Rebirth of the Crimson Soul
Chapter 8: A Hunter's Shadow
The next morning came with a storm.
Rain hammered the roof, the wind howled through the cracks, and Alex stood shirtless under the downpour, sword in hand. Brann had dragged him outside before dawn, declaring that "only a fool trains in comfort."
Each swing of the blade was met with resistance—not from enemies, but from his own burning muscles. Yet Alex pressed on.
> [Passive Boost Active: Soulfire Link]
Strength +2
Magic +2
Stamina Recovery: Moderate
He focused on that warmth. Not the fire of magic—but of Lyra, watching from the porch, arms crossed, half a smile tugging at her lips.
After a hundred swings, Brann finally grunted. "Enough. You're not a corpse yet."
Alex stumbled under the eaves, panting. "You're... sure about that?"
Brann gave him a crooked grin. "Your form's still sloppy. But your will's sharper than your sword."
Alex nodded through ragged breaths. He knew he wasn't strong yet—but every day, he became.
---
Later that afternoon, Lyra laid maps across the table.
"These marks," she said, pointing to circles along the southern border, "are places people were last seen before they vanished."
"Other soulbound?" Alex asked.
"Possibly. Or they just got too strong."
He studied the marks. They curved in a crescent—surrounding the nearby region like a hunting perimeter.
"They're getting closer."
Lyra nodded. "That's why we need to leave soon."
Brann folded his arms. "You could stay. Hide. Grow slow and careful."
"No," Alex said firmly. "The system gave me this power for a reason. If I run now, I'll always run."
Brann looked at him for a long moment. Then he smirked. "Good. Because they'll come for you regardless."
Alex stared at him. "You know who they are?"
Brann nodded once. "The Crimson Order."
The name sent a chill through the room.
"High mages. Noble blood. Bastards with enough power to decide who lives and who burns."
"Why would they hunt people like me?" Alex asked.
"Because you're not chosen by them. Your power breaks the rules of their world. And men like that hate what they can't control."
> [Quest Updated: Ash Marked – Subtask Added]
Objective: Learn about the Crimson Order
Progress: 0%
---
That evening, Lyra stood by the window, watching lightning flash across the trees.
"They'll kill you if they find out what you are," she whispered.
"I know."
Her voice was barely audible. "Then let me protect you."
Alex moved to her side, their shoulders touching.
"I'm not here to be protected, Lyra," he said. "I'm here to fight with you. Beside you."
She turned to him slowly, her expression softening.
> [Soulfire Link Sync: 95%]
Emotional Threshold Approaching
System Note: Full synchronization possible upon deep physical or magical resonance
She hesitated, then pulled him close.
"I don't want to lose you," she said.
"You won't."
Their lips met again—fiercer this time, no longer hesitant. There was a hunger to it—not just for each other, but for the strength, the bond, the promise.
The storm roared outside, but inside the cottage, the flame between them burned hotter than ever.