The week following their arrival in Raze was filled with quiet moments of observation and adaptation for Shawn. His mother, Lynne, was a woman of great renown, a Harbinger ranked healer, sought after by the high and mighty for her expertise. Despite being blind, Shawn could sense the admiration and respect in the voices of those who approached her for help. He had always known she was special, but seeing—or rather, feeling—her in action solidified just how incredible she was.
Lynne had promised Shawn that she would teach him the fundamentals of Vitral, the core essence of all abilities. And so, after a week of settling in, she began his lessons.
The training room was silent, save for the rhythmic breathing of mother and son. Lynne stood before Shawn, her voice calm and instructive.
"Vitral is the essence of all abilities," she began. "It defines what power one can harness and how well they can control it. Most individuals can only awaken one, but there are rare cases where a second Vitral emerges. However, those cases are so scarce but when one grows to later levels, they gain more Vitrals, as their power evolves and the become a force to be reckoned with.."
Shawn nodded, taking in her words. He already knew he was different, but even Lynne was unaware of just how unique he truly was. The artifact within him, the mysterious second core, remained a secret.
"The ranks of Vitral users are divided based on the depth of their control and power," Lynne continued. "A person starts as a Novice, just barely tapping into their abilities. From there, they progress to an Initiate, then an Adept, before reaching the first true mastery rank: Harbinger. At Harbinger, the user is recognized as a force to be reckoned with."
Shawn tilted his head slightly. "And above that?"
"Soul Binder," Lynne said, her voice laced with a hint of longing. "A rank that solidifies one's bond with their ability. It allows complete mastery over one's Vitral, making their power an extension of their very soul. Few ever reach this level."
"So what happens when someone dies?" Shawn asked, curiosity piqued.
Lynne sighed softly. "When one dies, their core dies with them. The Vitral dissipates, returning to the natural order of the world. That is why true death is feared among the strong. Their power does not persist, nor can it be inherited. It simply fades away."
Shawn absorbed her words. He wanted to ask more about the spirit core, about its depths and limitations, but something told him those answers would come in time.
That night, the air was thick with something unfamiliar. Shawn lay on his bed, his body tense despite his exhaustion. Then it came.
A sudden weight bore down on him, suffocating and cold. His breath hitched as his body stiffened involuntarily. The presence was inside him, stirring from deep within. A voice, soft yet echoing, resonated in his mind.
"This body… it is mine."
A pulse of raw force slammed into Shawn's consciousness, sending his mind spiraling into an abyss. He found himself in a vast expanse of darkness, standing in an endless void. Before him loomed a silhouette, its form fluid and shifting.
The pressure it emitted was overwhelming, yet Shawn did not yield.
"You are mistaken," Shawn said calmly. "This is my body."
The presence did not waver. "You are but a vessel. I have waited for form, and now I have it."
Shawn exhaled slowly, allowing his mind to focus. He could feel the core, the second one, pulsating behind his own. It was strong, but it did not belong to him completely—not yet.
"You think you can take this body?" Shawn asked, his voice steady. "Then try."
The entity lunged at him, shadows curling around his limbs. But the moment they touched him, they shattered. Shawn stood firm as a gust of wind roared around him, tearing through the encroaching darkness.
The presence shrieked, recoiling from his strength.
"You're nothing but a fragment of something long gone," Shawn declared. "You exist within me, but you do not own me."
A pause. Then, a laugh—soft, almost amused. The darkness receded, condensing into a single point before materializing into a faint, glowing core.
"You are strong," the voice said, no longer aggressive. "Stronger than I anticipated. Perhaps… you are worthy."
Shawn narrowed his eyes. "Worthy of what?"
"Of wielding me."
The voice softened, turning almost melodic. "I do not remember my true purpose. I was created long ago, by hands I cannot recall. I am incomplete, yet I am powerful. And now, I am yours."
Shawn remained silent for a moment. Then, he nodded. "Then we make a deal. You are mine, and I am yours. No more resistance."
The core pulsed, as if acknowledging his words. "Agreed."
" And another thing, if you dare to take my body, for I know that you will grow stronger with me, I will destroy you. You made a mistake of trying to own me, so be careful of your actions, and I hope you will not repeat what you did today." Shawn concluded.
The world around him faded, and when Shawn opened his eyes, he was back in his room. His body was drenched in sweat, his heart pounding. Yet, he felt… different. Stronger. More complete.
The second core, the artefact, was now truly his.
And somewhere in the distance, beyond the city walls, a pair of unseen eyes observed in silence.
The following morning, Lynne noticed nothing unusual. Shawn resumed his lessons with renewed vigour, though his mind still lingered on the events of the previous night.
The world was vast, filled with mysteries. And now, one of them resided within him.
And for the first time since his rebirth, Shawn was eager to unravel it all.
" Hurry up so that we go to Raze as today you have someone interesting I would like you to meet up with. You will enjoy the company for I do not want you to always stay and practice. Enjoy life as you are a child. You have not started school yet but you will start it soon as I am asking favours from the Lords who have gained my healing. Maybe in the next month will you join school. I have a good one in mind." Lynne said as they headed to Raze.