The Dark Ascendance

Kazuki stood before the door of the old man’s shop, the dim light spilling onto the cobblestone street. His heart felt heavy, the weight of loss still fresh, but he pushed the door open with a creak, stepping inside.

The old man looked up from behind the counter, his eyes widening in shock. “First, you lost your left eye, and now your left arm?!” he exclaimed, a mix of surprise and concern etched across his face.

Creeeaaak! The door closed behind Kazuki, muffling the sounds of the bustling town outside.

Kazuki offered a nod, his expression cold and detached. “I came for advice,” he stated flatly.

“Sit down.” The old man motioned to a rickety chair beside the counter, his voice softened. “You look worse than before.”

Kazuki sank into the chair, the wood creaking under his weight. He glanced around the shop, filled with trinkets and oddities collected over the years. “You know my situation,” he said, his tone barely above a whisper.

The old man sighed, his face creased with age. “I’ve been watching you train, pushing your limits. But you need to think about your future. It’s dangerous here. You should hide or go to other kingdoms.” He paused, gathering his thoughts. “Listen, Kazuki. There are places out there that could help you.”

Kazuki leaned forward, interest piqued but cautious. “Which kingdoms?”

“The first is Eldoria,” the old man began, his hands gesturing as he spoke. “Known for its ancient, mystical forests and magical creatures. The inhabitants are skilled in nature magic and druidic rituals.”

Kazuki’s gaze remained unfaltering. “And the others?”

“Drakoria, a rugged land dominated by towering mountains, home to fierce dragons and expert blacksmiths known for enchanted weapons. Then there’s Luminaris, a kingdom of eternal twilight with glowing crystal caves. Its people excel in light magic and have a rich tradition of art and music.” The old man continued, his eyes sparkling with the memories of each place.

“Valoria is renowned for its military prowess, while Aqualis is an island kingdom with a vibrant underwater city, adept in water magic and sea trade,” he said, gaining momentum. “Umbrae is a shadowy realm, and Florentia is famous for its herbal alchemy. Ignisara is volcanic, with masters of fire magic and geothermal engineering.”

Kazuki listened intently, though his expression remained stoic. “And the ones I should avoid?”

“Malvora is filled with greedy nobles and a king who doesn’t care for his people,” the old man said, his tone turning serious. “And then there’s Nocturnia—dark magic is revered there, but tread carefully.”

Kazuki felt a chill run down his spine at the mention of Nocturnia, but he kept his composure. “What would you recommend?”

“Valdoria is your best bet for combat training,” the old man said firmly. “It’s where warriors are made. But if you’re interested in cursed magic, Nocturnia has its appeal.”

Kazuki nodded, his resolve hardening. “I’ll consider it.”

Just as he turned to leave, the old man called out, “Wait! I have something for you.”

Kazuki paused, turning back to see the old man approach with a green coat adorned with white fur. “This belonged to a mystical beast called the Frostbane Lycan. It’s said to have protective qualities,” he explained, handing it over with care.

Kazuki accepted the coat, his fingers brushing against the soft fabric. A small spark of warmth ignited within him, but he quickly extinguished it. “Thanks,” he said coolly.

The old man’s eyes narrowed as he studied Kazuki. “Remember, kid. You’re something special. Don’t forget that.”

Kazuki simply nodded, the weight of the coat resting heavily in his hands. As he stepped out of the shop, the bell above the door chimed softly.

Ding!

The chill of the evening air wrapped around him like a shroud, but Kazuki felt a flicker of determination rising within. He would train harder, grow stronger, and seek the power he needed.

As he walked away, the old man stood in the doorway, watching him disappear into the twilight. “I hope you find your path, Kazuki,” he murmured, a hint of worry shadowing his face.