After hours of stumbling through the dense, suffocating energy of the Cursed Land, Akin finally felt something shift. The cave's winding path led him into a hidden chamber, and as he crossed the threshold, a strange peace washed over him. For the first time since his banishment, there was light—soft, glowing orbs floating gently across the walls, illuminating the ancient architecture of the room.
He exhaled deeply. "Finally... somewhere that doesn't feel like death."
Against one of the stone walls, Akin spotted a neatly folded set of clothes and a dark blue cloak, seemingly untouched by time. Suspicion crossed his face, but instinctively, he reached out and picked them up. The fabric felt warm and comforting, almost like it was made for him. He quickly changed out of his torn school uniform into the mysterious outfit. The cloak draped over his shoulders with a perfect fit, the hood casting just enough shadow to give him a quietly intimidating aura.
As he explored the chamber further, his eyes landed on a pedestal at the center. Sitting atop it was a thick, ancient book with a rune carved into its leather cover. The symbol shimmered faintly, and to his surprise, Akin could read it.
"Book of Knowledge..." he whispered.
Curious and cautious, he opened the book. The moment the cover parted, a radiant flash of light engulfed him. A tidal wave of information surged into his mind—maps of the Cursed Land, the history of its fall, the ancient arts of alchemy, and detailed explanations of the elemental forces. It was overwhelming, yet Akin's mind absorbed it all.
The air around him crackled. From his body, glowing auras began to rise—first yellow, then blue, then white, red, and finally a deep black. His breathing grew heavier, and then suddenly, pain surged through his arms and back. He gritted his teeth as ancient rune tattoos seared themselves into his skin, glowing with each color that had emerged from him.
As the energy settled, he raised his right hand and envisioned fire. A stream of flames burst forth, lighting up the chamber with a roaring brilliance. His eyes widened with disbelief and awe.
"This... this is real?"
He tested each element: water danced in his palm, air formed sharp gusts that blew dust across the room, earth rose in small pillars beneath his feet, and lightning sparked violently from his fingertips.
He dropped to the ground, chest rising and falling. For a moment, he chuckled. "Feels like a dream..."
But then his eyes grew cold.
"No. I won't waste this. I will be the strongest. I don't care what it takes." His fists clenched as memories of the mage and the king's mocking faces flooded his mind. "I'll destroy you all."
Rising to his feet, he remembered the deity's words about alchemy. He turned toward a pile of ores resting near the chamber wall. Holding one in his hand, he closed his eyes and focused. A vision of a blade—a sleek, curved sword wrapped in purple lightning—flashed through his mind. A burst of light surged from his palm into the ore. Instantly, it reshaped into the weapon he imagined.
He lifted it, impressed by its weight and balance. The blade crackled with energy as he gave it a light swing.
"Damn," he grinned. "If only I could create food out of thin air too."
The chamber, now his sanctuary, glowed around him. Akin was no longer just a lost student. He was the heir of forgotten power, reborn in a cursed world—and he had only just begun.