The sun began to peek over the horizon as Alex, still exhausted, dragged himself to a nearby stream. His reflection in the water revealed a lost expression, his face smudged with soot and his shoulder aching from the burn.
"How did I end up here?" he whispered, dipping his hands into the cool water.
"Because you're special, Alex," Quetzalcoatl's voice returned to his mind, this time calmer.
Alex sighed.
"Yeah, I've gathered that much. But what does being the 'Avatar of Quetzalcoatl' mean? Why did you choose me?"
There was a brief silence before Quetzalcoatl answered.
"My power requires a worthy bearer, someone with the potential to surpass any limit. It wasn't I who chose you, Alex. It was destiny."
"Destiny?" Alex frowned.
"That doesn't explain anything. What is this war? What do I gain by being a part of it?"
Quetzalcoatl chuckled softly.
"You'll find those answers in time. For now, you must focus on survival. Other Avatars will come for you. If you're not prepared, Kael will only be the beginning."
Alex clenched his fists, frustration welling up inside him. Something about all of this felt unfair, yet he also felt a strange emotion: the desire to become stronger.
"Then teach me. If I'm going to survive, I need to understand what I can do."
---
Quetzalcoatl manifested, though not physically. A translucent figure in the form of a feathered serpent appeared beside Alex, its eyes glowing with a golden hue.
"First, you must learn to control the wind. It is an element that flows freely but obeys those who know how to listen to it."
Alex stood up, feeling a gentle breeze brush against his face.
"And how do I do that?"
"Focus. Feel the air around you. Don't force it; let it flow with you."
Alex closed his eyes, extending his hands. At first, all he could sense was the noise of his thoughts and the pain in his body. But slowly, the world around him became clearer: the rustling leaves, the sound of the stream, even his own breathing.
"That's it..." Quetzalcoatl observed him closely.
"Now command it. Imagine the air moving at your will."
Alex opened his eyes, and with a swift motion, a small whirlwind formed in front of him, lifting leaves and water. Though it only lasted a few seconds, it was enough to bring a smile to his face.
"I did it!"
"Small steps, boy. Don't get too excited. What you just did won't save you in a real battle."
Before Alex could respond, a loud noise shattered the silence. Nearby trees splintered as though something massive had torn through them.
"What was that?!" Alex stepped back, scanning his surroundings.
Emerging from the trees was an imposing figure: a large man clad in armor adorned with Nordic symbols, wielding a giant hammer. His blonde hair flowed in the wind, and his presence was just as intimidating as Kael's.
"So, this is the new Avatar of Quetzalcoatl," the man said in a deep voice that rumbled like thunder.
"I am Bjorn, Avatar of Thor."
Alex swallowed hard, feeling his newfound confidence begin to crumble.
"Another one...?" he murmured, taking a step back.
Bjorn grinned, resting his hammer on the ground, causing a small tremor.
"Don't worry, boy. I haven't come to kill you... yet. I want to see what you're made of."
Alex felt Quetzalcoatl's gaze upon him.
"This isn't training, Alex. This man will put you to the test. Prepare yourself."
"Great..." Alex muttered sarcastically, assuming a defensive stance.
Bjorn raised his hammer effortlessly, his grin fading into a serious expression.
"Let's see if the serpent god chose well."
The battle was about to begin, and Alex knew this time, instinct alone wouldn't be enough.
End of Chapter 3