Rebirth of the Crimson Soul
Chapter 3: Sparks in the Dark
Alex woke before sunrise. The air in the cottage was cold, but his body no longer ached like before. Ember Skin—his first ability—had dulled the bite of the night.
He sat up slowly, thinking back on everything: the system, the transformation, and most of all... Lyra.
The moment they connected, something within him had awakened. It wasn't lust—it was deeper. Like two souls brushing past each other in the dark.
But he couldn't rely on small sparks forever. If he wanted to thrive in this world, he'd need power. And fast.
A knock at the door broke his thoughts.
He opened it to find Lyra, already dressed in travel leathers, staff strapped to her back. "You're up early," she said.
"So are you."
She glanced at his chest. "You're not... shaking like yesterday."
"Feeling stronger."
Lyra's eyes narrowed, curious—but she said nothing.
"I want to learn to fight," Alex said suddenly. "Or use magic. Something."
Lyra blinked. "You've barely recovered."
"I can't wait. I have nothing in this world. I need to change that."
A strange softness passed over her face. She nodded. "Then come with me. I know someone who might help."
---
They left the village behind, heading toward a rocky hillside. The climb was steep, and Alex struggled to keep up, but every drop of sweat felt like a step toward a new life.
At the top stood a lone cabin—thick logs, smoke curling from the chimney, and the smell of steel and fire.
Lyra knocked.
A gruff voice answered. "If you've come to buy charms, go away."
"It's me, old man."
The door creaked open to reveal a giant of a man—grizzled beard, half-burned face, a sword strapped to his back that looked too heavy for any normal man.
His eyes fell on Alex.
"Who's this twig?"
"He's... someone who wants to learn," Lyra said simply.
The old man grunted. "He'll break in a week."
"Then let me break," Alex said.
The man raised an eyebrow. "He's got fire. Fine. But training comes with a price."
Alex stiffened. "What kind of price?"
The man smirked. "You fetch water. You chop wood. You cook. You bleed. I teach. You whine—I send you home."
Alex nodded. "Deal."
The man clapped him on the shoulder, nearly knocking him over. "Call me Brann."
---
Training began that day. Brann didn't go easy.
He threw Alex into stances, made him carry logs twice his size, swing wooden swords until his arms screamed.
By dusk, Alex was on the ground, soaked in sweat.
Lyra crouched beside him, holding out a waterskin. "You look half-dead."
"Half is better than yesterday," he panted.
She laughed—a real one this time. It lit her face in a way that made his breath catch.
As she helped him up, their hands touched.
> [System Update]
Bond with Lyra: Increased
Strength +1
Dexterity +1
Ability Unlocked: Focus Pulse (Enhances reflexes briefly)
Alex gasped quietly.
It was happening again. Stronger this time. The connection, the growth.
He looked at Lyra, who watched him closely.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing," he said. "Just... grateful."
She smiled—and for a moment, the world felt less cruel