The woods were unnaturally still.
No birds. No insects. No sound, except the soft rustle of wind through dead branches and the echo of their footsteps.
Eron stood at the edge of the Ashthorn Forest, a place recently marked as a Class C danger zone after several villagers disappeared. Rumors spoke of a Mana Beast Nest—creatures born from unstable arcane residue, corrupted and feral.
Beside him, Neha walked silently, her red and black training cloak billowing behind her. The heat around her was faint, contained, but always present—like the simmering edge of wildfire.
Eron's system pulsed with anticipation.
[Mission Initiated: First Leveling Trial]Objective: Eliminate the source of corruption in the Ashthorn ForestEnemy Presence: Mutated Arcane Beasts (x5 - Confirmed)Reward: EXP, Skill Evolution Opportunity
"I'll flank right," Neha said quietly, her voice steady. "I'll use Pulse Flame as distraction."
"No," Eron replied. "We use this to evolve. Both of us. Don't hold back."
She nodded, eyes igniting.
The moment they crossed the threshold, the forest responded.
Three Mana Beasts leapt from the shadows—skin translucent, veins pulsing with purple light, claws radiating corruption. They shrieked like dying souls.
Neha acted first. A vortex of flame spiraled around her, merging with the grass, wind, and heat into a whirling inferno.
[Flame Ward Activated]
Incoming damage reducedTarget focus diverted to Neha
Eron moved like lightning.
[Multi-Cast Control Activated]
Spell Combination: Arcane Lance + Gravity Field + Razor Wind + Bind Glyph
Result: System-Recognized Complexity — Evolution Triggered
[Skill Evolution Detected: Multi-Cast Control ➤ Spell Orchestra]
Conditions MetEvolution ConfirmedEvolved Skill Now at MAX Level
[New Skill Acquired: Spell Orchestra – MAX]
Cast up to 6 different spells in perfect sync
Reduced casting delay
+50% elemental efficiency
Special Effect: Resonant Detonation after successful combo
Eron raised both arms, and six sigils formed instantly—each glowing a different hue.
"Now burn."
The combined spells shattered the lead Mana Beast into black smoke before it could touch Neha.
Two more came from behind.
"Flare Spiral Vortex—evolve!" Neha roared, stepping into her flame.
[Skill Evolution Detected: Flare Spiral Vortex ➤ Infernal Bloom]
Evolution ConfirmedEvolved Skill Now at MAX Level
[New Skill Acquired: Infernal Bloom – MAX]
Area-of-effect flame bloom explosion
Immobilizes targets
Applies "Burning Core" debuff
Effect boosted when synced with Bonded Party
She slammed her foot into the earth.
A flower of flame exploded beneath the creatures—engulfing the battlefield in a sun-bright blossom. Their screams faded into embers.
[Mission Cleared]EXP Gained: 300
Eron Level: 1 ➤ 2Neha Level: 1 ➤ 2
Evolution Slots Remaining: 2
As the fire cooled, the corrupted forest slowly began to return to silence.
Eron glanced sideways. "You held back."
Neha gave him a sharp look. "You outshined me. Again."
He smirked. "Then get stronger."
[Bond Perk Triggered: Competitive Flame]Shared Progress Boost: +10% EXP Gain Together
The banquet was quieter than the last. No fireworks. No noble guests. Just close family, and a single new directive.
Eron stood in his father's study, the soft flicker of lanternlight casting shadows across the marble walls. Count Dareth Valemere was a tall man, silver-haired, with eyes as cold as Eron's were sharp.
"You've made waves, Eron. You and that girl of fire."
"She's not just a girl," Eron replied. "She's my bonded. She'll rise with me."
Dareth didn't flinch. "Then it's time you both rise higher. You've outgrown this province."
The Count slid forward a sealed scroll. The crest of the Imperial Sigil Academy—the most elite institution in the continent—burned crimson on the wax.
"Effective immediately, you are to enroll in the Imperial Academy as a First Year. You will enter mid-term. Make an impression. Forge alliances. Break the proud."
Eron opened the scroll.
His name was already on the registry.
And beside it—
Approved Party Companion: Neha Vales
Dareth leaned forward. "Remember, my son… this world bows to power. Not bloodline. Not kindness. Power. You now have the system, the bond, and the threat. Use all three."
Eron nodded slowly.
"Then I'll become the storm they were never prepared for."