Age Of Awakening

2. Tragedy

Chapter Two - Tragedy

---A month or so later…---

Yi Wei sits alone within the house, cultivating the mysterious lightning energy. He ponders for a minute before standing. ‘I don’t know enough about cultivation yet… I don’t even know what realm I’ve reached.’ His gaze turns to the sword, hung high on the mantle of the fireplace. The wondrous energy calms down within the house and he walks to the kitchen. A while later he walks back to the main room and sits at the small stone table. His face is content as looks at the wooden bowl in his hand steaming, full of hot chicken soup. After finishing his meal, someone loudly knocks on his door. He frowns and opens the door after putting away the bowl. A tall figure stands before him… On the figure’s chest lay an insignia he’s seen before, of a lone flame flickering in the wind. He stares in confusion at the figure and sifts through words to say, “I think you have the wrong house?” The figure gazes down at him and surprisingly shakes his head. He proceeds to softly say, “This is the correct home. If my intelligence isn’t wrong… You are young master Yi Wei?” Yi Wei steps aside from the door and the figure politely steps in. Four people in similar attire step in as well. Yi Wei quickly prepares chairs for them to sit in, but the main figure stops him with a gesture. The five of them wave their hands lightly and exquisite chairs appear. They sit elegantly and Yi Wei follows suit. The main figure nods at him and carefully says, “I am Ling Sun of the House of Everfall, son of the current house master. You met my elder sister at your attunement test, no?” Yi Wei lightly nods, recalling the graceful woman. He replies, “I remember her.” Ling Sun smiles at the statement, “We are here to extend an invitation to you. Perhaps, you will accept?” He hands Yi Wei an envelope and gestures for his companions to leave before him.

“Until next time, young master.” The man departs, leaving Yi Wei alone. He observes the envelope carefully before deciding against opening it. Yi Wei stares at the stone floor and inwardly accepts the invitation. ‘It’s my best bet if I’m going to learn more about cultivating.’ He sits on the cold stone floor, electricity rapidly flowing through his veins.

   

---Unknown Location---

The sky is dark and freezing rain creates a gloomy atmosphere.

“These conditions are unfavorable. It is affecting my mood.” A man in dark red armor of unknown material waves his hand viciously. The moonlight reflects off of the armor’s fierce points and curves. “You...” He points at another man in similar armor with less points and growls,

“...said those flagitious thieves were here… I see no thieves.” The other man quickly puts his hands up in the air, as if catching something, and reassuringly stutters, “I-I swear I saw ‘em here, I swear!”

Slap!!!

An extremely clear sound rings out and the man lay sprawled onto the ground. The other man sneers at the pitiful display and stomps to the large command tent in the middle of the camp. “Pah, that hurt….” The offended man crawls to his feet and wipes the blood from the corner of his mouth, an ugly expression on his face. “If anyone’s a thief, it is not them. I will ruin you myself.” He glares with malicious intent at the large tent in front of him, the rest of the camp empty. The stars shimmer beautifully in the night sky, but can’t seem to outshine the savage flames and inferno devouring the villages near the camp.

---Lynthia Village---

    Lightning crackles violently and thunderous booms methodically resonate throughout the small stone house. Yi Wei stands alone at the center of the room, golden lightning currents gracefully ride the curves of his clothing.