Dozens of times, no.

Hundreds of times.

The approach had been attempted in several ways since Jin's childhood. And with each refusal, the beautiful ascendant who transcended reality itself learned from her mistakes. Endlessly learning and making the boy forget they had ever met upon the sight of rejection. And so after each unsuccessful encounter—She formulated a new stratagem that would ultimately benefit her desires.

A new strategy for an upcoming attempt. Crafted little by little as she got to know Jin and shaped her appearance and personality according to his tastes, carving the scenario and every word meticulously. No matter how much Lord Alaric tried to protect him, It was only a matter of time until Jin was faced with tragedy.

There were special people in this world, those worthy of being called heroes across Elba. People who, despite any difficulties encountered, were able to persevere and come back stronger. People who were convinced in what they believed and did not turn back. People who valued abstract concepts like honor and loyalty and were never tempted by desire.

People like his brother Vendrick with a troubled childhood. The one had lost his family in the war and still smiled every day, captivating everyone around him. People who you just needed a dialogue, an exchange of looks with them, and you noticed that they really are fated to have a bright future ahead of them.

Jin was not that type of person.

So when an exquisite ascendant appeared before him with unseen grace, the first of nine steps were in his reach. After feeling the rejection of the gods, being neglected any blessings or shortcuts to become a little more like his brother.

To see with his own eyes what the elemental warriors, those chosen by the gods were capable of. After personally seeing a creature of darkness, that even weakened and hungry had had enough power to play with its food, with its companions.

Jin had a whirlwind of insecurities and fears. But the most palpable feeling, the feeling that the red-eyed girl could smell in the air. Of all her encounters with the boy, that smell had never been stronger. A small hint of fragrance was all she needed.

Hovering in the air, as if it were the cause and effect generated from that boy's thoughts. That aura around him was the personification of a child's shock and terror. A child who had just now discovered how cold and dark place the world really was.

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He felt it.

Fear.

Helpless, unaware of who he was when his family was not around. The urgency of those who needed to decide on their own for their first time.

That he needed to weigh the decision of what was right and wrong with no time to ponder. Trapped in front of an almighty entity, more powerful than anything he would have encountered in his life.

And was there right or wrong? Did he really need justifications to accept such a pact? How many deaths had already happened in this world without a definitive answer, without a motive?

Perhaps in this way, he could follow in his brother's footsteps and prove to his father that he had already become a man. A man capable of making his own decisions. Even though he might regret them tomorrow, those choices were his and his alone.

In front of him, the girl was approaching. Seductively, with light steps, she pressured Jin with her warmth. But before he could make a decision, take action, he needed to know who was in front of him. What was the name of the ascendant who had been in his dreams? Calling upon the name of the elemental gods was what gave the elementalists their skills, and so naturally to Jin her identity was key.

"Tell me your name!"

Shortening the distance, with an expression on the face impossible to be deciphered. With a finger away from his face, her red eyes penetrated him with ease. Her presence, so powerful and magnificent that any mortal who looked for a long time was mesmerized by its beauty.

Jin closed his eyes to concentrate. Doubt still hung over his head. It was like he knew he was about to do something very stupid. Her long hair could be felt on his right shoulder. His smooth skin was stroked by thin fingers that rested on it. And then finally a whisper was heard.

“Figuring out what I’m known as is the key to unlocking my gift… and that should be your first task.”

Chills spread through his body, taking hold of him. With eyes wide open, his lips finally gave in to desire. Consumed by the greed of being someone, becoming something more. The intertwining of mouths when kissing the beautiful girl. Her soft, serene lips sealed the pact between a mortal and a mysterious woman whose agenda was as puzzling as her origins.

A greater connection than any other was being established. Inside Jin, a strange sensation was beginning to surface in the depths of his soul. An ancient practice that was so obscure, so dangerous, that it had been forbidden centuries ago from being taught.

When a mortal gives in not a fraction of his blood nor a holy sacrifice but his very essence as exchange.

His own spirit bound by contract.

And so the pact had been sealed, the meeting culminating into a breakthrough.

To her, a newfound mortal to pursue her whims.

To him—The First Step To Godhood.