Rebirth of the Crimson Soul
Chapter 7: Embers of Trust
The morning light filtered through the cracks in the cottage's walls, painting golden lines across the wooden floor. Alex woke to find Lyra already gone, her staff missing from the corner where she normally leaned it.
He sat up, feeling different—not just physically, though the residual power from their shared connection still pulsed faintly in his limbs. He felt centered, as if some invisible part of himself had finally aligned.
> [Soulfire Link: Dormant]
Partner Status: Active — Range Sync: Outside proximity
Flameheart: Cooldown (12 hours)
System Tip: Emotional connection nurtures power. Force breaks it.
He stretched and got dressed, stepping out into the fresh air. Brann was already splitting logs, his blade cleaving through them with mechanical precision.
"You're glowing," Brann muttered without looking up.
Alex blinked. "What?"
"Your eyes. Fire's in them. Boy like you doesn't get that look unless he's touched magic… or something else." A knowing glance.
Alex flushed. "We didn't—"
Brann snorted. "Didn't ask. Not my business. But let me tell you something: power drawn from someone else's soul can lift you—or burn you alive."
Alex nodded slowly. "I won't misuse it."
Brann finally looked at him. "You'd better not. That girl's one of the only good ones left."
---
Training resumed.
Alex fought harder now, faster. Each swing felt more precise. He moved like someone who had a reason to survive—because now, he did.
By midday, Lyra returned. She looked winded, her cloak torn slightly, but her smile was intact.
"Hunting herbs," she said, holding up a pouch. "And answers."
Alex frowned. "Answers?"
She stepped close and whispered, "There are rumors in the southern woods. About people who were... changed. Like you. Sudden strength. Magical surges. It's rare, but not unheard of."
Alex's mind raced. "Others like me?"
"Possibly. But they don't survive long. Someone's hunting them."
He stiffened. "Who?"
She looked away. "I don't know yet. But if your strength keeps growing, they'll find you."
> [System Alert]
Quest Unlocked: Ash Marked
Track the origin of soulbound transformations.
Warning: Threat level rising. Stay hidden or get stronger.
Reward: Class Awakening
"Class awakening," Alex murmured.
Lyra nodded. "And that might be the key to survival."
---
That night, as the fire crackled and shadows danced on the walls, Alex and Lyra sat in silence.
Finally, she spoke. "When I kissed you… I wasn't sure what would happen."
Alex turned to her. "What do you feel now?"
She hesitated. "Like I've stepped into something bigger than both of us. But also... like I'm where I'm supposed to be."
He reached out, gently taking her hand.
"I don't want to rush what this is. But whatever's coming—I want to face it with you."
She squeezed his hand back, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Then we face it together."
> [Soulfire Link: Active]
Sync Level: 91%
Emotional Bond: Strengthened
Passive Boost: +2 Strength, +2 Magic (While bonded partner is nearby)