There was always a tedium to be known with the life of the mediocre. The people who are ghosts in the world and will never see any ounce of attention outside of the people they know. Some were content with this truth meanwhile others struggled to become something of themselves. They became roaming businessmen, town guardians or even popular politicians. Yet there were always the people considered blessed and cursed in this world who were born special. Zoran always knew they were not one of those people so he was content with his mediocrity but deep down he had a selfish wish to be something more than a village fisherboy. His house was nothing extraordinary, it was stable and his parents lived with him. He loved his parents more than anything in the world. It was nothing really special other than the daily monotony of waking up, eating, working and sleeping on a constant cycle that doesn’t change. He roams the town with the unassuming people and the similar buildings that contain children playing in the busy streets. Some vendors had their stores set up for business from traveling adventures and even traders. His town was always a “pit stop” town and provided the capital's food. Zoran walks over to the local bait store and he walks up to an old man with a white beard and says “So…do you know where the old man is? I am looking for him to start the next lesson.” He picks up his fishing rod that was laying near the corner of the room. He looks at it with a slight smile and says “So how much are worms today…I hope it isn’t too much. The capital has been raising prices and it’s been a pain to keep track of it.” The white bearded man laughs and says “Well Zoran, it’s about…5 Copper Coins for a box of worms. I consider it the Zoran discount.” Zoran smiles and gives him the 5 copper and takes the box of worms.

As he steps out he hears a familiar voice ring out. He looks towards where the voice came from and it’s his best friend Rue. Rue walks up to Zoran with a grin and says “Well looks like the fisherman is out for his early morning catch.” Zoran chuckles and says “Seems like you are up early for hunting, I heard you don’t have to worry about being surrounded by a hunting party as apparently you took up all the slots. You do know that is greedy?” Rue brushes him off and says “Please…you’d have that lake to yourself rather than having to compete with that Aspect User. We both know that you absolutely love your quiet time. I mean when I knock on your door you are always groaning.” Zoran sighs and says “It’s not my fault that you are a total drain to be around with…you are always asking me if I have a life.” Rue looks at Zoran and says, “You look ready for the day.” Zoran was wearing a typical fishing coat with his typical light brown hair that was nothing special. He had glowing brown eyes with a slight smile on his face. He was the typical 18 year old so he doesn’t stand out. Rue just shrugged and said “C'mon man…lighten up. We are gonna be playing poker in 15 years with our partners and you’ll forget about the boredom of your job in no time.” Zoran slightly chuckles and says “If you say so…but it’s hard to trust that you’ll win anything.” There was a hint of playfulness and Rue looking dejected said “Trust me man…i have a plan-” Zoran stops him and says “If that plan involves cheating then that’s how you lose some fingers.” Rue slightly chuckles and says “I am a great poker player, yo can trust me with that fact. He then said “Alright…I have to get ready. I should’ve been ready a couple of hours ago if I am being honest” Zoran pat’s his back and says “I have to get going. Good luck on your hunt…make sure to pack your stuffed animals for comfort.” Zoran gives him a smug smirk and Rue yells out loud “Shut your mouth! If anything I’ll bring in the best kill…just watch and see.” 

Zoran walks through the streets with his eyes glossing over the crowds of people coming and going. He looks around and he mutters to himself “Another boring day…Maybe something interesting will happen at the lake.” He walks to the boardwalks, the water glistening in the distance from the bright sunlight as a giant tower that pierces the sky looms over the sky. He looks at his teacher and he says “Alright let’s get started.” His teacher was a retired Aspect Hunter from the capital, he was old and shabby. He never got married as he never understood the point of marriage. He looks over to the distance and says “Zoran my boy…have you ever wondered what that tower means in the distance.” Zoran sighs as he casts his rod and says “Another story?” The man chuckles and says “The tower is the center of this world…it is so beautiful at this time of day. I’ve always wondered what it meant…I heard stories that it was Vulxians final resting place. Some say that the tower contains the dreams of anyone who wishes for distant midnight stars. I had a dream myself…do you have a dream Zoran.” He looks over at Zoran with a half smile and Zoran looks at the tower in the distance and he says “I always dreamed to be special like you. I hear of these fantastic stories about Aspect’s…” The man laughs and says “Aspects are wonderful aren’t they. To be someone with a special ability to represent a concept or word…my Aspect is Bait as you’d know. I remember the days when I served as an Aspect Hunter in the capital. It is not all sunshine and rainbows kid.” Zoran sighs as he reels in a fish and says “I guess I don’t want to live a boring life. I have always wondered what made me not special and not receive an aspect of myself…” The man looked at the distance and said “You are plenty special. You are the only Zoran Ashura I know in this village and not to brag but you are one damn good student. I like bragging about you to my fishing buddies about you. You were always a curious kid…I’d say you get used to mediocrity at some point.” Zoran stays in the distance and says “I wish…to be apart of the stars in the sky.” The day slowly fades away as they finish reeling in fish for the day. Zoran walked through the streets as the sun was setting carrying a basket of fish. He stops when he approaches the middle of the town where people were walking around the plaza around the fountain. He sits on a bench and looks up to the sky at the small flickering stars. The sky was becoming orange as the darkness of night was overtaking it. Zoran looks down at his hands and says “Why am I not satisfied…it’s as if that deep down I know I am supposed to be something more than a fisherman. I guess that’s my pride talking though…” He sighs as he closes his eyes and says to himself “As long as I have my family nothing else matters…” He drops off the fish near the backend of his house and steps on it. His parents with gentle smiles look at him and his father says “Zoran! How was fishing with the bitter old man!” Zoran shrugs and says “It’s the same as it usually is to be honest…” His mother then says “Don’t worry…you are good at fishing so he shouldn’t bother you that much. Go have some dinner.” Zoran walks into the kitchen and picks up a bowl of soup. He walks up to his room and his dad says “We love you Zoran.” Zoran smiles at them and says “Love ya too.” He walks up to his room and lays down on his bed as he sets his soup on the table. He curls up in his bed and mutters “I am a cog in the machine…I should just deal with it.” He softly closes his eyes and dwells into slumber.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

His wish was granted the next day but in the worst way possible. Zoran hears the burning of wood and as he sits up from bed he finds himself surrounded by a barrier of crystals. Suddenly the barrier lifts and he is greeted with the sight of everything burned to a crisp with nothing in sight other than the ash and the sky plunged in darkness. Zoran’s eyes widen as he looks at his ash stained hands. He tries to rub his eyes but the sight won’t fade away. He stands up feeling wobbly as he mutters to himself “This is just a nightmare…I’ll wake up soon.” He grabs a chunk of charred wood and slitted his palm. He closes his eyes but as he opens them he notices that the scene is still there. He collapses on the floor and begins processing what happened, he just bites his thumb. Somewhere in the distance a voice said “Well I’ll be damned…a survivor.” The person had gray hair and a male complexion with piercing red eyes. They were wearing a uniform known to the Aspect Hunters and he looks at Zoran’s sorry state and says “Jeez…this is a rough sight. What’s your name kid?” Zoran looks at him silently and just mutters slightly “Zoran Ashura.” The person looks at him with a curious gaze “Ashura…I’ve heard that surname before.” He just shrugs and says “My name is Asta. I am here to survey what happened…if I am being honest I have no idea on how you survived.” Asta looks at Zoran’s bleeding palm and says “Jeez…you are also injured. Give me a second.” Asta whips out some bandages and wraps it around Zoran’s hand as he picks him up from his feet.” Zoran was still in shock and Asta just said “You can mourn later. We have to get somewhere safe.” Asta takes Zoran’s hand as they walk away from the scene.”

As they walk through the withered forest Zoran mutters something finally. He mutters “Are my parents alive…” Asta winced and said “We couldn’t find any corpses…it was just you and someone said they sensed there were 2 living people. I can’t find the other person so consider yourself as the only survivor.” As they walk through the forest Zoran collapses on his knees and starts crying and Asta sighed saying “It’s fine…I guess I shouldn’t rush you.” Zoran cries as he pounds his fist on the ground and he says “Was I being selfish…for wanting something in my life to change.” Asta raises his eyebrow and says “That’s interesting…do you know anything about what happened here Zoran?” Zoran looks at him with teary filled eyes and says “I…I have no clue.” Asta sighs and says “Alright…we have someone waiting for us at the town limits. Let’s get going.” As they walk through the forest Zoran hears a stick snapped in the deep wilderness. Asta sighs and says “This is why I wanted to leave as soon as possible.” Suddenly there was rustling as Zoran looking panicked said “What…is that?” Asta says “It’s a Malformed Aspect…tell me kid. Did you have a Aspect User in your village.” Zoran nods and says “It was an old man…he had the Aspect of Bait.” Suddenly a monster lunged from the forest covered with fishhooks. The old man’s face was jutting out of the malformed blob of flesh. Hooks pierced its eyes as it screamed in pain. Zoran looks at it as panic fills his eyes and says “That’s…my teacher.” Asta just says “Close your eyes if this is too painful.” Asta rips off finger nails and pulls out a bow decorated with beautiful symbols. Asta then mutters “Form 1…Arrow of Annihilation.” As he fires the arrow the Malformed Aspect faded into ash as the forest behind it was decimated following the arrow. Zoran looks at Asta then says “What exactly are you…” Asta looks at him with a slight grin and says “I am an Aspect Hunter. I believe you must’ve heard of me…I am kinda a celebrity.” Zoran shakes his head no and then Asta’s face falls and he says “Damn…that hurt’s bit but I believe Toshi is waiting for us.” As they step out of the forest they see a well dressed man in a suit with handsome features. He looks at Asta and says “Amazing…you found the survivor? Color me impressed.” He looks over to Zoran and says “Looks like you are the only survivor…we will be asking you questions soon so don’t worry about it. Once we get there I’ll let you rest and we can talk about this another day.” Toshi snapped his fingers and a door appears behind him. He looks over to Zoran and says “Alright ready…” As they walk through the door they find themselves in a modestly decorated room. The windows outside showed a street filled with people and vendors selling their goods. Zoran’s eyes widen as he says “Where are we…” Asta smiles and says “Welcome to the Aspect Hunter’s Headquarters in the Capital City of Van Holiz. You’ll be staying here until we can figure out some things about you. May I say…you have beautiful green eyes.” Zoran’s eyes widen as he walks over to a nearby mirror. He looks at his reflection as his previous brown eyes are now green with his hair covered in ash. He then says “I…never had green eyes before.” 

***

“Asta this is the highest amount of controlled energy ever seen.” The man in a black suit looks over to Asta who was sitting in his chair lazily. The man then says “I’d like for you to take this seriously…on top of that we have heard there were two lives detected.” Asta then says “Hmm…I see. I’ll investigate it myself.” The man also says “This has been dubbed as the Shadow Skies incident…we have a theory that the 9 Archetypes are behind this. Please keep yourself safe.” Asta laughs and he says “Trust me I am the most powerful Aspect Hunter in this world. I’ll be fine.” The man in black sighs and says “You are right about that but there is something fishy that's going on here…” Asta says before he leaves “There is always something fishy…this reminds me of the Van Holiz Incident all over again.”

***

_________________

Aspect Hunter Files - Door Aspect

The door aspect functions by creating a transportation point between two doors for instant travel. Kinda like a portal gun but you have to set it up beforehand or you have to deal with a random destination. 

_________________