I walk along dark paths while a faint darkness accompanies me on this lonely night. Going from door to door, I wake up people who requested our service, being careful not to damage other people's property when throwing the small stones that I carry in my fist. My skin tingles and when I sigh my breath freezes in the air. Across the street, my partner is about to finish his part of the work. Reluctantly, I wake up my last client by slowly knocking on his door.

  I have been feeling tired lately, as it has not been easy for me to maintain two jobs so that the coins in my pockets do not disappear completely. Getting up early is quite problematic for me, even when I was previously at André's home I didn't wake up before everyone else. I have a strong desire to leave this job, but my situation prevents me from doing so. I even tend to hear voices in my head, telling me every moment that my effort will not be worth it no matter how much it breaks my back. I will always lack money.

  To avoid thinking that way, I usually divert my attention to some activity I am doing, but I feel that these voices sometimes manage to defeat me and little by little they gain ground inside my head.

  By a miracle I can't explain, I woke up in a new world after being killed in a shooting and, although scared at first, I knew immediately that this would be a new opportunity to rebuild my life. Not only did I swear not to repeat my old sins, but I would also be able to have what I could not have in my previous existence; money. Enough so that I don't have to work and do what I want. Being a good person is not enough for me.

  Unfortunately, this dream will take a long time to come true, if I achieve it. I think it was a mistake to make that promise to myself and I get frustrated feeling like I haven't made any progress since I woke up in this place. But the blame falls entirely on me for having such absurd illusions and for wanting to have everything quickly.

  It was because of thinking that way that I ended up losing my life in the first place. When I remember that I borrowed money from a gang and then spent almost all of it on papers that were supposed to make me rich, I feel like an idiot.

  I walk in new lands that surely hide great mysteries. Fantasizing about exploring this world like an adventurer in children's stories lifts my spirits a little, but that energy fades when I remember that I don't fill my belly with air and that my needs are paid for with small, round pieces of metal.

  I wonder if there is a place where that concept doesn't exist. Maybe I should kill myself and try my luck. Who knows, maybe I'll turn up in another strange place. One in which I do much better.

  I shake my head and take a deep breath to relieve those thoughts.

  “We're finally done!” Nick comments, stretching his back. “Are you going to the restaurant after this?"

  “That's right." Yawning, I move my shoulders in circles. "I hope they hire me."

  The testing days at The Broken Wheel are over and today it will be decided whether I stay or go. Depending on my pattern's response, my life will take one rhombus or another. I would like to say that I have the position secured, but currently I am not sure of anything.

  “If they are going to hire you.” Continue. "You better think about how you will spend your first salary when you get paid. I'm telling you right away that you should buy a pair of boots. I always see you wearing those weird shoes.

  “They are my favorites."

  “If you say so."

  I had to consider these shoes my favorites, but Nick is right. I often have trouble sleeping after taking off these industrial boots because my feet are swollen and the pain is annoying.

  As we walked back to the square to collect our payment, I saw different people finally leaving their homes to start their day and some stalls in the market were also beginning to open. When I look at the sky I can see the sunlight shining on the city walls. Although it will soon be dawn, the cold does not stop. Is the winter season starting perhaps?

  “By the way, where did you say you wanted to go?”

  "How? You mean Arcarya? I want to go there and look for something better. It's the capital and I'm sure it will have better jobs than here. But if I don't find anything, I'll go back home and I don't care what my father says. We're at war, for Lha'el!" He grumbles emphatically. "My dad thinks it's easy to go out and make a living that easy."

  Days ago Nick was asking about my past and, using the made-up story I told the first time I showed up at the restaurant, I pretended to be from a town far from all civilization. Thanks to this apparent small-town ignorance, I was able to gather some information. The only thing I know is that I am in the second largest city in this kingdom and that there is possibly another war with another country, but I do not know the reasons for that confrontation. I think I heard something related, but that information went in one ear and out the other.

  Nick and I collected our money and high-fived goodbye. It's time for me to direct my steps towards my other job, but not before detouring to a small fruit stand to buy my breakfast.

  While I wait for the restaurant to open its doors, I sit on a nearby park bench to recharge my batteries and finish my meal. Looking in any direction, I bite into my apple. Their meat is so delicious and sweet. As I nibble, some of its juice runs down my chin. The truth is I had no idea that this little fruit would satisfy my stomach with satisfaction. If I were in my old home, my first meal of the day would be a Coca-Cola and stale bread.

  In the distance I see a thin figure with dark hair. The long skirt of her olive dress flutters in the morning wind. With slow steps, I decide to approach her like a hunter towards his prey.

  "Good morning!" I shout behind his back.

  Surprised, Eleanor jumps and turns to me.

  "Don't do that!” He complains, puffing out his blushing cheeks.

  "Isn't the boss open today?"

  "No, he told me that he will be late because of a personal matter."

  We entered together, when her thin locks touched my nose I could smell a cinnamon aroma. We began to arrange the chairs and clean the tables, awaiting the boss's arrival. A kind of nostalgic tranquility invades the place.

  I had intentions of discussing my possible hiring with Eugine, but knowing that he has problems, it will be better to give up and wait until my day is over.

  When we finish cleaning, my partner prepares two cups of coffee and invites me to sit next to her while we see the daily lives of the citizens through the windows. The environment is so cold that it fogs up the glass and the clouds are so dark that they pretend to belong to another time of day.

  As I rub my hands together to warm them, Eleanor sweetens my ears with her voice.

  "Are you excited?"

  "Excited for what?" Exhaling into my palms, I hide my hands in my shirt.

  "Today they hire you. You will be part of the group."

  "I hope so. I would die if Eugine denied me the job."

  Resting her lips on the rim of the cup, Eleanor takes a sip of her steaming coffee.

  "You're right, you lost your chance when you were late that day."

  "You don't scare me any more than I already am..." I shrink back into place.

  "I was kidding!"

  We continue talking to kill time. With questions going back and forth, I learned that she has been working since the place opened, six years ago. He also told me about the fate of the previous waiter, becoming a wife and traveling with her to his hometown to settle down. Furthermore, I learned that Eugine refused to take on new employees due to the multiple problems he had in replacing the previous one. Some were lazy or did things in a bad way; another stole money from the till when no one saw him. When the boss found out about this, he beat him and handed him over to the guards.

  For a time it was just the two of them, but the popularity of the restaurant grew and with it more customers that Eleanor found it difficult to serve on her own. That's why Eugine posted a request in the union to find another employee and, this time, they found me, or I found them. Well, it's the same.

  "It's colder than usual."

  "Don't you like the cold, Ethan?"

  "No. It's annoying to feel my fingers go numb. I don't know how some people like this weather."

  "You better not mention that around Rya." Eleanor chuckles.

  I was also able to find out about his romantic situation. Of course, I tried not to let that innocent curiosity turn into an interrogation, and even though her heart doesn't belong to anyone, I think I'm going to give up on the idea of winning her over. It will take me a long time to be at his level; This woman deserves better than an impoverished brute. Fortunately, my heart is not completely captivated by her, otherwise this decision would be more painful.

  We started working when the pattern appeared shortly after. With time taking its course like the current of a river, the restaurant soon filled with customers. Eugine is surely the envy of the other tavern owners.

  I walk from one side to the other while carrying different dishes whose hypnotizing aroma makes me sigh with dismay. Due to the late opening, our break time was postponed a bit. Between the babbling and laughter of the diners, I can hear distorted screams coming from outside.

  Without being the only one whose scandal is beginning to attract attention, many people approach the window to observe what happened. Something spectacular must be happening, since most of the people left their tables and stared absorbedly outside.

  Unable to hold back my curiosity, I walk towards the windows. Eleanor is next to me.

  My mouth opens involuntarily as I see a man arguing between shouts and insults with an individual of gigantic dimensions. His hand alone is the same size as my head.

  "Get out! Are you here to steal from our lands and kill our own?" Curse my fellow man.

  "Calm down…" Raising his hands, the giant murmurs. "I'm just passing through. Leave me alone."

  Who will that guy be? I'm sure he's not from here; her skin is pale and her braided hair is almost as black as coal. The only thing dark, besides his hair, are the marks that cover part of his face and neck.

  "I don't know why they let that wild Barbarian walk around here."

  It's the first time I've heard Eleanor speak in such a derogatory way. I wonder why they would hate that guy so much. While I was drawing conclusions in my head, I kept observing the situation. The person continued cursing while the crowd nodded at his criticism.

  That guy must have huge balls, or he's very stupid. It doesn't seem sensible to provoke someone whose arms are almost equal to the thickness of his torso. Even if he is surrounded by more people, there is nothing he can do if that giant gives in to his provocations.

  When I see that colossus, I briefly remember the dwarf I met a few days ago. At first I thought it was just a man who suffered from a disability, but now I conclude that there are different types of humans in these lands.

  "Get out of here, animal! I don't even know why they let you walk around here!" Stepping forward, the short guy looks up to look into the Barbarian's eyes.

  Inside this building the same thing was repeated as outside; Contemptuous whispers towards that individual, some supporting the attacker and others disagreeing.

  "Don't you know where they come from?"

  "You don't know who they are?" Eleanor frowns at me. "They are from the north and they only dedicate themselves to robbing nearby villages and taking the people who survive as slaves."

  "They are parasites, that's what they are. " Eugine speaks behind us, arms crossed.

  Now I understand better the hatred of these people. As far as I'm concerned; I have nothing against them, for now. Despite their atrocious acts, they have not done anything to me or anyone I know. Also, it seems to me that this whole thing is getting out of control. From my place, sheltered behind glass panels, I can see his expanded nostrils and how he clenches his teeth.

  If you anger this place it will be carnage. That huge hammer hanging from his waist will soon blow pieces of someone if no one stops them. What the hell are the guards doing who don't arrive? In these they do look a lot like the police officers in my city.

  "Stop!"

  Making his way through the crowd, a subject in dark clothing stands between the giant and the peasant.

  He extends his arms, trying to explain and calm the situation. Despite the disgust and rejection of some people, they reluctantly decide to listen to him. Making it known that this giant is his friend, he shows a document in front of everyone, but whose content I cannot see.

  This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

  "We told you to wait. Why did you go alone?"

  "I just wanted to walk for a while. I didn't do anything wrong." His voice could break the ground. "But that crazy man started yelling at me."

  "What did you say?"

  Before he lunged at the Barbarian, people nearby held him back tightly. The hunter in black can only look at him with embarrassment.

  The guards finally arrived, stopping and dispersing the crowd. After a brief interrogation, the Barbarian and the hunter retreat, disappearing between the buildings.

  ?──────────────────???──────────────────?

  With the last customer thanking us for the service and saying goodbye, we clean and prepare this place for tomorrow. When we completed our task we sat at the bar, beer in hand, to wait for the boss to finish cleaning the kitchen so we could leave. But something tells me it'll take longer than that.

  A slender figure enters the restaurant. His armor jingles to the rhythm of his steps and his copper hair shines like flames in the reflection of the light. When he sees us he smiles and walks towards us. As his presence approached I could notice something different about him, but I couldn't say what the change was. Will it be a new hairstyle? Maybe he has trimmed the ends of his hair. We chatted for a bit until, after a few minutes, Eugine joined the meeting. Seeing that we had a new member, he decided to serve an extra mug of beer.

  "Really? Nothing happened to you?"

  "No, they were just a few idiots."

  Rya tells us the result of her most recent mission. A group of bandits almost managed to raid a merchant caravan that she was in charge of escorting. Fortunately, he was able to scare away the assailants after mutilating the hand of one of them. The rest of the group simply escaped when one of their companions was seriously injured.

  "There are more and more. This doesn't stop." Eugine sighs.

  "It's true. I wonder if any of them know how to do anything other than steal." She clicks her tongue.

  As I take my last drink I watch her in silence. I felt part of her comment for some reason and even if what she says is true, she doesn't know the history of those thieves. Although it does not justify this action, there are times when one feels so desperate to put bread on the table that one begins to do the unthinkable just to survive. I was a clear example. I had no one after my parents died and after leaving the orphanage I was on the verge of begging, so I decided to do what I knew best to not die of hunger.

  Their complaints were directed at the King and his apparent incompetence in only enhancing his military might and neglecting the kingdom when the wave of crimes and monsters rises to worrying levels.

  Our topic of conversation changes when Eugine announces something important. In front of everyone he declares that I am officially hired as a waiter. I had forgotten this answer due to the tranquility of the moment. When I heard those words I sat stunned in my chair, trying to process what he just said.

  "Thank God!" I think out loud. "Thank you, really!" I extend my hand to shake his.

  "You earned it, son." The boss reciprocates my gesture.

  At the same time he confesses that I will also receive this week's payment, as well as an apron as a uniform. The joy is so much in me that I would lack words to express what I feel. Finally my efforts paid off and I am pleased to know that I will not live on the streets again. Between words of congratulations from those close to me, we began with a small celebration.

  "By the way, Rya. And that necklace you have there?"

  "This?" The hunter lowers her gaze. "The man gave it to me after escorting him. Do you want to see it?"

  Of course, that was it. A new necklace. I honestly hadn't noticed it. But I think I've seen a similar one, but I don't remember where. With bluish tones like the clear sky, the redhead removes the accessory that rests on her beautiful neckline with a delicate movement, handing it to her friend. Eleanor admires the piece carefully and with enthusiasm, I raise my head slightly over her shoulder to see that object. After analyzing it, he shares it with Eugine who only utters concise words after appraising the gem. It being my turn, I hold the stone between my index finger and thumb. It seems strange to me when I look more closely. Its blue color has lost strength compared to when Rya wore the necklace, and it feels cold and rough when I caress the surface. Did my eyes deceive me? At first glance it looks like a common stone dipped in paint.

  "Hey, this thing is glowing." I mutter to myself.

  About to return what does not belong to me, a warmth begins to be felt in my fingers. Its previous brightness gradually begins to recover, although it does not shine as bright as it did a few moments ago. Astonished, I silence my voice and focus my eyes.

  When I look up the group was already looking at me with a mixture of confusion and uncertainty. I swallow, waiting for someone to clarify what happened.

  "Wow, boy. What a surprise."

  "Yes, it surprised me too." Rya adds. "I didn't know you were a Laerim."

  "A what?"

  My heart begins to beat desperately. That name begins to repeat itself incessantly inside my head. Convinced that I will end up discovering something unique, I begin to listen in silence. Rya explains her words, making me understand that there are humans capable of controlling an energy existing in every living being in this world.

  "So that's why they can fight monsters?"

  "Sure. Did you think we're just crazy people who fight with them just because?"

  "Yes." I nod.

  Subjected to a brief interrogation due to my surprising lack of knowledge about that terminology, I use my place of origin as justification. Despite having passed the test, my instinct tells me that I couldn't fully convince them with my words.

  "Are you sure?"

  "Well," she points to my hand. "That crystal shines because it felt the mana inside you. If you noticed, it didn't when Eugine and Eleanor touched it.

  The opportunity I had long desired to change my life was always within me. However, why do I have this power? Anyway, it would be best to ignore this for now. I would waste my time if you just asked me questions I can't answer.

  "Do you want to leave your position so quickly?" The boss asks me with a forced smile.

  "No, no, no!" I shake my head quickly. "It's just... I'm curious. I didn't know it could be a Laerim or whatever you call it."

  This is something unique and I have to take advantage of it. It would be sacrilege to waste such power. The woman in front of me could help me achieve my life goal.

  I stare into the redhead's eyes and clear my throat. The next thing that comes out of my mouth could change my destiny. With concise words, I beg you to become my guardian. Although he refuses at first, I continue to insist.

  "Please! Teach me to control this power."

  "I don't know, Ethan." Rya looks in any direction. "I don't want to shoulder that responsibility. Why don't you ask around? Surely there will be many who will teach you better than me."

  "Surely they will charge me to teach me and I don't have any money…" I whisper.

  "It may be, but…"

  "If Eugine had not hired me today, I would literally be begging in the square tomorrow."

  Eleanor tries to persuade me to abandon that idea, clarifying that, far from the good pay that few hunters receive, I would be constantly risking my life. That matters little to me. I will no longer be a poor rat who works for minimum wage and has to count his spare change to survive. In my previous life I was just another statistic, someone whose destiny was to be a failure. I am determined to change that.

  If I can't convince her then I will learn on my own. I have no idea where to start, but I have to do something.

  A dead silence rules over us. As the minutes passed, I realized my mistake. It may be that I have gone too far with this topic since the happy atmosphere we had had disappeared like fog in the air. On the verge of uttering words of apology, Eleanor convinces her friend to become my tutor, although she remains unconvinced.

  We finished our meeting and said goodbye at the entrance of the restaurant. Being alone with Rya, we both began walking through the center.

  "By the way, what is this?" Removing the necklace from my pocket, I extend my hand to return it to him.

  "It's arcanite. It stores mana inside."

  "And why does it shine…?"

  "Because it absorbs some of my energy."

  How uncomfortable. It's clear that she didn't like the idea, even if she did it for her friend, I could have upset her. Whatever it is, it will pass. I can't believe I'm actually about to learn how to use this power. As a child I fantasized about something like this many times and today those dreams come true. What will I be able to do? Fly? Super strength? Maybe control all four elements. That's something I'll find out very soon.

  Although I appear serious and indifferent, inside I am wallowing with emotion.

  A strong smell of manure wakes me from my ramblings. Without realizing it we stopped at a stable near the wall. From my position the enormous wall looks more imposing. People in straw hats and tattered clothing walk back and forth while carrying buckets of water or buckets of hay. Rya leaves me alone for a few minutes, entering the place in search of something.

  Moments later he appears riding an animal with gray fur and a blonde mane.

  "She's beautiful. What's her name?"

  “Her name is Isabela.” She smiles proudly.

  Approaching to caress her, I notice some scars and battle marks on different parts of her body. Without a doubt this animal has come out alive from some things. Offering me her forearm, Rya lifts me off the ground and helps me up. I'm surprised he can carry me so easily.

  We left the city after passing through some detours and wide streets. With no idea where I'm going, Olmir shrinks behind me. The wind hits my face, making my skin crawl, barely covered by a thin fabric shirt.

  "By the way, Ethan. Did you really not know that you are a Laerim? Didn't you meet someone like that when you left your town?" She asks me without taking her eyes off the road.

  Vast meadows and mountains that touch the sky decorate the landscape.

  "No, nothing. And why am I supposed to know?"

  I guess it's normal that I can't understand my lack of knowledge. From my perspective, it's like someone ignoring the existence of Europe or Asia. It's something you hope every person knows, even the most uneducated.

  Shortly after I learned that this power awakens in childhood and develops as the individual grows. Although it is not impossible for someone already an adult to awaken that ability, it is strange.

  Excited about what I'm about to learn, I ask my tutor what she's going to teach me. But his answer is negative, since he still does not know how to proceed. Arriving at the top of a hill, a solitary tree receives us in silence. Its worn trunk and dull leaves fall to the ground with serenity. From a distance I admire the walled city. The sun will soon reach one of its towers.

  "Well, what do I have to do?" Clapping excitedly, I rub my hands like a fly in shit.

  Rya remains silent as she crosses her arms and reflects with closed eyes. Waiting for his response, I look in all directions. A leaf lands on my disheveled hair.

  "I think the first thing would be to awaken your power." He finally speaks.

  "Is he not awake anymore?"

  "Not at all. You have to give it a push and I think I know how to do it."

  Walking towards Isabela, she removes a container from the saddlebag.

  "Here."

  "What is it?"

  "Something that will give you that little push. But yes, don't take too much."

  I raise an eyebrow at his response. You didn't bring me here to drug me and leave me stranded, right? Wow, that's a stupid idea. Upon receiving the canteen, I remove the cap and inhale near the mouthpiece. A strong smell makes my nose start to itch, as if I smelled pepper.

  "What is this shit…" I mentally complain.

  I look at Rya with a disgusted and indecisive face. She only returns the gesture with slight annoyance.

  "If you want to be a hunter, you have to do it. If you can't then give me that back and then I'll take you home." He purses his lip as if he's taunting me.

  I wrinkle my brow when I hear his words. This thing is my ticket to the life I want to have and I'm not going to let this nasty smell stop me. Determined, I raise the bottle above my head and swallow a good amount. Rya soon lunges at me, snatching the canteen from me in exasperation.

  "What's wrong with you!?" He raises his voice. "I told you to have some!"

  "Sorry. I forgot…" Trying to clear my throat, I start coughing.

  As if I drank something with a high percentage of alcohol mixed with spice, my stomach and larynx start to burn. The landscape around me blurs and I feel like my eyes start to melt. Panic takes over me and trying to approach Rya to ask for help, I fall to my knees to the floor, unable to stand.

  "What's wrong with me?" I barely think.

  I hear distorted screams as my back hits the ground and my heart pounds so hard inside me as if someone were crushing it with a huge hammer. Every second felt like a sentence in hell. I close my eyes, scared and expecting the worst.

  "Hey!" A loud voice shouts.

  When I wake up I notice that someone is pointing a gun at me. Confused, I look in all directions to get my bearings. As if I had taken a bath with my clothes on, I am completely covered in sweat. The waves hit the pier furiously and the sun shines so incandescently that it blinds me for several seconds.

  I try to process what's happening, but the person in front of me grows impatient with my chaotic acting.

  "Where is our money? I won't repeat it again."

  As if my worst nightmare came true, I return to the place where everything ended. Dazed, I try to move my tongue to speak.

  "I-it's in…" looking at the ground, I try to remember. "At Jimmy's Bar!"

  Hoping to wake up from this bad dream, I close my eyes tightly until they water, but nothing changes.

  Surrendered by this situation, my hands are above my head. Was everything I had to go through in that other world a dream? Impossible... I refuse to believe that everything was a fantasy created by my mind just because I was afraid of facing my destiny, afraid of dying.

  My limbs tremble due to the tension in my muscles. It hurts, but I don't feel afraid, it's something different...

  "You sure?" Armando asks, frowning. "And where exactly?"

  "Why don’t you look for it yourself?" I spit. A bead of sweat hangs from my chin.

  Something speaks for me. I was barely aware of the stupid response that came out of my mouth. Scared, I try to calm the situation. But it's too late. With false apologies, Armando prepares the gun and places his hand on the trigger. I can hear my heartbeat in my ears. It's close.

  "Sorry, but you asked for it."

  Desperate, I look up above their heads, pretending to see someone. I withdraw my revolver with a quick movement when my assassins turn. Without correcting my aim, I press the shutter button several times. The bullet doesn't come out.

  Failure again. With no time to think about my options, I start running with all my might in the opposite direction. Without the opportunity to go far, a bullet hits near my ribs; entering my back and exiting the side. I roll a couple of times on the putrid planks.

  Terrified I crawl on the ground. Tears stream down my face as I clench my jaw, enduring the pain. Behind me I hear my assassins approaching quickly.

  "Fucking rat!" Armando curses.

  They kick my skull and back. I barely cover my face as I scream pleas. Ignoring my cries, they continue their attack. They soon draw their weapons again, beginning to shoot me at point-blank range.

  I tear out my throat as I beg them to stop. Between sobs and moans, Armando approaches me.

  Without realizing it we had been left alone.

  "This is because of you. Because of your stupidity. How can you think of lending us money to spend it all on lottery tickets? You're an idiot!" He emphasizes while kicking my face. "Asshole! Asshole! Asshole!" He laughs.

  A puddle of red water grows beneath me. I'm short of breath and my flesh feels torn. No matter how much Armando continued attacking me, I couldn't die. Wishing for this torment to end, I pray to God and the Devil to stop all this.

  The horror of my soul vanishes like the fog at dawn. Something more chaotic was beginning to emerge inside me.

  "You're a piece of shit! Your whore of a mother must be rolling in her grave for having such an idiotic, unsuccessful son!"

  With the effort of a thousand demons, I try to get back up and stand on my knees. The little blood I have in my gut boils with fury. Maintaining my balance and intoxicated with rage, I grab Armando's throat and subdue him on the floor.

  "Shut up!!"

  Almost grazing the tips of my fingers as I strangle him, I clench my right hand so tightly that my nails cut into my skin.

  "Aren't you better me!!" I roar.

  About to destroy his face with my fist, something hits me in the temple, stunning me. Moments later I am pushed aside by a push that sends me flying through the air. Wallowing on the ground, I look at Rya in front of me as she glares at me. Gritting her teeth, she covers her reddened neck with her hands.

  "Fucking maniac!" she screams.

  Despite wanting to approach him to offer help, I am rejected under death threats.

  Patient for things to calm down, I let my butt fall and lay my head on the grass. The sun had set I don't know how long ago, I can only observe the last trace of its light on the horizon.

  Stars shine incandescently in the sky. Relieved that it's all over, I sit back on my spot after several minutes. Rya was standing on the grass while calmly drinking something. Despite the darkness of our surroundings I can tell that the mark of my hands on his neck had disappeared, at least enough.

  "Hey… sorry about earlier."

  "It's okay. It's also my fault for giving you that."

  Demanding explanations, she clarifies that the said concoction I ingested is used to increase our power at the cost of diminishing our sanity. An emotional shock was necessary to awaken my abilities, however, I lost control.

  "I didn't know you got angry so easily."

  "And that berserker potion barely does anything to you?"

  "Yes, but this one was made especially for me." He indicates. "I would still recommend that you take the least powerful one, or don't do it at all."

  I relived an old trauma and not satisfied with that I almost killed this woman. Did it even help? I don't feel any different after this. What kind of power am I supposed to have?

  "Tell me, Ethan. What did you feel in that hallucination?"

  "Anger, fear, a little bit of everything."

  “I don't mean that. I mean something more...," he waves his hands in the air. "transcendental. Did you feel something you've never felt before?

  I don't like remembering that nightmare, but if you want answers then I must. Anyway, I have no choice.

  Sighing, I look at the sky. The sea of ??stars that I barely saw in my city does not exist here. Holding my breath, I try not to succumb to anger due to Armando's recent humiliation. No, I'm lying. What infuriates me the most is that what spoke to me was not my murderer and former friend, but my subconscious.

  "I think…," I close my eyes to concentrate. "I think I became aware of how my blood moves through my veins, so to speak."

  "Well, that's what I was looking for."

  "What thing?"

  "May you know what your mana feels like in your body."

  Gape I look in his direction. Isabela creaks loudly, pulling on the rope that ties her to the trunk of the old tree. The woman in front of me spits blood and massages her skin to ease her pain.

  That doesn't help me. According to his words I am able to control this energy, but until now he has not shown me anything. It only managed to make me feel like shit and I will most likely have trouble falling asleep tonight. I wonder if it was a good idea to ask him for help. I hope tomorrow is different.

  We returned to Olmir with the help of Isabela. Rya was kind enough to drop me off near the inn so I didn't have to cross half the city.

  Today was a day full of surprises, as well as exhausting.

  Ethan Nicolás Domínguez.

  Personality

  Ethan is easily provoked and tends to distrust others. He doesn't think things through and has a strong need for money due to his years of hardship. Despite often acting out of self-interest, he still retains a basic sense of right and wrong.

  Rya Sorley

  With no other options, she returned to working as a full-time hunter. Over the years, she learned to remain calm and assess risks. Whenever she had missions in the capital, she visited the orphanage where she grew up and her parents' graves.

  Personality

  Rya is responsible and practical. She avoids acting unnecessarily and knows when to withdraw from a hopeless situation. She tends to avoid unnecessary risks, partly due to the traumatic experience of her first mission. She has a special affection for children, due to her childhood in an orphanage and the time she spent with nuns. Although she usually maintains a reserved demeanor, she shows empathy towards those who have lost something important.