Starfallen: Journey of the Celestial Prodigy

All the muted sounds of nature—chirping crickets, leaves rustling, and the deep call of an owl, wafted through the forest. Standing in a small amount of clearing, soaked in sweat, Kael held in his hand a piece of splintered wood broken from his previous axe blow. He gasped for air, every swing of the improvised tool tearing the fibers in his muscles but continuing to push him.

His training was crude, born of desperation. The power of the alien system was great, however, Kael was a long way from being able to use it. He needed strength—real strength—to survive. His stepbrothers would soon come for him, and now there were other enemies lurking in the shadows.

Kael dropped the branch and stared at the glowing mark on his chest, its faint light flickering like a heartbeat beneath his shirt.

"System," he whispered, his voice hoarse. "What's the next step?"

The system responded in its cold, mechanical tone:

[Objective: Progress combat abilities through active engagement. Suggested activity: Test combat skills against live opponents.]

Kael frowned. "Live opponents? You mean… people?"

Before the system could respond, a sudden sensation made his blood run cold. Hair on the nape of his back bristled. He felt it—a presence, sharp and deliberate, closing in on him.

[Hostile Detected: Human. Threat Level: Moderate.]

Kael spun around, heart pounding, scanning the shadows of the trees. The chirping of the crickets had stopped. The clearing was empty, except for the sound of feet approaching from the back crunching sound.

A figure stepped out of the shadows, cloaked in black leather and wearing a mask that gleamed faintly under the moonlight. They moved with the elegance of an assassin, a curved knife flashing in their grip.

You've been tagged; the being whispered in a low, cold tone. The power you possess doesn't belong to you.

Kael's grip tightened on the broken branch. "Who are you? Why are you here?"

The assassin didn't answer. But they charged headlong, dagger falling from the sky with a scream toward Kael's throat.

Instinct and adrenaline took over. Kael ducked, the blade missing him by inches. He swung the branch wildly in retaliation, but the assassin moved like a shadow, dodging with ease.

"You're untrained," the assassin hissed, circling him. "This will be quick."

Kael's heart pound with anticipation of the coming assault. The system's voice suddenly rang out in his mind:

[Combat Assistance Enabled. Analysing opponents movement… Tactical suggestion: Exploit environmental hazards.]

Kael's eyes darted around the clearing. His mind raced as he tried to make sense of the system's advice. There—a jagged rock, partially buried in the dirt.

The assassin charged again, their movements fluid and deadly. Kael sidestepped at the last second, snatching up the rock and hurling it with all his strength. The makeshift projectile struck the assassin's shoulder, staggering them.

Kael didn't waste the opportunity. He swung the branch with everything he had, the impact sending the assassin's dagger flying. The impact transmitted up his arms, but Kael did not hear it properly.

The assassin growled, pulling a second blade from their belt. "You're more trouble than I expected," they muttered.

Kael readied himself, his muscles screaming in protest. He was outclassed, outmuscled, but there was something about inside him that would not yield.

"System," he gasped, "what now?"

[Advisory: Do not engage in prolonged combat. Neutralize threat immediately.]

Kael felt a surge of energy ripple through him as if the system had taken hold. He didn't fully understand what was happening, but his movements became sharper, faster. When the assassin lunged again, Kael parried with the branch, his free hand darting out to grab their wrist.

Twist he disarmed them, the second blade falling to the floor. Kael drove the killer back, knocking him/her against a tree.

"Who sent you? Kael growled, his voice low and dangerous.

The assassin's mask gradually wavered, to show a pair of slitted eyeballs. "It doesn't matter. They'll send others. You won't survive."

Before Kael could respond, the assassin's free hand moved to their belt. A glass vial shattered between them, releasing a cloud of acrid smoke. Kael sputtered, his hand releasing as the assassin melted back into the shadows.

When the smoke cleared, Kael was the only person left in the clearing. His hands shook as he kneeled to the ground and took gasps for air.

"System," he rasped. "Who… who was that?"

[Data Insufficient. Suggested Action: Investigate Royal Archives. Location: Northern Wing.]

Kael tightened his own fists, with anger and resolve burning in his heart. He wasn't just a servant anymore, and he wasn't going to cower in fear. He'd get caught up, and he'd find out why and he'd pay them back.

Having the stand, his chest pulsed slightly, a sign of the current force traversing through his body. This was only the beginning.