Kael walked alongside Ezirah, the dense forest thinning into a narrow, winding trail. The sun was starting its slow descent, casting long, dramatic shadows like the world was setting the stage for something deeply unsettling. The air smelled of pine, damp earth, and the vague sense that he was making very bad life choices.


    Despite the existential crisis brewing in his skull, there was something oddly peaceful about the walk—if he ignored the fact that he was following a self-proclaimed Goddess of Chaos toward an unknown destination for unknown reasons with unknown consequences, it was actually pretty peaceful.


    “You’re being led, Kael,” Zaroth muttered in his mind, voice dripping with suspicion. “Like a lamb to the slaughter. Just thought you should know.”


    “Appreciate the vote of confidence,” Kael grumbled under his breath.


    Ezirah, walking with a kind of effortless grace, glanced at him with a knowing smile. “You seem tense.”


    “Do I? Huh. Can’t imagine why,” he said, deadpan.


    Ezirah chuckled. “Relax, Kael. We’re merely headed to the heart of Vaelstrum. The place where all things begin…and end. Though, I suppose the mortals would just call it Vardhelm.”


    Kael blinked. “Isn’t that exactly the kind of thing that makes people more tense, not less?”


    “I told you she was bad news. Not that I have much say in the matter either, mind you. So, congratulations—we’re both stuck with her,” Zaroth sighed.


    Ezirah’s smile was almost too entertained by his discomfort. “Oh, Kael. You’re going to have to get used to a little mystery.”


    He exhaled. “Fine. But I need answers. You want me to embrace chaos, rewrite the world, whatever—but how? What’s the game plan here?”


    She didn’t answer immediately, letting the silence stretch just long enough for him to start second-guessing asking in the first place.


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    Then, finally: “Power.”


    Kael groaned. “Let me guess. And by power, you mean—”


    “Magic.”


    “Great. So, where do I sign up? Is there, like, a beginner’s course, or do I just throw my hands in the air and hope lightning comes out?”


    Ezirah smirked. “Oh, Kael, you’re going to be so much fun.”


    That was not the answer he wanted.


    “The world bends to those who command magic,” she continued. “Chaos thrives on power. The more you wield, the more it follows your will.”


    Zaroth added. “Power alone isn’t enough. The strong rule and the weak get stomped. A wise man once said that peace can only be achieved through superior magic power. The same goes for chaos, of course.”


    Ezirah nodded approvingly. “He’s right. But there’s a difference between raw power and purpose. If you wield chaos without understanding it, it will consume you.”


    “Fantastic,” Kael muttered. “I love that I have the potential to end up as crazy as you.”


    Zaroth let out a low, amused chuckle. “Oh, you absolutely should. It means you’re past the point of no return—might as well enjoy the ride.”


    Kael exhaled sharply. “Yeah, well, I’m still breathing, and I fully intend to keep it that way.”


    “Good,” Ezirah said, stopping abruptly.


    Kael followed her gaze and immediately felt his survival instincts screaming.


    The forest ahead had gone still. The air, once thick with the sounds of birds and rustling leaves, had fallen into an eerie silence. Even the wind seemed to hesitate.


    “What is it?” Kael asked, his hand instinctively moving to his side, but there was nothing there.


    No weapon.


    Ezirah’s golden eyes gleamed as she tilted her head slightly. “Guests.”


    Before Kael could process that, the underbrush exploded.


    A monstrous roar shattered the silence, and a beast the size of a bear charged out of the shadows. Its thick fur bristled, jagged claws gleamed like they’d been polished for murder, and its eyes…its eyes glowed red.


    The beast’s glowing red eyes zeroed in on Kael.


    Kael took a cautious step back. “So… you wouldn’t happen to have a weapon for me, would you?”


    “Oh, excellent,” Zaroth drawled. “Your first real test. Try not to get eviscerated too quickly—I’d rather not go through the hassle of finding a new host. You’re mildly tolerable.”


    Kael ignored him. “Ezirah?” he asked, voice tight. “Is this…supposed to happen?”


    Ezirah didn’t answer. She was watching, waiting.


    The beast snarled, lowering itself like a coiled spring.


    Kael had nothing. No sword, no spells, no clue what the hell he was supposed to do.


    “Just so we’re clear—I despise both of you.”


    Then the beast lunged.


    And Kael’s body reacted before his brain could catch up.