The wind howled through the highlands as Kairos moved with unnatural grace. His feet barely touched the moss-covered ground, his form blending seamlessly with the elements. He didn't walk — he glided, carried by a power that refused to be confined to mortal limits.
All around him, the world shimmered with unfamiliar wonder. Trees the size of towers whispered forgotten songs. Stone monoliths etched with glowing runes told stories in ancient tongues. Even the air was alive — saturated with magic so dense, it clung to the skin like dew.
Kairos paused near a massive tree, its trunk carved with glyphs of protection.
> [Location: Eldertree Vale – Outer Ring of the Aris Wildlands]
[Warning: High-tier magical beast detected nearby. Approach with caution.]
He felt it too — a pressure, like a mountain holding its breath.
Then came the roar.
It tore through the valley, shaking leaves from their branches. The trees bent away as something massive emerged: a beast with obsidian-black fur, six glowing eyes, and armored plates of enchanted bone. Its claws dripped violet venom, hissing where it touched the earth.
> [Species: Netherfang Direwolf]
[Rank: A-Class – Elder]
[Mood: Agitated]
The wolf bared its fangs and lunged.
Kairos reacted on instinct.
Time didn't stop this time — instead, everything slowed. He watched every ripple in the creature's movement, every shift of muscle. His body moved without hesitation.
He ducked under its jaws, placed a hand on its chest, and whispered:
"Release."
A pulse of invisible force erupted from his palm.
The wolf flew backward like a cannonball, smashing through three trees before landing hard in a clearing. It tried to rise — but its limbs trembled.
Kairos stepped forward, his voice calm. "I'm not your enemy."
> [New Ability: Will Projection – Passive Intimidation unlocked.]
The beast whimpered.
It bowed its head.
> [Netherfang Direwolf has submitted. You may name it.]
He hesitated, then said, "Fen."
The name echoed through the clearing, binding them.
> [New Companion Acquired: Fen – Bound Familiar]
[Loyalty Level: 65%]
Kairos exhaled. A part of him enjoyed the power, but another part feared what it meant. Everything came so easily. It wasn't natural.
"Why me?" he murmured.
> [You were chosen by the Origin — the oldest force beyond gods, fate, or realms. You are the Sovereign, Kairos. You exist to break the chains that bind reality.]
Before he could reply, a chill washed over him.
The sun dimmed.
The wind fell silent.
Fen growled, lowering his head in submission.
From the edge of the clearing, a carriage of obsidian glass and silver mist emerged. Drawn by four nightmares — black horses with fire in their eyes — it stopped without a sound. The doors opened.
A woman stepped out.
Her presence was undeniable. Regal. Seductive. Lethal.
Long silver hair framed a flawless face, her eyes glowing like blood-soaked rubies. She wore a midnight dress spun from shadows and silk, her every step silent and graceful.
"Kairos Veylin," she said, voice like silk over a blade. "So you are real."
He stared at her, tension rising.
"Aria Nightveil," he answered quietly. "You're a vampire."
She smiled. "Empress, actually."
They locked eyes.
"I don't want trouble."
"Oh, but trouble is part of your destiny, Sovereign. I merely came to… taste the rumors."
He didn't flinch.
She stepped closer, lifting a gloved hand toward his chest — and paused. Her fingers hovered just an inch away.
She felt it.
The power within him — raw, eternal, and uncontrolled.
"You're not ready," she murmured. "But you will be."
She turned, walking back toward her carriage.
"Wait," Kairos said. "Why are you here, really?"
She paused. "Because gods, kings, demons, and dragons are already hunting you. I wanted to see the boy who might survive them."
A gust of cold wind blew.
When it faded, she was gone.
The carriage. The nightmares. The empress. All vanished.
Only her lingering scent of blood and roses remained.