gray eyes.
He wore a long dark coat and carried a travel bag across his shoulder.
But what caught Lyra's attention immediately…
Was the strange magical energy surrounding him.
The boy studied them silently.
Then he spoke.
"Interesting."
Kael subtly stepped in front of Lyra.
"Who are you?"
The boy tilted his head slightly.
"The real question is… who are you?"
He looked carefully at Lyra.
Then his eyes widened just a little.
"Oh."
A slow smile spread across his face.
"Now I understand."
Kael frowned.
"Understand what?"
The boy ignored him.
He looked directly at Lyra.
"You're awake."
Lyra felt her heart skip a beat.
"Do we know each other?"
The boy shook his head.
"Not in this life."
A chill ran down her spine.
Kael didn't like this.
"Explain."
The boy dropped his bag to the ground.
"My name is Orion."
He crossed his arms.
"And I've been looking for you for a week."
Lyra and Kael exchanged a glance.
"Why?" Lyra asked.
Orion answered calmly.
"Because your awakening disrupted the magical balance of the world."
Silence fell.
Even the insects seemed to stop buzzing.
"And?" Kael asked.
Orion looked toward the deeper forest.
"And now… the hunters are coming."
Lyra felt her stomach tighten.
"What hunters?"
Orion smiled faintly.
"The ones who kill reincarnated souls before they become too powerful."
Kael clenched his fists.
"You're joking."
Orion shook his head.
"Not even a little."
Suddenly—
A scream echoed through the forest.
It was distant.
But it didn't sound human.
Lyra felt a wave of cold fear crawl down her spine.
Orion sighed.
"Too late."
He picked up his bag again.
"They found us."
Kael stared toward the direction of the scream.
The trees began shaking.
Something was approaching.
Fast.
Very fast.
Orion looked at Lyra.
"Tell me one thing."
"What?"
"Do you already know how to use your reincarnation power?"
Lyra shook her head.
"No."
Orion groaned.
"Fantastic."
He pulled a black blade from his belt.
"Because if you don't…"
The scream suddenly exploded much closer.
Trees snapped apart.
The ground shook.
And a massive creature burst out of the forest.
Red eyes.
A body made of shadow.
A Soul Hunter Beast.
Orion finished his sentence.
"…we're probably going to die."
Lyra felt the energy of all her past lives stir violently inside her chest.
Kael stepped forward protectively.
Orion raised his blade.
And the creature lunged.
To be continued…