The village was gone.

Jin didn’t want to look back, but his mind replayed the horror over and over again—the screams of villagers, the smell of burning wood, the unrelenting glow of red eyes in the darkness. He tightened his grip on May’s hand as they stumbled through the forest, their breaths heavy and labored.

“Jin,” May whimpered, her voice cracking. “I can’t run anymore.”

Jin slowed, scanning the area. The forest was dense, the moonlight barely breaking through the thick canopy. His heart still pounded, adrenaline refusing to fade. He spotted a small hollow beneath the roots of a massive tree.

“Here,” he said, pulling her toward it. “We’ll rest for a bit.”

May sank to the ground, hugging her knees to her chest. Jin crouched beside her, his eyes darting toward every rustle and shadow. The Feralis could be anywhere.

“Why did this happen?” May asked, her voice trembling. “Why us?”

Jin didn’t have an answer. The Feralis attacks had always been stories—distant threats that the Protectors handled. Rengard was supposed to be safe, tucked away from the Rift.

“Jin...” May’s voice was barely a whisper.

“What is it?” he asked, turning to her.

Her eyes were wide, staring over his shoulder. Slowly, Jin turned. A pair of red eyes glowed in the darkness.

Jin’s breath caught. The Feralis creature stepped into the moonlight, its black, sinewy body gleaming. It was smaller than the ones in the village but no less menacing. Its clawed hands flexed, and a low growl rumbled from its throat.

“Stay behind me,” Jin said, rising to his feet and gripping his dull knife. His hands shook, but he refused to show fear.

The Feralis lunged.

Jin barely managed to sidestep, swinging his knife wildly. The blade grazed the creature’s arm, but it barely reacted. It turned with alarming speed, swiping at Jin. He raised his arm to block, the claws tearing through his sleeve and scraping his skin.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

“Jin!” May screamed.

Jin stumbled back, his mind racing. The creature advanced, its glowing eyes locked onto him. He couldn’t win. Not like this.

“Run, May!” he shouted, trying to draw the Feralis’s attention.

“I’m not leaving you!” she cried, tears streaming down her face.

The Feralis lunged again, but this time, a blinding flash of light erupted between them. Jin shielded his eyes, the roar of the creature turning into a high-pitched shriek. When the light faded, the Feralis was gone—reduced to ash.

Jin turned to see a group of figures emerging from the shadows. They wore uniforms with gleaming silver armor, their weapons glowing faintly in the moonlight.

“Protectors,” Jin breathed, relief washing over him.

The leader, a tall woman with short, fiery red hair, stepped forward. She held a staff, its tip still glowing from the spell she had cast.

“Are you two all right?” she asked, her voice firm but kind.

Jin nodded, though his legs felt weak. “Y-Yes. Thank you.”

“What are you doing out here?” she asked, her sharp eyes scanning the area. “The village is under attack.”

“Our village...” Jin’s voice faltered. “Rengard. It’s gone.”

The woman’s expression softened. “I’m sorry.” She gestured to her team. “We’re sweeping the area for survivors. You’ll come with us.”

Jin hesitated. The Protectors were legendary figures, but standing before them now, he felt small and helpless.

“Do you have family?” the woman asked, her tone gentle.

Jin glanced at May, who clung to his side. “Just us,” he said.

The woman nodded. “You’re safe now. I promise.”

__________________________________________

By dawn, they reached a fortified outpost on the edge of the forest. The Protectors ushered Jin and May inside, where other survivors from Rengard huddled together.

The red-haired woman, who introduced herself as Captain Mira, approached Jin with a small pouch. “Here,” she said, handing it to him. “It’s not much, but it’ll help you get by.”

Jin opened the pouch to find a few coins and a small crystal. “What’s this?” he asked, holding up the crystal.

“A Focus Shard,” Mira explained. “It helps channel magic. If your Talent awakens, you’ll need it.”

Jin stared at the shard, its surface glowing faintly. “What if I don’t have a Talent?”

Mira’s expression softened. “Everyone has potential, Jin. Sometimes it just takes longer to find it.”

Jin nodded, though doubt gnawed at him.

As the Protectors prepared to move out again, Mira placed a hand on his shoulder. “Stay strong,” she said. “The academy will be a new beginning for you and your sister.”

Jin watched as she and her team disappeared into the forest. He clenched the Focus Shard tightly, determination replacing his fear.

“A new beginning,” he murmured.

For the first time since the attack, he allowed himself to hope.