THE MYSTERIOUS OLD MAN

As I stepped forward, the world around me shifted completely. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before. The air was thick with an unfamiliar energy, and the land stretched endlessly in all directions. The first thought that struck me was the possibility of having a system. My heart pounded as I hurriedly called out in my mind.

"System!"

To my delight, a soft, mechanical voice immediately responded.

"Yes, host."

I grinned. It worked!

"Lili, do you know anything about this world?" I asked, eager for information.

Lili, my system, answered without hesitation. "Yes, host. This world is a magical space spanning hundreds of kilometers. It was created by a powerful individual using ancient magic. To achieve such a feat, they must possess power beyond that of a Ninth Circle magician."

I froze at her words. "What? More power than a Ninth Circle magician? But I thought the Ninth Circle was the highest level of magic possible! What are you talking about?"

"Host, there are many things you are unaware of. This universe is full of mysteries, and you must be cautious. I can already sense numerous dangers lurking within this world."

I exhaled slowly. "Even my father said the same thing..."

I looked around and noticed the worn-down structure surrounding me. A small hut, empty and abandoned, as if it had been waiting for someone to appear. A strange thought crossed my mind. "Wait a second... why was I spawned here? It feels just like a video game, where players start at level one. But I'm not that weak!"

As that thought settled, I suddenly remembered something—or rather, someone.

"Oh! How could I forget about Ignis? She's in my inner space as well! I think it's time to wake her up. Lili, move Ignis out of the subspace."

"Understood, host," Lili responded.

A moment later, a brilliant light flickered in front of me as Ignis materialized. Her fiery red hair cascaded down her back, her golden eyes scanning her surroundings in surprise.

She crossed her arms, clearly annoyed. "You don't know how bored I was inside that space! Again!" She huffed, pouting slightly. "The last thing I remember was us fighting the Reaper, and now I wake up here? What's going on? Where are we? I can't sense any other human presence besides us."

I gave her a reassuring look and took a deep breath. "It's... a long story." I began explaining everything—about the strange magical space, Lili's revelations, and the dangers lurking around us. Ignis listened carefully, her expression shifting from irritation to deep thought.

When I finished, she clicked her tongue. "Hmph. Well, at least you remembered me and brought me along." She smirked slightly, but her tone quickly grew serious. "But Rave, we need to get stronger. I never expected to lose to that weak Reaper. That fight... I won't let something like that happen again."

I stepped closer and, without thinking, pulled her into a hug. "Ignis... Thank you for saving me. I swear, I'll become stronger—so strong that you'll never have to push yourself that far for me again."

Her body stiffened slightly in my embrace, and after a pause, I felt her warmth as she hesitantly relaxed. Then, in a flustered voice, she muttered, "W-What are you doing all of a sudden?! It's not like I wanted to save you or anything! I just—" She pulled away, crossing her arms. "I had to! You're my companion, and if you get hurt, I get hurt too. That's the only reason I saved you! Don't get any weird ideas."

I blinked at her in confusion. "Huh?"

Before I could process her words, a loud sound echoed from somewhere in the distance. My instincts kicked in instantly, and I turned toward the source of the noise. The ground trembled slightly beneath my feet.

Ignis was already on alert, her eyes narrowing. "Looks like we've got company."

I clenched my fists, focusing my senses. Whatever was coming—it wasn't friendly.

"Stay sharp, Ignis. Let's see what this world has in store for us."

As we stepped out of the hut, drawn by the mysterious sound, our eyes fell upon an old man standing outside. His gaze locked onto us, and a curious expression flickered across his face.

"Hmm?" The old man tilted his head. "There were supposed to be only one of you here… but I suppose it doesn't matter. At least this family I founded finally has someone to inherit it after a generation." His eyes gleamed with intrigue as they settled on me. "Come along, kiddo. Bring your little dragon with you."

I frowned, stepping forward cautiously. "Wait—who are you? What do you mean by that? And why can't I sense you?" My instincts screamed that something was off. Even with my limited abilities, I should've been able to feel his presence, yet he was like a void—untouchable, unreadable.

The old man chuckled. "You're too weak, boy. Both you and that dragon of yours." His tone was dismissive, yet it carried an air of authority that made my blood boil. Then, as if amused by my defiance, he added, "As for who I am… hmm, I suppose you could call me your ancestor. I created this space. I founded the Gallant family."

My eyes widened. "You—"

"Enough questions." His voice hardened. "I was surprised that no one from your father's generation arrived here, but now that you're here, that's all that matters. Follow me." He turned away as if the conversation was already over. "And no more questions."

But I wasn't satisfied. "Wait!" I took a step forward, determined to press for answers—when suddenly, an immense pressure crushed down on me.

My entire body froze. A suffocating force wrapped around me like invisible chains, pushing me to my knees. Every fiber of my being screamed in protest. My breaths came in ragged gasps as I fought to resist, my muscles trembling under the sheer weight of his power.

The old man watched with mild amusement. "Not bad," he murmured to himself. "For a boy his age to withstand this much… he's got potential."

I gritted my teeth, refusing to stay down. With sheer willpower, I pushed myself up, my legs shaking as I slowly rose to my feet. Sweat dripped down my brow, but I didn't break.

The old man smirked. "Good. You know your place now."

I clenched my fists but said nothing. I had no choice but to follow.

And so, I stepped forward, trailing behind him with ignis by my side. However, as we moved deeper into the unknown, something unexpected happened—something that would change everything