A Familiar Light

"Nimin! You're back! That means-"

Nimin smashed a table next to him. He had respawned at the Guildhouse, where he had set it.

The sudden violent action startled Para. She took a step back, "Nimin?"

Nimin took a breath, "Sorry Para, I let my anger control me."

"Are you alright?"

"I just lost a bit of experience, maybe a couple of items. More importantly where's Akiol and his friend?"

"His friend is resting right now, I think something went wrong with the absorption process because he's unconscious. Also he has a curse currently overtaking him."

"What?!"

Nimin quickly spotted the stranger on a couch and rushed over. After inspecting them he sighed, "There's nothing I can do, if he someone recovers from this that's through his own strength."

Para nodded meekly.

Nimin turned, "More importantly, where's Akiol?"

"I uh-"

"Para?"

"I kind of snapped at him, he ran off somewhere."

"What?! What did you say?!"

"Something along the lines of calling him a coward?"

Nimin felt like he was going to collapse, "Are you an idiot?"

"Hey! Who needs him anyway?! He ran when you went to fight!"

"I wanted him to leave! That guy didn't hesitate to charge right into Perina's territory to save his friend! He fought against Grimwald!"

"But he still ran!"

"There was no choice! We all know we don't stand a chance against Perina! Why would you expect any different?!"

"I-"

"Damn it all! He could be a valuable fighter against Perina!"

"He-He said he was going to help! Something about paying a debt to you, but he needed to complete something!"

Nimin sighed, his whole body looked frail suddenly, "Finally, some good news. I guess it makes sense now, since he left his friend here."

"Are you alright?"

"I- I'm not sure. I need some time to clear my mind, set my thoughts straight. Keep an eye on this guy for me okay? I'll be back."

Nimin suddenly turned into lines of white, a sign of him logging out.

Para sighed and sat on a chair next to the destroyed table. Murmuring to herself she asked, "Can I really follow him like this?"

~ ~ ~

-<>-

Many years ago:

"There you are!"

Wrock turned to see a familiar face climb up, "Eh? You were searching for me?"

"Yes! The elders have chosen you! You're next for the elite!"

Wrock was stunned silent, he repeatedly pointed at himself as if to confirm what they familiar person had said.

They sighed, "Yes you! I was supposed to tell you earlier today so you could prepare, but you ran off and I spent my time searching for you!"

Wrock jumped to his feet, "I got chosen?!"

"Yes!!"

"W-What time is the ceremony?"

"It's in an hour!"

"An hour?!"

"Yes!!! What are you doing standing about?! Go get ready!"

Wrock nodded and jumped off the cliff, sliding down the steep slope his heart rate accelerated in excitement.

The "Elite" was a special group in the clan. Hand picked by the elders, powerful warriors would go through a ceremony to inherit a 'flame'.

His clan worshipped the Phoenix as their idol. Their tales spoke of how their founders had made a contract with the Phoenix, creating a beneficial exchange.

Their God, the Phoenix was one of several color. From where Wrock was born, the Phoenix was the Lord of Flame. Every color flame was on its body, creating a spectacular sight if one was given a chance to see it.

If a warrior proved themselves, then they had a chance to be chosen by the elders to inherit one of the flames. Those who inherit the flame are granted the ability to wield 'Spirit'.

Spirit was the energy unique to only powerful monsters. It granted them power beyond that of what a human was capable of producing. While mana was available and free to all, it did not mean it was powerful. The only ones capable of producing great effects were wizards and their spells. Warriors only learned mana for defensive purposes, for the extra strength it gave was minimal.

Even though Spirit was unique to monsters, through certain ways a human would be capable of wielding that energy.

His clan was one of the few who had a guaranteed way of obtaining Spirit. However due to its power it was limited to only the specially chosen, and exclusive to their race.

Wrock had caught the eye of the elders, his incredibly fast growth was promising. He had a natural talent in fighting, and was constantly proving that fact day after day. Through much discussion the elders came to the conclusion that Wrock was worthy of inheriting a Flame. As an investment for his future growth.

As Wrock rushed towards the elders his mind was racing. He couldn't believe he was given such a rare and honorable opportunity.

One of the elders spotted Wrock. With a smile they welcomed him, "You've finally arrived!"

"Forgive me elder!"

"Jonah had told me of the circumstances, I'm just glad you made it in time for the ceremony. Quickly come along."

Wrock's heart thumped, he held a hand to his chest to calm himself. He must show pride, for his whole clan will be watching. As he entered the ceremonial hall his gaze was focused on the grand statue of the Phoenix. The elder gestured towards a cushion in front of the statue. Kneeling onto it Wrock bowed, head nearly touching the ground.

The words of the elders flowed in and out of his ears. Only snippets could be heard.

"Oh Lord of Flame! We bring you a valiant warrior who has proven himself. . ."

"We ask you grant him a flame, so he many carry our clan in honor!"

The statue shook and exploded, a Phoenix of all colors spread its wings. The clan members all immediately bowed their heads and shut their eyes, seeing the Phoenix without permission was a sin. Those who attempted were blinded and shamed. Most of the chosen Elite never got to see the Phoenix, for it never granted them the right.

A voice entered Wrock's head, 'A warrior indeed. Have you prepared yourself for what's next?'

"Yes."

'Show me your eyes Warrior.'

Wrock's heart was going to need therapy later, for it almost stopped when he heard those words. Slightly shaking, Wrock lifted his head and slowly opened his eyes. The beautiful sight of the Phoenix brought a tear to his eye.

'You hold the eyes of. . . It's quite familiar. Treasure that gift, for very few can even dream of having it.'

"I will!"

'Then, I grant you a flame. May it light your way, and grant you power when you need it. I trust you will not forsake this power I grant you.'

"I will not disappoint!"

His body trembled as a foreign energy entered it. He felt his body burn, as if being put in a pot of boiling water.

Something inside him changed, and Wrock was knocked out.

The Phoenix suddenly vanished, returning to a statue. As if everything was an illusion. The elder opened his eyes, a faint smile on his lips.

Walking to Wrock he lifted him, "Awake warrior, show us all the flame you have inherited."

Wrock's body shook as a light blue Phoenix rose out of his body and spread its wings. It then turned its head and stared at the elder.

The elder's eyes widened, "This. . . this is-!"

-><-< p>

Wrock stared at the familiar glow in front of him, "I always thought it was 'borrowing'. I never could figure out why I was unable to use Spirit in this new world."

He reached out and touched the glow, "But it truly is inheritance. To think I was granted this ability. I wonder what caused Lord of Flame to allow such a ceremony. Regardless. . ."

Wrock's mind flashed to the time during the Professional Competition. Akiol's small comment on Spirit repeated in his mind.

He sighed, "Akiol, he's hiding something again. How troublesome."

He knew why the light was so familiar. And why he was here.

Wrock walked forward slightly pushed against the light, "Where is it. . ."

Soon he spotted it, a strange mark on the light. As if it was branded on there. Faintly glowing, but dull.

Wrock touched it, "It's good to see you, let's get back in action alright?"

The mark brightened, and Wrock's body shivered. Suddenly a light blue Phoenix shot from his body and extended its wings. A cry filled his ears, as the burning blue flames began to push away the darkness.

Wrock grinned, "Oh it feels good to be back."