Control Room, Shaman School
A massive crystal glowed in the center of the room, projecting a clear image of the ghostly forest. Three khodams appeared on screen—worn, but alive. Around them, stone seats circled the room, occupied by stoic examiners with eyes fixed on the display. All attention was on the angelic khodam named Raisa—her once-pure wings now stained with black, surrounded by red-eyed bats.
"Did you increase her score just because her khodam uses voodoo?" one examiner asked, raising an eyebrow in doubt.
"Yes," another replied confidently. "Voodoo is a dark energy. It's far harder to control than spiritual energy—but also far more powerful. A khodam that can channel voodoo is definitely top-tier."
Shaman Rosso, the strongest shaman in the room, rested his chin on his hand. His voice was low but carried weight. "Even I have to be careful using voodoo. One wrong move and my khodam would be destroyed. That girl... she uses it like instinct. That's not just talent. That's dangerous."
A young examiner squinted at the screen. "If her khodam keeps evolving like this, she could become either a threat… or a valuable asset. We need to call her in after the exam. Trace the origins of that khodam."
Rosso nodded slowly, his gaze never leaving the image of Raisa. "Agreed. But don't rush it. Let her finish the test. Let's see how far she can go."
---
Tuyul Forest, Day Three of the Exam
Raisa, Alfin, and Diana moved slowly toward their treetop camp. Their khodams hovered nearby—tired, but alert. After surviving a battle with five giant tuyuls, they were worn down, though victory gave them a boost of hope.
Raisa looked down, fingers brushing the crimson horn she pulled from the tuyul's remains. It pulsed faintly, storing the life energy she used to heal Alfin and Diana.
I don't understand why my khodam changed… Is it because I got angry? Or... is it because I'm Raisa now? Her heart pounded.
"Hey, Rai! Don't space out!" Diana yelled, her pink tail swishing. "We need to start a fire before it gets dark. Jinn are more active at night."
Alfin grinned, though his khodam still looked pale from the earlier fight. "Yeah, especially after you went full superhero mode with those creepy bats. That was awesome."
Raisa blushed, quickly turning her face away. "I'm not a superhero. I just… didn't want you guys to die," she mumbled.
But inside, fear twisted her stomach. If they find out my khodam uses voodoo… will they be afraid of me?
They reached their camp and began preparing dinner—forest rabbit and wild mushrooms. Diana hummed a cheerful tune while roasting the meat, while Alfin helped Raisa gather firewood. Their hands brushed briefly, and Raisa quickly pulled hers back, her face burning.
"You okay?" Alfin asked softly, eyes filled with concern. He looked at her like he was searching for the old Rai he used to know. "You saved us today. I won't forget that."
Raisa ducked her head, her now-long hair falling over her face. "Y-yeah, don't get all dramatic," she said, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Why does he always make me feel this way? she wondered. Like I'm not just pretending to be Raisa… but actually becoming her.
From across the camp, Diana grinned wide. "Ooooh, is this a romance scene in the forest? Alfin, don't mess with my 'little sister'!"
Alfin choked on his food, and Raisa threw a leaf at Diana's face.
---
Night at the Treetop Tent
The third night in Tuyul Forest was colder than before. Raisa sat at the edge of their tent, eyes fixed on the dark sky. After what happened last night—waking up on top of Alfin, her arms wrapped around him—she had volunteered to stand guard.
I'm not letting that happen again, she thought, her cheeks still hot from remembering Diana's teasing grin.
Alfin and Diana were fast asleep, their khodams dimmed to conserve energy. Raisa released a few firefly spirits from her khodam. Their soft glow gently lit the area. But suddenly, a chill ran down her spine.
Something was moving in the sky.
She looked up—and her heart nearly stopped.
A Jin Whale—a monstrous creature with a body like a giant fish, razor-sharp teeth, and glowing red eyes—floated above the trees. It swam through the air like water, defying gravity. Raisa remembered reading about it at Shaman School.
Jin Whale: A spiritual predator that devours khodams and other jinn. If your khodam gets eaten, it takes seven days to recover—wasting crucial cultivation time.
Raisa quickly extinguished her fireflies, afraid the light would attract it. She crouched low, holding her breath, watching as the Jin Whale slowly drifted away.
Thank god it didn't see us, she thought, hands shaking.
"Rai? Why are you out here alone?"
Alfin's voice made her flinch. She turned to see him sitting beside her, his khodam dimly floating behind him. His eyes were filled with concern, but also warmth—a presence that made her feel safe, if only for a moment.
"I… just wanted to keep watch. Tonight feels dangerous," Raisa whispered. She didn't mention the Jin Whale—she didn't want him to panic.
Alfin smiled and sat closer, shoulders nearly touching. "You don't have to watch alone. I can take a turn too." He looked up at the stars, then turned to her. "You've changed, Rai. You used to just run around with me, climbing trees and chasing frogs. But now... you make me want to protect you."
Raisa's heart skipped.
Did he really just say that?
She wanted to throw out a sarcastic reply, but the sincerity in his voice made her freeze. "Don't say weird stuff," she muttered, but her eyes lingered on him.
Why does he make me feel like this? I'm just pretending to be Raisa… aren't I?
Before Alfin could say more, the sound of wings beating against air made them turn. A giant eagle khodam landed on a nearby branch, and a young man jumped down.
Kael—a senior from Shaman School 1, assigned to observe the test. Calm expression, sharp eyes that seemed to pierce right through Raisa.
"You guys okay?" Kael asked, his voice low but steady. His eyes landed on Raisa—and something about his gaze made her feel exposed, like he saw her beyond the mask.
"I saw your battle earlier. That voodoo khodam... it's rare. You've got talent, Raisa."
Raisa blushed, confused why his praise made her chest flutter in a different way than Alfin's.
"T-thank you," she stammered, looking away.
Alfin, beside her, forced a grin, but his eyes betrayed a flash of jealousy.
Diana suddenly popped out of the tent, rubbing her eyes. "Ugh, what time is it—huh? Who's the hot guy?"