Transcendent: The Origin Of Hunters

Deep within the verdant embrace of an ancient forest, nestled amidst towering trees and whispering leaves, stood a humble hut. Inside, a scene of quiet desperation unfolded.

Kyle, the once formidable Hunter, lay prone upon a makeshift bed, his body a canvas of bandages. The wounds, a testament to the brutal assault he had endured, were a stark reminder of his vulnerability.

Beside him, a young woman with emerald-green hair and eyes, a rare and striking beauty, tended to his injuries. Her movements were delicate, her touch gentle, as she meticulously adjusted the bandages on his arm. A flicker of hesitation crossed her face as she noticed the numerous scars that marred his chest, a patchwork of claw marks and sword wounds, each a silent testament to battles fought and won.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself against the unease that lingered within her. This man, a human, was the sworn enemy of her kind, the demons. Yet, she found herself inexplicably drawn to him, compelled to aid him in his time of need.

She dipped her hands into a bowl of water, now tinged with crimson, and sighed.

"Mmm!"

A sharp pang of pain radiated from her shoulder, a reminder of the enchanted Elven arrow that had pierced her flesh. The wound, though bandaged, refused to heal.

With a sigh, she rose from her chair and walked towards a nearby seat, her gaze fixed on Kyle's still form. "You saved me," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper.

"Not once, but twice. I am merely repaying the favor." She recalled the werewolves that had pursued her, their feral eyes burning with hunger, and the swift, merciless strokes of Kyle's blade that had ended their pursuit.

He saved her without even knowing it.

___

[Unknown Void.]

A void of infinite darkness stretched in all directions, an endless expanse devoid of light and form.

Kyle, his spectral form floating in this ethereal realm, surveyed his surroundings with a sense of disquiet.

"Where am I?" he asked, his voice echoing through the silent void. He raised a spectral hand, examining its translucent form. "Am I… dead?"

< Not yet.>

The disembodied voice, resonating with an otherworldly power, startled him.

"Who said that?" Kyle demanded, his gaze darting across the empty space.

CLICK!

He looked up, his eyes widening as he saw a timer suspended above him. Its digits, glowing with an eerie luminescence, counted down the seconds.

{Timer: Years: 00. Months: 00. Weeks: 00. Day: 00. Hour: 00. Minutes: 00. Seconds: 05.}

He watched as the seconds ticked away, each one a portent of an unknown event.

BOOM!

The timer shattered upon getting to Zero, its fragments exploding into a blinding burst of light. Kyle shielded his eyes, but the brilliance pierced through his spectral form.

When the light subsided, he lowered his hands, his eyes widening as he beheld a figure standing before him.

A woman, radiant and ethereal, with long golden hair and eyes, wearing a flowing golden gown and a jeweled tiara.

"Who are you?" Kyle asked, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and apprehension.

< You may call me Transcendent, the Origin of Hunters.>

"The Origin of Hunters?" Kyle repeated, his brow furrowed. "What does that mean?"

< Do not trouble yourself with such matters, Kyle. You are not yet ready to comprehend such truths. I have observed you for twenty-five years, since the moment of your birth. I have found the one--.>

"--The one for what?"

< Patience, Kyle. All will be revealed in due time. I have two gifts for you, tools to aid you in your mission.>

"My mission?" Kyle asked, his voice laced with suspicion. "You are aware of my intent to dismantle the three nations? You, who unleashed Life Force upon this world, birthing Hunters and magic. This seems… counterintuitive."

< I am more concerned with your other endeavor.>

"My other endeavor?" Kyle was taken aback.

< Your anger is understandable, your desire for vengeance justified. But what of your goal to unite the three races?>

"That remains undecided," Kyle replied, his voice flat.

< It will be decided when you return to your body. I offer you two gifts to aid you in your plans. But be warned, Kyle. Your path will be fraught with peril, and you will face trials beyond your imagination.>

Kyle raised an eyebrow. "Why do you desire the unification of the races? What purpose does it serve?"

The figure's gaze drifted across the endless void, a faint smile gracing her lips.

< A shadow looms, a force that will engulf this world in terror and fire. You must be prepared.>

"So, you foresee the destruction of the Golden Continent if we remain divided?"

< Correct.>

Kyle paused, his mind grappling with the implications. "What manner of threat do we face?"

< To reveal its nature would only hinder your progress. Focus on honing your strength and gathering your forces.>

"Forces? I work alone," Kyle said dismissively.

< You will require allies, Kyle. You cannot face such trials alone, as your recent defeat has demonstrated.>

Kyle remained silent. "That choice is mine."

< The second gift will provide you with a legion of loyal soldiers. Fear not, you will not be alone.>

Kyle regarded her with skepticism, but remained silent.

The woman, sensing his doubt, continued. < Kyle Blade, I bestow upon you two artifacts of immense power, God-class artifacts containing fifty percent of my essence. Use them wisely. Remember, your primary objective is the unification of the realm, by any means necessary. These artifacts will provide you with the means to achieve your goals, provided you meet their requirements.>

Golden light emanated from her, enveloping Kyle's spectral form.

< Farewell, Kyle. May we meet again. May your powers serve you well.>

She dissolved into golden motes of light, merging with Kyle's form.

"I have many questions," Kyle murmured, his eyelids growing heavy. "But I suppose I must wait for answers." He drifted into unconsciousness.

{1st: System will be activated in 72 Hours: 59 Minutes: 56 Seconds.}

{2nd: System will be activated in 72 Hours: 59 Minutes: 56 Seconds.}