Hunted by the Kingdom

The woman's words lingered in the air, heavy with warning.

"If the Kingdom finds out about someone like you… they'll hunt you down."

Aaron studied her carefully. She wasn't just some random traveller. The way she held her sword, her measured breathing, the controlled stance she was trained. A warrior. Maybe even an assassin.

But that didn't intimidate him not anymore.

He took a slow step forward, feeling the newfound strength in his body. "And why would the Kingdom care about me?"

The woman's grip on her sword tightened. "Because you're an anomaly."

That word again Anomaly.

Aaron's mind raced. The voice in his head had called him that as well. Did this world have rules ones he had already broken just by existing?

"Explain," he demanded.

The woman hesitated, scanning the area as if she expected someone to be listening. "Not here If we stay too long, we'll attract attention." She gestured for him to follow. "Come with me."

Aaron could have ignored her. He had no reason to trust this stranger. But instinct told him that she knew things he didn't. And if the Kingdom was truly hunting him, then he needed information.

He nodded. "Lead the way."

A Hidden Refuge

They moved through the dense forest, stepping over tangled roots and weaving between ancient trees. The scent of damp earth filled the air, and distant sounds of wildlife echoed around them.

Aaron noticed that his movements were effortless. He didn't stumble, didn't feel fatigued he was faster, stronger, more aware than he had ever been.

After several minutes, they reached a small clearing. At its centre stood a hidden cave entrance, concealed by thick vines and moss. The woman pushed aside the foliage and motioned him inside.

The cave was deeper than expected, illuminated by a few glowing crystals embedded in the walls. At the far end, a small fire flickered beside a stack of supplies food, weapons, maps.

Aaron turned to face her. "You're prepared for something."

She nodded. "I don't trust the Kingdom."

He crossed his arms. "Who exactly are you?"

The woman hesitated, then sighed. "My name is Selene Varros. I was a knight of the Kingdom of Eldoria, but I deserted."

Aaron raised an eyebrow. "A knight?"

She nodded. "I served under the royal family for years. Until I saw what they really are."

Aaron's eyes narrowed. "And what are they?"

Selene took a deep breath. "Tyrants. They control everything magic, power, even fate itself." Her gaze hardened. "And they destroy anything that doesn't fit within their system."

A chill ran down Aaron's spine.

"So if they find out I exist…"

Selene nodded. "They'll eliminate you."

The Kingdom's System

Aaron sat down by the fire, absorbing her words.

"What do you mean by 'system'?" he asked.

Selene sat across from him. "This world operates on a set of divine laws rules enforced by the gods themselves." She picked up a small knife and twirled it between her fingers.

"People are born into a hierarchy. Nobles have power. Commoners have none. The strong stay strong, the weak stay weak. It's all dictated by the 'Blessings of the Divine.'"

Aaron frowned. "Blessings?"

She nodded. "A person's abilities strength, magic, skills are predetermined by the gods. They receive a blessing at birth, which limits how strong they can become."

Aaron's heart pounded. That wasn't the case for him. He had no limits. He could feel it.

Selene continued. "But… sometimes, an anomaly appears. Someone who wasn't meant to exist. Someone outside the system."

Aaron exhaled slowly. That's me.

Selene met his gaze. "And when that happens… the gods send the Kingdom to erase them."

The Kingdom Knows

A heavy silence filled the cave. Aaron's mind churned, piecing together what this meant.

The wolves he fought earlier he had absorbed their strength. His body was evolving, growing stronger with each battle. That was impossible in this world's rules.

That's why the voice in his head had warned him.

That's why Selene was afraid.

He was something beyond this world's control.

Aaron exhaled. "So what you're saying is… the Kingdom is coming for me."

Selene hesitated, then nodded. "If they haven't already."

As if on cue, a sharp whistle rang through the forest outside. A signal.

Selene's face went pale. "We need to move. Now."

Aaron stood, his instincts flaring. He could hear them Footsteps Dozens of them Clanking armour Swords being drawn

The kingdom's forces had arrived

And they were hunting him.