Realmshift: Triad Ascendancy.

Empathy.

[GREY]

The sharp sound of wood cracking fills the air as my punch hits the thick trunk. The tree falls with a heavy thud. I drag the log over, then tear it into smaller pieces by hand—just enough to get a fire going. Once the campfire is lit, I hang some meat over it to cook and finally sit down to rest.

I've been in Anghor Thom for a few days now. Right now, I'm in Narthwich Forest, just outside the city. Compared to Eldergrove, Anghor Thom is rough. The population's denser, the streets dirtier, and the people look worn out. It's clearly one of the poorer cities in Eldoria. Crime is everywhere.

I don't walk around pretending to be some kind of hero, but I also can't just stand by when someone's getting pushed around. That doesn't mean I follow any hero code—I don't. I do things my way.

After a full day of training, the heat from the fire feels good. I lean back on the ground, watching the flames flicker while the meat sizzles. It's quiet out here. Just what I needed.

"I wonder if the others have reached their destination yet," I think as I sink my teeth into the cooked flesh of the mana beast. Mana beasts have always been better for increasing my mana pool and refining my core. Right now, I'm at the Dark Yellow stage. Arkane and Silver are still at Light Yellow, but not far behind.

I open my status page and glance over my skills.
"It's crazy how far I've come," I mutter. "But it's still not enough—not for what's coming."

I let out a quiet sigh and push myself up to my feet.
"No time for breaks. I'll keep going until my body gives out," I say, finishing the last bite and tossing the bone aside.

I turn toward the deeper parts of Narthwich Forest, planning to hunt something stronger. But before I can take a single step, I hear something shift in the bushes nearby.

I freeze, eyes narrowing.

Something—or someone—is out there.

I activate the Visus rune, scanning the area for any signs of a mana beast. But there's no strong signature—just a faint one, coming from one of the nearby bushes. Definitely not a mana beast.

I move toward it slowly, eyes fixed on the spot as I catch another slight movement. I raise my hand, gathering mana into my palm and preparing a mana blast. Whatever this was, it didn't feel like a creature—it could be a bandit trying to sneak up on me.

"Come out now," I say, my voice cold. "Or I'll kill you."

The bush rustles again, and then—slowly—a small figure steps out.

A little girl.

My eyes widen, and I immediately let the mana disperse from my hand. She looks terrified... and exhausted.

She has tangled red hair and striking green eyes. Her clothes are torn and filthy, and her face is covered in dirt and bruises.

She doesn't say a word. Just stands there, staring up at me, like she doesn't know whether to run or collapse.

"What are you doing out here in the middle of the forest, kid?" I ask, softening my tone. I'm not exactly great with kids, but I'll try.

"I... smelled food," she says, her voice quiet and timid. "And I'm really hungry... can I have some?"

Her innocent tone hits harder than I expected, making my chest tighten.

I offer a small smile and guide her to sit down beside me. I carve a quick plate from a piece of wood, then tear the meat into smaller pieces so it's easier for her to eat.

"Here," I say, handing her the plate. "Eat up."

She starts eating fast, tearing into the meat like she hasn't eaten in days—which, judging by her thin frame, might be true.