The hidden base was quiet that evening. The battle was behind them, but Kael's mind stirred with unanswered questions.
Caziel sat across from him, sharpening his weapon with slow, methodical strokes. The orange glow of the hearth cast flickering shadows on the wall.
Kael finally broke the silence.
"Caziel… I need to understand. All of it. The sigils… the powers… this world. I can't keep stumbling blind."
Caziel nodded, setting his blade aside.
"Then listen closely."
He leaned forward, voice steady.
"There are two primal forces that govern our world," Caziel began. "Lumen Essence… and Umbra Essence."
Kael frowned.
"Light and shadow?"
"Exactly," Caziel said. "Lumen Essence is tied to light, order, life. It flows naturally through most people. Umbra Essence is rare—chaotic, hidden, and dangerous. Those who tap into both… they're considered unstable. Or cursed."
Kael's eyes narrowed.
"And what about sigils? What do they actually mean?"
Caziel's tone shifted, more serious now.
"Sigils are how our essence manifests. Everyone awakens differently. Some never awaken at all. But for those who do… there's a progression."
He raised his hand and listed them off one by one:
Blank Sigil – "No awakening. No power. Just potential."
Flicker Sigil – "The first spark. A faint mark. You start to feel essence stir."
Burn Sigil – "Now you're a real fighter. You can control your essence, wield a power type. Still limited."
Glow Sigil – "This is where you are now, Kael. The sigil becomes bright and detailed. You can manipulate multiple aspects of your element. Multi-element wielders are common here."
Kael blinked.
"So that's what I am?"
Caziel nodded.
"Yes. Right now, you're a Glow Sigil. But there's more."
Eclipse Sigil – "It's rare. Black and gold, unstable but powerful. Users of dual essences or fused powers. Only a handful exist."
Living Sigil – "When the mark itself moves on your skin. It breathes with you. Fighters here can shift time, space, matter… monsters in human form."
Godsigil – "The final rank. The sigil wraps around your entire body like divine ink. These are the ones who rewrite reality itself."
Kael sat in stunned silence.
"…And power types?"
"There are hundreds of types, but they fall under three main cores," Caziel explained. "Each is fueled by one of the essences."
Lumen Essence powers include:
Healing
Time manipulation
Telekinesis
Elemental light forms
Umbra Essence powers include:
Shadow warping
Void summoning
Corrupted flame
Mind fracture abilities
"Then there are Hybrids," Caziel continued, "those rare enough to channel both. Usually through ancient bloodlines or forbidden relics."
"But remember," he added, locking eyes with Kael, "just because you don't feel Umbra now doesn't mean it's not waiting."
Kael's hand moved unconsciously to his chest.
"...So the sword. That could change everything?"
"Maybe," Caziel replied. "Or maybe it will awaken a version of you that you're not ready for."
Just then, Yuna stepped into the room with two mugs of warm herbal drink. She tossed one to Kael, smirking.
"So… our glowing boy is finally asking questions, huh? I was starting to think you'd just punch your way through destiny."
Kael caught the mug, rolling his eyes.
"Very funny."
"Hey, I'm just here for the tea—literally and figuratively," she said, taking a loud sip. "But really, if a talking sword shows up tomorrow, I'm out."
Kael chuckled, tension easing from his shoulders.
"You're not going anywhere."
She shot him a sly grin.
"Darn right I'm not."
The three sat in companionable silence for a moment, the warmth of the fire curling around them like a protective veil.
Outside, the stars began to blink to life in the night sky.
Tomorrow, their journey would begin.
But tonight… they rested, together.