The sky above Emberfield cracked with twilight fire as young Kael Ardent stood atop the Awakening Platform, eyes burning with hope. Today was the day he would awaken his spirit root, the first step to becoming a cultivator. But as the Elders chanted and the Spirit Stone glowed, silence fell. No light. No power. Only darkness.
"Hollow Seed," the High Elder whispered. "His spirit root is sealed."
Laughter and pity filled the courtyard. Kael's father, once a Flame Guardian, hung his head in shame. Kael clenched his fists. The dreams of glory were extinguished in a single moment.
But deep beneath the platform, something ancient stirred.