Shin took a deep breath, his golden eyes scanning the ornate room. The soft glow of the enchanted crystals reflected off the polished marble floors, adding a surreal glow to the vast chamber. This was no longer his old world—this was something else entirely.
He had no time to dwell on his transformation; something more pressing was waiting for him. The servant had mentioned Lilia, the first of his destined companions. The thought of someone being drawn to him so quickly sent a strange thrill through his chest. He wasn't sure what to expect—he wasn't exactly a "ladies' man" in his old life, but he couldn't deny that the allure of being "the Chosen One" was intoxicating.
He moved quickly through the grand hall, his robes flowing behind him like a king's garment, his every step commanding the space around him. His confidence was new—something about his appearance, his newfound power, made him feel as though the world had changed its rules just for him.
At the end of the hall, he reached the training hall. It was a large, open room with high ceilings and windows that showed a breathtaking view of the floating city of Arcluna. The air was thick with magic, and faint echoes of training dummies being struck could be heard from within.
He stepped inside.
Standing in the center of the room was a woman—a tall, striking figure. Her red hair was tied back in a ponytail, and her form was draped in fitted armor that accentuated her toned physique. She held a sword in one hand, its blade gleaming like fire. Her emerald green eyes flickered with intensity as she practiced swordplay on a wooden training dummy.
Shin's breath caught. She was stunning. Her beauty was undeniable, but it wasn't just her appearance that captivated him. There was something in the way she moved—graceful yet deadly, precise yet wild. This woman was not someone to be trifled with.
Her eyes flicked toward him as if she had sensed his presence. Her stance remained perfect, poised, ready for anything.
"So, you're the one they've been talking about," she said, her voice low and steady, almost like the calm before a storm.
Shin raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her confidence. "I take it you're Lady Lilia?"
She didn't answer immediately, choosing instead to perform a flawless spin before slashing the air with her sword. The sound of metal slicing through the air sent a shiver down Shin's spine. He couldn't help but be impressed.
"Yes, I am Lilia Flameheart," she said, finally turning to face him fully. Her eyes narrowed slightly, a trace of amusement playing on her lips. "I was summoned to meet you. Though I'll admit, I didn't expect you to be quite so... well, handsome."
Shin smirked, feeling the power of his new form surge through him. "I'm not one to disappoint," he replied smoothly. "But, I must say, you're quite the sight yourself."
Lilia studied him for a moment, as though weighing his words. Then, she chuckled softly, twirling the sword in her hand and stepping toward him.
"Flattery will get you far, Chosen One," she said, her voice a mixture of amusement and challenge. "But don't think I'm going to just fall for you because of your pretty face. I've seen my fair share of 'heroes' come and go, all with their own grand ideas."
Shin didn't flinch, though he was intrigued. "I don't expect you to fall for me immediately. But I'd like to show you what I can do."
Lilia's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she studied him. "You think you can impress me?"
Shin smiled, his confidence unwavering. "I'll let my actions speak for themselves."
Without warning, he moved toward the training dummy, his speed so swift that Lilia barely saw him. He struck the wooden figure with a single, powerful blow that split it in two. The pieces of the dummy fell to the floor with a resounding thud.
Lilia blinked, clearly impressed. "Well, it seems you have some skill after all."
Shin turned to face her, a playful grin on his lips. "You haven't seen anything yet."
Lilia's smirk widened, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "I'll be the judge of that. Show me more, Shin Kazuki."
With a flick of her wrist, she summoned a flaming sword from thin air. The blade blazed with fiery energy, reflecting the intensity in her gaze. "Let's see if you can keep up."
Shin felt the thrill of the challenge, the spark of excitement igniting inside him. This was no ordinary woman—Lilia Flameheart was a force in her own right. But so was he.
And if she wanted to test him, he was more than willing to rise to the occasion.
---
As the two sparred, their movements fluid and precise, Shin felt a bond forming between them. It wasn't just physical—it was something deeper, something magical. His charm, his presence, was drawing her in, just as he had been drawn to her.
With each clash of their weapons, with each step they took toward one another, the air seemed to hum with potential.
Shin had no doubt about it—this was just the beginning. He had his first companion, and soon, more would follow.