Since the dawn of time, countless creatures have populated our world. Many have gone extinct, giving way to new, more evolved species. Among those that remain, three races dominate, each ruling over its own domain with a history as rich as it is troubling.

The elves, beings of unfathomable longevity, reign supreme over the continent of Orenda. Their reputation as guardians of millennial knowledge is matched only by their tenacious grudges. Their Shahansha, it is said, is the most powerful being to walk this earth.

On the tormented lands of Maona, where the elements rage relentlessly, the elementalists have built their empire. These humanoid beings, forces of nature, have erected a complex society based on a hierarchy linked to their elemental affinity. Their Shahansha, a Naiad of bewitching beauty, fascinates as much as she terrifies.

Humans, for their part, have extended their influence over the continents of Zafar, Kibara, Novea, and perhaps even Kiyo, although doubt remains about the latter. Their adaptability is matched only by their duplicity, their greed masked behind a veil of civilization.

But beyond the visible world, another race thrives, as diverse as it is mysterious: the Djinns. Banished from the physical world, they can only appear under certain conditions, their existence oscillating between myth and terrifying reality.

My life changed at the age of eight, the day I met the king of the Djinns, undisputed sovereign of the invisible world. He greeted me by calling me "my equal," as if we had known each other since the beginning of time. His appearance should have terrified me, and yet, a strange familiarity emanated from him.

His imposing stature dominates the space, each taut muscle exuding brute force, capable of breaking mountains. His face, sculpted by centuries of power, remains impassive, framed by a diadem that seems to merge with the heavens. His eyes, hidden behind a whitish glow, exude a deep mystery, while his long silver hair floats around him, as if carried by an invisible wind. Draped in a dazzling toga, adorned with priceless jewels, he embodies pure power, a presence that commands respect without the need for words.

"What do you mean by 'my equal'?" I dared to ask, my voice betraying my apprehension.

With a gesture, he dismissed his servants, leaving us alone in the vastness of the throne room. His gaze lingered on my eyes, intrigued by the unusual fractures that marked my pupils.

"These marks on your retina... Where do they come from?" he inquired, his voice resonating like thunder.

"I don't know," I replied, still troubled by recent events. "I had a strange dream, and when I woke up, my vision had changed."

"A dream, you say? Do you remember the words that accompanied your awakening?"

As if hypnotized, I recited: "Go forth, Zayn, you whose destiny is as vast as your vision."

A glimmer of triumph crossed his usually stoic face. "What wonderful news! Come closer, Zayn. Don't be afraid."

With one hand, he lifted me and placed me on his lap, as a benevolent father would. "I am Jalik, king of the Djinns and sovereign of Aether Haven," he finally introduced himself.

He then began to explain the changes that had occurred since my awakening. "Originally, I planned to invite you to our world, but your presence here took us all by surprise. I imagine it's the combination of your particular vision and your ruh that allowed you to cross the barrier."

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"Excuse me," I interrupted, "but I don't have the ability to wield my ruh. I was born without it."

Jalik smiled benevolently. "There are two categories of living beings regarding ruh. Soulsilents, as you thought you were, are born unable to manipulate it. Soulshappers are born with this mastery. But you, Zayn, belong to a rare category: the Soulbound."

"What is a Soulbound?" I asked, intrigued.

"They are those who, initially belonging to one of the two categories, experience an awakening during their existence. For Soulsilents, they acquire the ability to manipulate ruh. For Soulshappers, it's about surpassing their limits."

Perplexed, I objected: "But I don't feel like I can manipulate my ruh."

"Yet, you used it to come here," Jalik affirmed. "Remember what your heart desired most when you woke up, and what happened between your former position and your presence in these places."

I then remembered my thirst for freedom, my burning desire to cross the crack I had glimpsed. Suddenly understanding, I tried to teleport to the foot of the throne. Nothing happened until I blinked, instantly finding myself in the desired location.

"It seems your ruh is linked to spatiotemporal movements guided by your vision," Jalik concluded. "You can teleport to where your gaze falls."

Amazed by this discovery, I teleported again onto Jalik's knees, proud of my feat.

Our conversation then took a more serious turn. Jalik explained the reason for my importance and the privileged treatment I was receiving.

"Zayn, if I consider you my equal, it's because we are linked as Soulbound. When two beings from different planes of existence awaken, an invisible bond unites them."

Concentrating, I could indeed distinguish two ethereal threads connecting my head and chest to the sovereign of the invisible.

"I awakened long ago," Jalik continued, "but I wasn't complete without you."

"But... even awakened, I'm certainly very weak compared to you," I objected.

"You're right, you're far from my level. But our bond unites our lives. If one of us dies, the other will follow. In exchange, we can use each other's abilities."

To prove it to me, Jalik used my teleportation several times, leaving me stunned.

"As you can see, our levels are very far apart. For now, you can't master all my abilities, but that's about to change."

"How so?"

The atmosphere suddenly grew heavy, and I understood that what was to follow was of crucial importance.

"You see, Zayn, there exists in this world an entity called [Censored]."

Strangely, I was unable to hear its name. Even when I asked Jalik to repeat it, it was as if my brain refused to grasp its existence.

"Unfortunately, you can neither hear nor retain its name," Jalik explained. "So we'll call it by one of its identities: 'Lutan'. It is the enemy of all living beings and plots for our extinction. It's the entity behind the HCC, and it's probably responsible for the disappearance of your home village."

At the mention of my family, I had to bite my lips not to cry. Jalik immediately reassured me: "Although the majority of the inhabitants were eradicated, your family is still alive."

This news made me jump for joy, but I needed to know more.

"My equal," Jalik resumed gravely, "your father is in a prolonged coma due to a curse. But before that, he managed to protect your young sister and your mother. I've sent my most reliable servants to watch over them, but it's not in your interest to find them immediately."

Worried and impatient, I asked: "Jalik, what must I do to find them as soon as possible? How can I become strong enough to protect them from Lutan's plots and any danger?"

"Here is my request, Zayn," Jalik replied solemnly. "Lutan is watching me, I cannot leave Aether Haven without risking a direct confrontation with him. If he takes my life, yours will be lost as well. Your role will be to stay by my side and undergo the most arduous training to find and eliminate him."

At that moment, I was perhaps too young to realize that I was about to make the most important decision of my life. But I had understood the essentials: Lutan represented everything I opposed.

"Very well, I accept your request," I declared with determination. "In exchange, I ask you to protect my family and help me become a Soulmaster."

"Deal," Jalik replied.

Our fists collided, sealing a pact that would change the fate of our world.