Chapter 1

Over 500 years ago, the world was thrown into chaos when the ground itself shook and the Naxons came forth. These behemoths moved across the surface world, killing 80% of the people. Survivors had to flee and go underground for protection from them.

While that was occurring with the entire humanity, one human happened to discover an ancient ruin. he started to explore the mysterious place but suddenly met a creature under the name of Symbiote. he was scared at first but he realized they were the solution. By being close enough with the Symbiote, he managed to grasp the secrets which could probably save the planet earth. He died before he was able to use the whole energy derived from the connection.

Years later, on that exact date of the month, a miracle happened and, in those dungeons, began to turn for good. Teenagers from 16 to 18 years old started merging with Symbiotes; this was called Festival. The Symbiote users gradually began appearing on the ground and started building villages over the ruins.

The legend speaks of a prophecy given by a fortune teller on the rise of a hero who would be able to fully release his Symbiote in order and balance for the world.

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The village of Eldoria sat nestled in a valley bright green in color, surrounded by towering mountains. Lanterns flickered on with the coming of twilight, casting cozy glows over the cobblestone streets and various lively stalls. Laughter and merry music filled the air as the annual festival was now in full bloom.

Amidst all this revelry was Luca Darnell, a blacksmith of 17 years with tousled brown hair and bright green eyes that gleamed with determination. His dark armor, tempered through many hours in the forge, was smudged with soot and grime after a long day of toil. The festival was flourishing around him, yet Luca did not stop working.

He hammered away in focused precision, the red-hot metal shimmering on his anvil. The metallic ring of the hammer had turned into some sort of lyric to his ears, reverberating throughout long days and sleepless nights.

"Luca, my boy, you've been at this far too long!" boomed Elder Aric as he strode in, his eyes twinkling warmly behind a well-deserved reputation of respect from the villagers. "The festival is all but ready. You should take a break and join in the fun!

Luca wiped sweat from his brow, smeared the action with a streak of dirt across his forehead. "Almost done, Elder Aric. I just want everything to be right for the festival."

Elder Aric chuckled softly and laid a hand on Luca's shoulder. "Your diligence is appreciated, yet don't forget to have a bit of fun, too. This is a festival-one to enjoy, not just to work at."

"I know," Luca replied, but his serious demeanor had broken through with a slight smile. "But the villagers look forward to this event all year. I want it to go off without a hitch."

"You have a good heart, Luca," said Elder Aric with a mild shake of his head. "This is a big day for all of us, but mostly It's all about you." and Elder Aric placed his finger on Lucas chest.

With a loud whoosh of exhaled air, Luca set the hammer down with one final powerful strike, realizing he had been holding his breath. The twinkling festival lights invited him deeper into the heart of the celebration.

The village square exploded in color: lanterns of every conceivable color danced in the evening breeze, carrying with it their magic. Music wafted through the air from a nearby stage while the tantalizing smells of roasted meats and sweet pastries surrounded all in their scents.

At this moment, Aiko took in Luca, who was standing in the midst of the crowd, and hastened toward him, her face shining with excitement. "Hey, Luca! You finally made it!" she said, still jumping up and down. "What do you think? Is today going to be our moment to shine?"

Luca laughed, but with a shade of disbelief still. "Aiko, you said the same thing last year, and nothing came of it."

Aiko giggled and playfully elbowed him. "Don't worry! If not today, there's always next year." Her eyes wandered about the festive festivity. "But really, I have a great feeling about this one."

Luca smiled back, though in his stomach he could feel doubts twisting again. "Yeah, maybe. But I think I'm ready this time, and I know you are too." He chuckled softly, trying to shake off that nagging unease.

"I've waited all year for this!" Aiko exclaimed, her eyes aglow with determination.

At this moment, the village chief came forward and called out in a clear voice loud enough to be heard by all, "All those who want to share a bond with a Symbiote, step forward!" As the people gathered, he arranged them in rows, after which he spoke to the crowd. "Today, we welcome new guardians-those who can harness the power of Symbiotes! Let us welcome them with open arms!

Cheers for the new warriors exploded in the crowd. Luca was among them, his heart racing. Suddenly, the air began to thicken with some strange energy. His breath caught as everything around him began to blur; he blinked hard, trying to refocus, and then was plunged into darkness.

He felt himself whisked away to some endless black void-the festival was naught. In a surge of panic, he yelled, "Hey, Aiko! Aiko, where are you?"

The only thing he heard was silence.

Luca hobbled forward, peering to see in the dark. Then, in the distance, he saw a flickering light: a soft purple-glowing pulse that seemed to pump like a heartbeat. He stepped cautiously toward it-the light brighter with every step.

Before them, a huge beast stepped out of the darkness. It resembled a dragon yet had no wings and sported two enormous horns while its eyes shone bright purple and seemed to blaze in the night. Luca gasped, falling rearward in fear and landing hard on the ground.

The creature's voice rumbled deep and powerful. "I am Psyros. What is it you seek?"

Shaking in fear, Luca stuttered, "M-my name is Luca. I.I seek the power to protect my village. It would be an honor to bond with you."

He stared back blankly at Psyros, who didn't bat an eyelid. Luca's heart raced at the feeling of the full weight of the creature's stare, as if he waited for whatever could pop out next. The next instant, Psyros plunged forward, form blurring into a vortex of energy that gushed toward him, so that surfeit of power enveloped him.

Luca opened his eyes, and he was back in the crowd. It was all exactly as it had been, but somehow everything felt wholly different.

Aiko practically ran to him, her wide eyes shining with anticipation. "Luca! Did you—?"

Luca merely nodded, still seeming to digest exactly what had happened. "I. I did."

"What was it like?" she pleaded.

"It was .dark .and scary. There was a Symbiote there, but not how it was supposed to be. It was threatening."

Aiko threw her head back, her smile faltering for a second. "Really? 'Cause mine was so different! I felt like I was floating in paradise-everything was pure pink light, and my Symbiote was just so beautiful." Bouncing up and down full of pent-up joy, she just wouldn't stop. "I did it, Luca!"

Luca forced a smile, shaking off the ill feeling. "Congrats, Aiko. I guess this year really was our time after all."

Aiko frowned as concern etched itself onto Luca's face. "What's wrong?"

"I don't know," he admitted, his face scrunched into a frown. "I always thought Symbiotes were supposed to be graceful, divine beings. but mine was different. It felt intimidating."

The smile was lost on Aiko; her eyes had lit up with concern. "How do you mean?"

"It wasn't like yours. It didn't feel comforting at all. It was. something else. Something dark."

Aiko set a comforting hand on Luca's shoulder. "Whatever it is, Luca, It's still bonded with you and trusted himself to you.

Luca said "you're right he chose me.