Arcane Log

Alice White stood tall amidst the vibrant chaos of Arcadia's bustling streets, her striking white hair cascading like a silken waterfall down her back, framing her sharp, tiger-like blue eyes. At 26, she radiated an unconventional energy that turned heads, whether she desired the attention or not.

Clad in casual combat gear—a perfect blend of practicality and style—she deftly navigated the crowded marketplace, her mind racing with thoughts of her small business, Clear Solutions.

Clear Solutions was more than just a business; it was a sanctuary for those seeking assistance amidst the magical and supernatural chaos that enveloped the city.

Alice had poured her heart and soul into building it from the ground up, driven by an unwavering desire to help others while desperately searching for her long-lost teacher, Kain.

As she rounded a corner, a familiar figure burst into view—a young woman with short black hair and an exuberant smile that seemed to light up the dim alleyway.

Emilia Brooks, her loyal friend and spirited partner, called out, "Alice! We've got another client!" Her excitement was infectious, a burst of energy that cut through the morning air.

Alice's lips curled into a grin. "Let's get to it!" she replied, her heart quickening with anticipation.

Flashback

In an instant, the scene shifted, enveloping Alice in a vivid memory that felt as fresh as the morning dew.

She was a child again, only twelve years old, standing in a dimly lit dojo. The air was thick with tension, each breath heavy with the weight of expectation.

Kain, her formidable martial arts teacher, towered over her, his short white hair catching the sparse light like a beacon. His stern gaze softened slightly, a hint of encouragement flickering in his eyes.

"Focus, Alice," he instructed, his voice a low rumble that echoed through the wooden beams. "The Way of Flowing Steel is about adaptability and resilience." With an effortless fluidity, he demonstrated a complex sequence of movements, each one a testament to years of discipline and mastery.

Alice watched in awe, her small frame trembling as she struggled to mimic his grace. Each attempt ended with a stumble, each bruise a reminder of her limitations.

Yet, with every fall, she found a flicker of strength igniting within her. Kain was relentless, pushing her to her limits, instilling a fierce belief that true power stemmed not from Gifts, but from sheer determination and skill.

Returning to the present, Alice shook off the nostalgia, the weight of those memories mingling with the fervor of her current mission.

The training had forged her into the fighter she was today—undaunted, unyielding, Giftless yet strong.

Running Clear Solutions was her tribute to Kain's teachings, a way to help others navigate a world forever transformed by the Eclipse.

"Ready?" Emilia's voice cut through her thoughts, her enthusiasm palpable.

"Always," Alice replied, her gaze steady and fierce, determination sparking in her eyes.

The day awaited, a tapestry of challenges and opportunities, and she was prepared to confront whatever lay ahead.

With a final nod, they stepped forward, ready to weave their story into the vibrant fabric of Arcadia, determined to make a difference—together.