As he began to walk towards the golden light, he felt intense pressure pushing him backward, which increased dramatically as he approached.
"Damn it. The pressure is getting heavy with each step. I can't turn back now."
But Ashen doesn't want to stop. He thought that light could be something significant.
He moved forward, clenching his teeth. Tears welled in his eyes—this pain was beyond anything he'd known. Then suddenly, the blood had started to drip from his mouth. The pressure was causing internal damage to his body.
Somehow, he withstood the pressure.
And he finally reached the golden light.
His eyes widened.
The golden light started to dim slowly.
"What's happening?"
To his surprise, he saw the light was slowly taking a human form.
Ashen gasped as he took two steps backward. The human form standing before him appeared to be a replica of him, but shimmering in golden light. And yes, it was the one he saw in the destiny ceremony.
"I-Isn't it me?
The golden replica smiled and said,
"It's been a long time, my vessel.". Its voice was deep yet calm.
Ashen trembled; it was the same smile he saw that day. He was certain they were the same person. But what puzzled him was the word "vessel."
He asked, "W-What do you mean? I am your vessel?"
The golden replica replied,
"Yes. I chose you as the bearer of my divine power. The forbidden power that was hidden in the depths of this world. You are the one who unlocked it."
Ashen's grin turned razor-sharp. A chance—finally. He saw this as a chance to prove he was not useless. It was a golden thread bound by fate; it was up to him to tie himself to it.
"So, the heavens are with me."
He thought for a second, and he asked the golden replica,
"So..What's the deal? What should I sacrifice?"
The golden replica laughed,
"Haha, Ashen, you are an interesting one indeed. Don't worry, there is nothing for you to sacrifice other than your hard work. The power I bestowed upon you will only evolve if you improve yourself. "
"Improve myself? In what way?"
"You don't need to worry. I will guide you by assigning specific tasks."
The golden replica's light started to dim, but much faster.
"Oh, forgive me, the time is running up. You shall leave your mind space; otherwise, it will affect your state of mind. Don't worry, I can still communicate with you through my "voice of mind".
"Wait, what's your name?"
"I don't have any particular name, you can call me Ashborne if you want."
"Ashborne... It's a familiar name." Ashen thought.
Ashen wanted to ask Asborne a lot of questions, but didn't trust him. However, the circumstances and the urge to grow stronger led Ashen to trust Ashborne.
The golden replica started to dim, its light slowly vanishing.
****
Ashen opened his eyes, and he found himself lying on the office table.
"Ah, I am back? I can't believe it was real."
Then suddenly a voice said,
"Well, you have to."
It was Ashborne.
Now, Ashborne could hear his thoughts and see through his eyes.
"So, he can even hear my thoughts. Great." Ashen sighed.
"I will assign your first task."
"What is it?"
"Based on your memories, I concluded that you have little experience with Vix control. You must learn it before you can use my power as a vix. Vix control is the foundation of Vix. After that, only you can use it for combat."
"I see. So what should I do?"
"You have to go to an isolated place and try to open your vix core, releasing it to your whole body.
"Fine. I didn't get a single thing you told me."
"Don't worry, as I said before, I will guide you. I understand that you have not even taught the basics of Vix."
Suddenly, someone opened the door. Ashen was startled and attempted to position himself in the chair to appear normal.
It was his Butler Maxwell.
"Master, are you ok? I heard some noise, but I was too busy arranging the shelf in your room."
Ashen wore an eerie expression and was sweating a lot..
"I am fine, I think you have misheard it."
"I hope so."
Maxwell closed the door.
Something was amiss with Ashen, and Maxwell could see it in his eyes. He hoped Ashen is not experiencing any emotional outbreak or something.
Meanwhile, in the room,
Ashen put back his diary in the drawer where it was kept.
"That was close."
Ashborne whispered, "Your butler is not simple."
Ashen knew what Ashborn meant.
"Maybe yeah," Ashen murmured.
"Oho? You are communicating with your voice?"
" I did so because I am alone now. If I am doing this in public, they will surely think I am mad."
"I guess that's how it is. Ashen, don't forget our first task. Find an isolated place ."
"Ah, Alright."