First Steps

The newly formed duo made their way over to the reception to hand in their mission and receive all the standard information about it. This included the general location, the number of Lurkers needed to be killed, and the expected reward in coins. 

The currencies in Perindo were divided into three tiers, with copper being the weakest, silver being the in-between, and gold being the strongest. To put it simply, one hundred copper = one silver, and likewise, one hundred silver = one gold.

The reward for Ash and Cain was 10 silver in total, to be split between them.

After waiting in a short line of three people, it was finally their turn. They both greeted the receptionist—a woman in charge of providing mission specifics. She responded with a brief nod before diving into the details.

"There have been recent sightings of Lurkers near the great tree of Mistmore. They appear to be under the command of a named Luminaro," she explained, her tone matter-of-fact.

Noticing the slight concern on Ash's face, she quickly reassured them. "You don't need to worry about the named Luminaro. A separate group has already been dispatched to handle it."

Then, with a grin that contradicted the seriousness of her words, she added, "Not that a named Luminaro would bother with the deaths of a few low-level Lurkers anyway."

Ash was a bit stunned by her carefree manner in dealing with a serious situation. Ash unconciously began to inspect her till he noticed the three stars on her left chest.

'So she's also in the third grade, the Yellow Core.' 

Ash was a bit stunned that some small clan had such powerful people doing mere receptionist jobs. Well... high tier for Ash. In the world of Arcanists, someone like her is actually considered... how do I put it... subpar?

Yes, she could probably deal with some of the weaker named Luminaros, such as the phantoms, with there two soul cores, but Ash honestly doubted that she would even dare think about going for a named Luminaro with three soul cores, which are commonly known as monsters.

The briefing concluded quickly, lasting less than a minute. Ash thanked her warmly for her time, while Cain's expression remained indifferent as they both exited the headquarters.

Once they exited the headquarters, Ash felt ready to take on any challenge that would be thrown his way, but firstly, they needed to properly introduce themselves to each other. Ash decided to lead the conversation as it looked like Cain had no plans to.

"Now that we are finally going on the mission, I think we need to get to know each other more in regards to combat. Don't you think?"

Ash stared at Cain while waiting for a reaction.

"Yes, I guess that would be ideal." Cain calmly replied.

Ash was thinking about how to go about this; he hasn't even awakened his soul core yet, so he would be giving far less information than Cain would.

It is universally known amongst Arcanists that the difference between an unawakened Black Core and the awakened Red Core is the biggest disparity in possibilities you could say.

Once you've awakened your soul core, you get to choose a main soul type.

Soul types are categorised under two banners: augmenting and conjuring. To put it in basic terms, augmenting is using spiritual energy internally to enhance physical abilities, and conjuring is using spiritual energy externally to create or control forces like the elements, summoning, etc.

This is just one of the many things that an awakened soul core has against an unawakened one. The single most important and ground-breaking advantage that allows weak humans and beasts to even pose a threat to the higher-classed Luminaros is the Soulforge.

The Soulforge could be recognised as a "system" embedded within every being, awakening only when they attain a deeper connection with spiritual energy, which in this case is awakening their soul cores. It acts as a personal guide and catalyst for growth, revealing crucial aspects of one's being, such as their grade, soul core, and affinities. This is the most basic way to understand the Soulforge but it goes way, way deeper...

Ash then began to explain to Cain his fighting style. To summarise, Ash has a more passive, counter-attacking style that thrives when catching an opponent off guard. He struggles to fight more than one enemy at a time, and he has relatively good, natural spiritual energy control.

"I don't expect you to tell me everything, as you know very well that I haven't unlocked my Soulforge yet, so it would be an unfair trade."

Ash warned Cain before hand, as Ash truly detested the idea of taking more than he gave. Cain nodded his head and began to explain the basic premise of his powers.

"I specialise in conjuring, and I have an affinity with the dark. I have a more stealthy approach as..."

Cain slowly explained to Ash exactly what he does well and what he lacks in. Ash was surprised by the sheer amount of information Cain had been sharing.

'Is this the feeling of someone who will always have you back?'

Ash smiled after those thoughts: 'Don't get ahead of yourself.' He internally affirmed

"...that's most of what I can do without prying too much." 

Cain had finally finished his explanation, and by the time he had finished, they had reached the village exit.

"Thank you for trusting me enough to go into such depth." Ash gratefully spoke.

"No problem."

For the first time since they had met, Cain had smirked.

'Woah, did he smile?'

'Progress!Progress!'

***

The sky burnt with streaks of orange and blue, the setting sun casting long shadows across the forest. Ash sat perched on the highest branch of a massive, ancient tree; its bark weathered and cracked with age yet still contained youthful vitality. The branches stretched wide, their unique forms clawing at the sky, and the leaves whispered softly in the breeze. 

His legs nearly dangled over the edge of the branch. The rough bark beneath him was firm, grounding him as the wind tousled his short brown hair. Far below, the forest swayed in unison with tens of other trees like it spotted in the distance.

From the base of the tree, the shadows seemed to ripple unnaturally. Slowly, they began to shift and condense, a dark figure emerging from their depths. Cain stepped forward, his silhouette sharp and defined against the fading light. The faint rustle of his cloak blended with the sigh of the wind, and the shadows at his feet lingered, reluctant to release him entirely. 

Above, Ash remained motionless, his outline etched against the glowing sky, a solitary figure atop the towering tree. 

Cain gazed up at Ash and began to climb the great tree. It took two minutes for Cain to climb up the tree and view the area Ash had prepared for them. There were two neat beds on both sides of the tree, about a meter or two apart. There were some other small items, such as their bags, knives, and a few dead birds. 

It seemed as if Ash had no clue Cain had already returned from scouting the general area. Cain stared at Ash's back for a few moments; his expression was unreadable, yet it felt as if it could kill.

Cain slowly and calmly approached Ash. They made eye contact.

"Your back already?"

"Yes, I only needed an hour."

Cain couldn't help but notice the soul core lying in Ash's hands.

"Is it time?" Cain calmly enquired.

"Yeah, it's time I stop holding us back."

It has been four days since the duo left the village and went on the mission. During these past days, they both agreed it would be better to start the mission once Ash had awakened his soul core. There were many reasons for this conclusion, but to put it in simple words, he was too weak.

If they were to go on the mission, Ash would mostly be dead weight and maybe even lose his life. The icing on the cake was that Cain decided to give Ash all the soul cores they earned by killing beasts and stray Lurkers till he awakens. Besides, Ash knew all he needed was a few days, as long as everything went according to plan.

"Pheww," Ash exhaled.

'Today's the day...'

Ash stood up and made his way over to his bed, which was positioned near the centre of the branch. Ash sat in a lotus position and laid the core between his legs.

He stared at the soul core and closed his eyes. It rapidly began to dissolve, its light flowing like liquid fire into his body. A searing heat spread from his chest, igniting every nerve, as if the energy was unravelling within him. Ash could feel something mystical stirring deep within him, right in the centre of his chest.

A pressure built in his chest, intensifying until a crimson orb burst forth. Smooth and flawless, it pulsed like a heartbeat. The energy moved directly into the orb, merging with it as its energy rooted deep within Ash, marking the awakening of his soul core.

Suddenly, Ash's senses sharpened, the rustle of leaves turning deafening, and the air buzzing with overwhelming energy. He opened his eyes, his vision blurry. Then he refocused, revealing a new colour to the world around him; it was faint, but it was there. He could feel the spiritual energy weaving around everything in sight. The leaves, the air, and him.

Ash had done it; he had awakened his soul core. He couldn't believe it! He had done it! The only way to go now was forward.

Ash couldn't stop smiling and even felt like shedding a tear. He looked up to face Cain, who had a smirk on his face.

"Congrats." Cain expressed

"Thank y..."

Suddenly Ash heard a whisper. It was calm, soft, and feminine.

"Welcome to the Soulforge, Ash."

The words sent a shiver down his spine, but before he could react, the world around him seemed to fade into darkness.