Into the Unknown

Ding dong.

The school bell had rung, signaling the conclusion of the day. I rose from my chair, the room already empty. Faraway laughter and shuffling feet could be heard in the hallway outside, but today, it was different—like I was seeing it for the last time.

My legs propelled me upwards towards the rooftop. Each step felt heavier than the last.

The wind welcomed me as I pushed the door open. I sighed slowly, deeply, then slumped against the chill of the concrete. My phone vibrated softly, mingling with the muffled sound of students below. The sun disappeared below the horizon, casting the sky a riot of reds and golds, more lovely than anything.

This is it.

I clutched myself, my legs braced. Birds trilled, spurring me on. My hand on the railing tightened as I hunched forward closer to the edge, gaze set on the horizon—anything to prevent my will from shattering.

Then the world tilted sideways.

Memories flooded in—my mother's and father's faces, my father's words.

"Han Ji Min, no matter how difficult it gets, hang in there. There are always others that hurt more."

He grinned as he spoke. I hadn't gotten it then.

"Sorry, Dad… I guess I am weaker than them after all."

The ground came rushing up towards me. I closed my eyes—

And suddenly, nothing.

No—not the darkness.

A voice, calling out of the darkness:

"You have been summoned to ElDROS."

My eyes opened wide to the voice—booming, hollow, godlike, rumbling up from the pit of his throat.

"Welcome to Eldros."

I hadn't yet turned in its direction when another voice broke across my head, rattling my bones:

"You will be blessed with the blessing of the Eldros."

Searing agony blinded my right hand— as molten steel was poured into my skin under it. I clenched my teeth, fingers scrabbling on the ground as flames climbed my arm. I thought for a moment that the flesh would be consumed. The agony faded.

I shook, gagging. On the back of my palm, a black brand throbbed, serrated edges twisting like living shadows.

It was something more than a brand.

It had been a brand.

And it had hungered.

"A failed summon?" A prosaic voice slurred over my head.

My vision cleared to show a golden-named noble looking down his nose at me, his immaculate white gloves hiding a smirk. The world had changed - I now knelt in the middle of a huge ritual circle, its spreading runes already dying.

"My lord," bowed a priest next to me, "I offer sincere apologies for this unsuccessful. object." He gestured toward me as if I were a defective instrument.

I soaked up my surroundings behind the veil of pain: helmeted knights in a vigilant ring, hands on hilted swords; hooded acolytes chanting behind raised sleeves; and at room center, a massive crystal throbbing with residual magic - the core of whatever had brought me here.

The lord scowled, drumming an impatient finger on his jewel-encrusted scabbard. "Another foolish drain on the kingdom's purse." His waxed boot was visible as he walked over. "Does it talk, at least?" the lord sneered, not bothering to glance my way.

The brand on my hand winced in reaction.

To Be Continued