Chapter 2

• The Seekers were unlike anyone Kael had ever met. Their leader, a sharp-eyed woman named Lira, exuded an aura of authority. Her cloak shimmered faintly, suggesting enchantments woven into the fabric. Beside her stood a younger man with wild, untamed hair and a mischievous grin. "Name's Jax," he said, offering a hand. "Don't mind Lira. She's not as scary as she looks."
• Kael wasn't convinced. He glanced at Lira, whose gaze bore into him as if she were reading his soul. "You have potential," she said, her voice clipped. "And questions, no doubt. Let me make it simple: you've been touched by a Nexus Artifact. That makes you important—and dangerous."
• "A what now?" Kael asked.
• Lira sighed, clearly used to explaining things. "The Nexus is the thread that connects all realms. Artifacts like yours are pieces of its essence. They grant power but come with responsibility. If mishandled, they can destabilize entire dimensions."
• Kael stared at her, his mind spinning. "So… what does that mean for me?"
• "It means you're coming with us," Lira said, her tone leaving no room for argument.
• Before Kael could protest, Jax clapped him on the shoulder. "Relax, kid. We're not kidnapping you—just giving you a choice. Stick with us, and we'll teach you how to survive in a world that's way bigger than you think. Or…" He gestured vaguely. "Stay here and hope your artifact doesn't draw the wrong kind of attention."
• Kael hesitated, glancing back at the orphanage. He had no family, no ties. The system had already upended his life, and deep down, he knew there was no going back.
• "I'll come," he said, his voice firm.
• "Good choice," Lira replied. "Welcome to the Seekers."
• Kael's first day with the Seekers was nothing like he expected. Their base—a hidden outpost nestled in the cliffs above Everreach—was a marvel of both engineering and magic. The entrance was concealed by a shimmering barrier that Lira dispelled with a wave of her hand, revealing a grand archway carved with ancient runes.
• Inside, the air buzzed with activity. Seekers of all ages and races moved with purpose, their robes marked with the faction's emblem: an infinite loop encircling a star. Some carried scrolls and tomes, others sparred in an open courtyard where bursts of fire and ice collided in dazzling displays.
• Jax gave Kael a grin as they entered. "Welcome to HQ. Try not to trip over anything important."
• Kael couldn't help but stare. "This is… incredible."
• "It's also your new home," Lira said. "But don't get too comfortable. You'll need to earn your place here."
• She led him to a central chamber where a large, crystalline map floated in midair. The map shimmered with light, each glow representing a different dimension. A team of Seekers stood around it, discussing the latest disturbances.
• One of them looked up as Kael entered—a young woman with striking silver hair and piercing violet eyes. She radiated confidence, her every movement precise and deliberate. "Who's the rookie?" she asked, her tone cool but curious.
• "Angelica," Jax said with a mock bow. "Meet Kael. He's got himself a Nexus Artifact and a lot to learn."
• Angelica's gaze lingered on Kael for a moment before she nodded. "We'll see if he can keep up."
• Kael bristled but said nothing. He wasn't sure if Angelica was challenging him or if that was just her way. Either way, he knew he had a lot to prove.
• The rest of the day was a blur. Kael was given a room—a small, sparse space with a bed and a single bookshelf. He met other recruits, each with their own unique talents and quirks. But it was during his first training session that he truly understood what he'd gotten himself into.
• The training grounds were vast, divided into sections for physical combat, spellcasting, and strategy. Kael found himself paired with Angelica, who wasted no time in testing his limits.
• "Let's see what you've got," she said, conjuring a small flame in her palm. "Try to block this."
• Kael hesitated. "Block it? With what?"
• Angelica raised an eyebrow. "Magic, obviously. Didn't the system teach you anything?"
• He focused, summoning the light spell he'd been practicing. The orb flickered to life, but it wasn't strong enough to shield him. The flame hit his shoulder, harmless but humiliating.
• "Pathetic," Angelica said, crossing her arms. "You'll never survive like that."
• Kael's frustration boiled over. "Maybe if you'd give me a chance—"
• Before he could finish, Angelica launched another spell, a streak of electricity that crackled through the air. This time, Kael's instincts took over. He raised his hand, and the light orb expanded, forming a shield that absorbed the attack.
• Angelica's eyes widened. "Not bad," she said, a hint of respect in her voice.
• Kael grinned, despite his exhaustion. "Thanks. I think."
• From that moment, an unspoken rivalry—and connection—was born.