Chapter 2 A New World

**Chapter 2: A New World, A New Path**

The gentle rustling of leaves stirred Alina from her thoughts. She took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh scent of the ancient forest around her. The spiritual energy in the air was dense, almost tangible, filling her veins with a power she had never experienced before. She flexed her fingers, feeling the raw potential simmering just beneath the surface.

"This world… It's incredible."

A rustling in the underbrush caught her attention. Alina tensed, instincts honed from years of survival in the apocalypse kicking in. She turned sharply, her new senses picking up the faint presence of something—or someone—watching her.

Her eyes darted around, scanning the thick foliage. A soft growl echoed from the shadows, and she caught a glimpse of glowing red eyes peering at her from behind a massive tree trunk.

A beast?

She took a step back, body coiled like a spring. Before she could react, the creature lunged. A massive wolf-like beast, its fur streaked with blue flames, pounced toward her, jaws snapping. But instead of panic, excitement surged in Alina's chest.

This was her chance to test her new power.

She raised her hands instinctively, and a surge of ice erupted from the ground. A thick wall of frost formed between her and the beast, forcing it to skid to a halt. The wolf snarled, shaking off the cold, and launched another attack.

Alina smirked. "Not so fast."

She spun to the side, raising her palm toward the sky. A powerful gust of wind shot forward, knocking the wolf back. Without hesitation, she summoned a burst of fire, watching as flames engulfed the creature's path. The wolf hesitated, eyes narrowing as it realized she was no ordinary prey.

Good. Let it fear her.

With a wave of her hand, spears of earth shot from the ground, trapping the beast in place. It growled, thrashing against the restraints, but Alina was already moving. She clenched her fists, and arcs of golden lightning crackled around her fingertips before she launched them at the creature. The wolf let out a final yelp before collapsing, its fur still sizzling from the electric shock.

Alina exhaled, standing over her fallen opponent. A thrill ran through her. She had barely exerted any effort, yet she had taken down a beast that would have slaughtered her in her past life.

This power… it was intoxicating.

Before she could revel in the moment, a slow clapping sound echoed through the trees.

"Well, well. Not bad for someone who just arrived."

Alina whirled around, her body instantly on guard. A figure emerged from the shadows, stepping gracefully into the moonlight. A young man, tall and dressed in deep blue robes, observed her with a smirk. His silver hair shimmered under the light, and his piercing violet eyes held an amused glint.

"Who are you?" Alina demanded, keeping her stance firm.

The man tilted his head, his smile widening. "No need to be so tense, little warrior. If I intended to harm you, I wouldn't have announced myself."

Alina didn't lower her guard. "That doesn't answer my question."

He chuckled. "Fair enough. My name is Zephyr, a disciple of the Sky Shadow Sect." His gaze flickered to the wolf's body. "And you, my dear, are quite the anomaly. Taking down a Thunderclaw Beast with such ease? That's no ordinary feat."

Sky Shadow Sect? Alina's mind raced. From the knowledge that had been implanted in her after her rebirth, she knew there were ten small sects, seven super families, and three hidden families that ruled this world. The Sky Shadow Sect was among the stronger small sects, known for their speed and illusion techniques.

"And what does a Sky Shadow Sect disciple want with me?" she asked.

Zephyr crossed his arms, his smirk never faltering. "Curiosity, mostly. It's not every day a rogue cultivator appears in the wild, demonstrating mastery over multiple elements. That kind of talent? It doesn't go unnoticed."

Alina narrowed her eyes. "Are you trying to recruit me?"

Zephyr laughed. "Oh, I doubt you'd be satisfied with a small sect like mine. No, I just wanted to see you for myself. Rumors spread fast in our world, and if you're as strong as you seem, you won't be alone for long."

Alina clenched her fists. She didn't like the idea of drawing attention so soon, but it was inevitable. With her abilities, staying hidden would be impossible.

Zephyr seemed to read her thoughts. "Don't worry. I won't be spreading any rumors. Consider this a friendly warning—strong cultivators like you are either recruited, challenged, or eliminated. Choose your path wisely."

With that, he turned on his heel and vanished into the trees, his presence disappearing as if he had never been there.

Alina exhaled, her heart still pounding. She had barely set foot in this world, and already, things were becoming complicated.

But that was fine.

She smirked, looking down at her hands. Power crackled at her fingertips, her body humming with untapped potential.

She had been given a second chance, and she wouldn't waste it.

It was time to carve her name into this world. And no one—no sect, no family, no hidden force—would stand in her way.