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Chapter 3 - The Awakening Flame

Darkness.

At first, that was all there was.

But then… something stirred.

A faint hum echoed inside him, like a bell ringing from far away. The darkness cracked slightly. Sounds came through — muffled voices, a soft heartbeat, the faint hiss of wind beyond walls.

His eyes fluttered open, but all he saw was blur.

He blinked slowly. Once. Twice.

Shapes became clearer.

A soft ceiling above. A warm touch against his skin. The scent of something sweet… like milk and flowers.

'Where… am I?'

He tried to move, but his body didn't respond the way it used to. His arms were short, his hands tiny. He couldn't even sit up.

Panic flickered for a second.

'Wait. Why am I so small?'

'My body… it's weak. I can't even speak. This isn't right.'

His thoughts raced, though his limbs wouldn't.

He closed his eyes again, searching inside for answers. That's when it hit him.

Memories.

Faint, but there.

He remembered running… lights in the sky… people shouting… and then everything went black.

Now, he was here.

'Did I die? Was I reborn?'

As he wondered, a strange voice echoed in his head.

[Rescue System Activated.]

[Welcome, Host: Aarav Agnisar.]

His eyes opened wide.

'Who's there?' he thought.

[I am the Rescue System. I live inside your consciousness.]

[You are now in a new world called Pangea. You have been reborn. You are a baby — only a few hours old.]

'A baby? Reborn? What's going on?'

He didn't speak aloud, but somehow, the voice answered as if it could hear his thoughts.

[You have been given this Rescue System. Your purpose is to rescue certain people who are very important. When you succeed, you will gain strength, skills, and other rewards. Your level will increase as you complete these missions.]

Aarav was quiet for a few seconds.

'So... I'm a baby with a mission system in another world. That's crazy.'

The voice paused.

[Yes.]

Surprisingly, he didn't panic. He had always been someone who could stay calm, no matter the situation. Even now, he started thinking about what to do next.

He took a soft breath.

'Okay. What can you do for me, System?'

[I can give you missions, knowledge, and skills. Right now, your body is too small and weak. I will unlock more options as you grow.]

'Why can't I use everything now?'

[Your body is still developing. Too much power now can hurt your brain and nerves.]

Alright, that makes sense.

He looked around again. The room had smooth stone walls, but glowing lines ran across them. The place looked old and new at the same time.

'System, what is Pangea like?'

[Before you woke up I hacked into this worlds internet system and from my research what I know is Pangea is a different world. It has both technology and special powers. After a cosmic event, people and animals here started to change. They became stronger. Everyone in this world has a power level from 1 to 100.]

So this world is filled with powerful people?

[Yes. But right now, you are level 1. And you have no powers.]

That's expected. I'm just a baby.

He sighed inwardly.

He had no control over his body, no strength, and no idea where exactly he was. But he had knowledge. He had the system. And he had time.

I'll adapt. Learn. Grow. Wait for the right time.

[Good decision. First tutorial mission will unlock when your body becomes strong enough. Estimated time: One month.]

Got it. I'll be ready.

A soft hand touched his head. He turned slightly and saw a woman.

Her eyes looked tired, but kind. Her hair was long and dark. Her smile was soft and full of love.

She was beautiful.

Is she my mother in this world?

She feels... safe.

The room was warm and peaceful. For now.

But peace never lasts.

×××

Outside the peaceful city, far beyond the shining dome, a group of shadowed figures stood in the darkness.

They were tall, wearing bone-like armor that clicked softly when they moved. Their skin was pale gray. Their eyes were thin and red, glowing faintly. They looked like humans… but something about them was completely wrong.

At the center stood a taller one — his face half-covered with a dark mask.

His name was Drazan, and he was their leader.

He looked toward the city, his voice cold.

"Begin the attack. Send in the main force from the west gate."

A second figure beside him bowed slightly. His name was Rukol, lean and sharp-eyed.

"Should we proceed with the extraction plan?"

Drazan nodded. "Yes. While the city guards are distracted, sneak inside and capture the baby. Our sources confirmed that Samira Agnisar has given birth. She will be weak for some time. Now is our only chance."

Rukol hesitated. "You know we can't beat her. Even now after childbirth although she is weak, she can destroy us all."

"I know," Drazan said. His voice didn't shake. "This might be a suicide mission. But the baby… he is worth the risk. He is crucial for our next plan."

Drazan glanced back seriously. "Remember, do not hurt the baby."

Rukol bowed again. "As you command."

Then he turned, and their forces moved.

Suddenly, inside the city, loud alarms rang out.

Red lights flashed across the walls. Sirens screamed in every street. The peaceful night was gone in an instant.

In the sky, the blue dome above the city flickered and glowed brighter — it was activating its defense mode.

Samira, holding Aarav close to her chest, stood near the window.

Her smile faded.

Her eyes narrowed.

A guard ran into the room. His armor was half-fastened. He was panting. "Lady Samira! We're under attack! Hostiles are at the west and south sectors!"

"What is the level of enemy leader ?"

"It is estimated to be above 80." The guard panted.

"We need your help. We can't hold them much longer. It will be same if they breach into the city." The City Lord's voice transmission entered her ear.

"Why now ? Why can't these stupid beasts leave me alone ?" Sameera sighed in frustration.

She turned, calm but focused. "Call for full lockdown. Protect the mansion And get me my gear."

Inside Aarav's mind, the system spoke again.

[Warning. External threat detected. High-level danger nearby.]

'What's happening?' Aarav thought. 'Why is everyone panicking?'

[The city is under attack. Hostile forces are breaching the shield.]

'Attackers already? But why? I was just born.'

[Unclear. However, these enemies appear to have a specific goal. Their path leads directly toward your location.]

Aarav's tiny fists curled. His body couldn't do anything, but his mind was wide awake now.

'So… they're coming for me?'

Samira stepped back into the room, now wearing a combat vest over her robes. Her face had changed. No longer soft — now focused, deadly.

A man stood beside her now — tall, with a square jaw and a scar across his brow. His name was Captain Reyan, one of her oldest and most loyal guards.

She looked him straight in the eyes. "Reyan, You stay here and protect him."

He blinked. "My lady—"

"Protect him with your life. I will take care of them."

Reyan hesitated for only a second. Then nodded.

She kissed Aarav's forehead. " I will be back soon. I promise."

'No! Don't leave me, they are coming for me' sadly he could not say anything. He could only cry and hold her finger tightly.

She gently freedom her finger from his grip sadly and then she turned and walked out into the hallway.

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