Rise of Lihas RAYZADA

Rise of Lihas Rayzada

Author: Grandmaster Wolf 🐺

Chapter 3: The Call of DestinyThe morning sun cast a pale glow over Elderoot Village, its light dulled by the lingering scent of blood and fur. The square, once bustling with market chatter, now bore the scars of yesterday's battle—claw marks gouged into the earth, a shattered cart, and whispers of awe that followed Lihas Rayzada wherever he walked. The sixteen-year-old orphan trudged toward the forge, his hammer slung over his shoulder, the Soul Rune Pendant warm against his chest. His silver eyes, sharp and restless, scanned the horizon, as if the Whisperpine Forest might unleash another threat.Lihas's muscles ached from fighting the Ironclaw Wolves, but the Starforge System's rewards pulsed in his veins. The Iron Rune Strike skill felt like a blade etched into his soul, ready to be drawn. The system's screen flickered in his mind, unprompted:Host StatusName: Lihas RayzadaCultivation: Tier 1, Level 1 (Beginner)Skills: Mana Sense, Iron Rune StrikeProgress to Level 2: 90/100 EXPQuest: [Daily Training – Run 5 miles, swing hammer 100 times]Reward: 10 EXP, 1 Attribute Point"Almost there," Lihas murmured, a spark of excitement cutting through his fatigue. One more quest, and he'd reach Level 2—a step closer to the cultivators of legend. But the village's stares weighed on him. The same people who'd called him "rat" now gawked, their whispers a mix of fear and wonder. Lihas, the boy who felled wolves. Lihas, the nobody who fought like a warrior.Garen Holt was already at the forge, stoking the flames with a vigor that matched the glint in his eyes. "You're late, lad," he said, though his gruff tone carried pride. "Half the village is talkin' about you. Other half thinks you're cursed."Lihas snorted, setting his hammer on the anvil. "Let 'em talk. I'm not here to impress them."Garen's gaze softened. "You did more than impress, Lihas. You saved us. But beasts don't just wander out of Whisperpine. Somethin's stirrin'."The words hung heavy, but before Lihas could respond, a commotion erupted outside. He stepped into the square, where a crowd had gathered around a tall figure in a crimson cloak, flanked by two armored guards. The man's presence radiated authority, his sharp features framed by silver hair tied back in a braid. A golden badge gleamed on his chest, etched with the crest of the Empire of Dawnfire."Who's that?" Lihas whispered to Garen, who'd followed him out."Trouble," Garen muttered. "That's Captain Voren of the Crimson Claw Guild. They scout for the Celestial Origin Academy. Never seen 'em this far out, though."Captain Voren raised a hand, silencing the crowd. His voice was clear, commanding. "Elderoot! Word of your beast attack has reached Valenfort. The Empire seeks those with courage and potential. I am here to offer one among you a chance—a recommendation to the Celestial Origin Academy, where heroes are forged."The villagers gasped, murmuring. The academy was a legend, a place where nobles and prodigies trained to become cultivators, guild leaders, even lords of the Empire of Dawnfire. Lihas's heart pounded, the pendant pulsing in sync. A chance to leave Elderoot. To be more.Voren's eyes swept the crowd, landing on Lihas. "You," he said, pointing. "The boy who slew the wolves. Step forward."Lihas froze, feeling every stare. He stepped into the square, chin high despite the dirt on his clothes. "Name's Lihas Rayzada," he said, voice steady.Voren studied him, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "A village boy who fights like a cultivator. Rare. The academy could use someone like you. Accept this recommendation, and you'll face their entrance exam in Valenfort. Pass, and your life changes. Fail, and you return to this… dust."The crowd whispered, some with envy, others with doubt. Lihas's mind raced. Valenfort City. The academy. A path to power. But leaving meant abandoning Garen, the only family he'd known. He glanced at the blacksmith, whose weathered face was unreadable.Before he could answer, the system's voice echoed, cold and commanding:[Special Quest: Seize the Path. Accept Captain Voren's recommendation and travel to Valenfort City. Reward: 50 EXP, Skill [Rune Spark]. Failure: Remain in Elderoot, bound to obscurity.]Lihas's eyes widened. The system was pushing him, as if it knew his destiny lay beyond the village. He clenched his fists, the pendant's warmth fueling his resolve. "I'll do it," he said, meeting Voren's gaze. "I'll take the exam."The crowd erupted in murmurs, some cheering, others scoffing. Voren nodded, tossing Lihas a sealed scroll. "This is your recommendation. Be in Valenfort in three days. Don't waste my time, boy."As Voren and his guards departed, Garen clapped a hand on Lihas's shoulder. "You sure about this, lad? The academy's no place for soft hearts."Lihas grinned, though his stomach twisted. "I'm not soft, Garen. And I'm not staying here forever."That night, Lihas packed a small sack—some clothes, a few coppers, and the pendant, which he hid beneath his shirt. He sat by the forge, watching the dying embers, when Garen approached, holding a leather-bound package. "Made this for you," he said, unwrapping a sturdy iron dagger, its hilt etched with a simple rune. "It ain't much, but it'll keep you safe on the road."Lihas took the dagger, his throat tight. "Garen… thank you. For everything."The blacksmith waved him off, eyes glistening. "Go make a name for yourself, Lihas. Show the world what a village boy can do."As Lihas stepped into the night, the system's screen flared, updating his quest:[Special Quest Progress: Recommendation accepted. Travel to Valenfort City. Time remaining: 3 days.]The road to Valenfort stretched before him, winding through the Whisperpine Forest and beyond. Lihas gripped the dagger, the pendant pulsing like a second heartbeat. The village's chains were loosening, but the path ahead was shrouded in danger and promise. The Starforge System had chosen him, and Lihas Rayzada would not turn back.Upcoming Chapter Following Grandmaster Wolf: