Whispers of the Old World

The ruins pulsed with forgotten power. Aaron stood before the glowing symbols, their hum vibrating deep within his bones. The energy here felt ancient, raw, and unrestricted, like a remnant of the world before the gods rewrote reality.Orin Varyx watched him closely, a knowing smile on his lips. "This place was once a library—not of books, but of power itself." He traced his fingers along the carvings. "The old world left its wisdom hidden, waiting for someone who could break the chains and reclaim it."

Aaron placed his hand against the symbols. The moment his skin made contact, the ruins responded.

A surge of pure knowledge rushed through his mind—images, voices, lost histories.

A time when humans could rival the gods.

A time when limitless power was a birthright.

And then, the moment passed.

Aaron staggered back, breath heavy. He felt different again. The world seemed clearer, his mind sharper.

Selene stepped forward. "What happened?"

Aaron exhaled. "I saw it. The world before the gods." His fists clenched. "They really did take everything from us."

Orin nodded approvingly. "Good. Now you understand."

Aaron turned to him. "Then tell me—how do we take it back?"

Orin grinned. "That is the right question."

The First Trial: Control

Orin raised a hand, and suddenly, the ruins came alive. The stone pillars shifted, the ground trembled, and a wave of invisible force slammed into Aaron. His feet dug into the earth, but he didn't fall. Instead, his instincts roared to life. He braced himself, feeling the force rather than resisting it.

Orin's voice was calm. "Your power is growing beyond mortal limits, but you still lack control.

Aaron gritted his teeth. He knew Orin was right. Every time he unleashed his strength, it felt wild, unstable. If he was going to survive what came next, he couldn't afford to lose himself to it.

Orin spread his arms. "This temple will push you. Either you master your power—"

The energy surged.

"—or it will tear you apart."

Aaron took a deep breath. No hesitation.

He stepped forward.

A Battle Within

The ruins shifted again. Shadows formed from nothing, taking the shape of figures clad in ancient armor. Their eyes glowed with divine fire.

The Guardians of the Old World.

Aaron's instincts screamed.

These weren't normal foes. They radiated power, stronger than anything he had faced before.

The first Guardian moved.

It vanished—then reappeared in front of Aaron in an instant. Its blade, forged from golden light, slashed toward him.

Aaron didn't think. He reacted.

He caught the blade with his bare hand.

The ruins trembled. Energy crackled between them. The Guardian's burning gaze met Aaron's, but it did not hesitate. It pushed forward, trying to overpower him.

Aaron smirked. "Not this time."

With a surge of will, he crushed the blade in his grip. The golden light shattered, dissolving into dust.

The Guardian staggered back, but before Aaron could counter, the other two attacked.

One struck from above. The other from behind.

Aaron had no time to dodge.

Instead, he embraced the power.

For the first time, he didn't just unleash his strength—he directed it.

The air around him shattered.

A shockwave blasted outward, disintegrating the attacking Guardians instantly.

Aaron stood at the center of the destruction, untouched, unharmed, and completely in control.

The World Will Tremble

Orin clapped his hands slowly. "Magnificent."

Selene, wide-eyed, whispered, "Aaron… what did you just do?"

Aaron took a slow breath.

"I stopped holding back."

The realization hit him like a hammer. He had spent so long fearing his own strength, struggling to control something unnatural. But now? Now he understood.

This power isn't a curse. It's mine to wield.

Orin chuckled. "You've taken your first true step toward breaking the gods' chains. But be warned, Aaron—"

His expression turned serious.

"Now that you've awakened, the gods will notice."

Aaron's jaw tightened. He had expected this. If the gods had gone so far to suppress humanity's power, they wouldn't sit idly while someone like him rose beyond their limits.

Selene frowned. "Then what do we do?"

Aaron turned to face the horizon, eyes filled with determination.

"They've controlled this world for long enough." His voice was steady, certain.

"Let them come."