After unpacking their stuff, Myth and Sira stepped out of the hotel into the shimmering night. The streets of Ashfall Ridge glowed with flickering lights in every hue, casting the city in a dreamy wash of color.
Dressed in a black turtleneck, dark blue jeans, and leather boots, Sira glanced sideways at Myth. He wore a plain white T-shirt, black jeans, a black jacket, and clean white sneakers.
"So," Sira began, "what exactly are we planning to do after dinner?"
Myth stretched slightly as he walked toward the car. "Ah... there's no we here. After dinner, I'm dropping you back at the hotel. Then I'm going out to dig up some info on potential candidates. Tomorrow, we'll use your luck ability to track them down."
Unlocking the car, he opened the passenger door for her. Once they were seated and buckled in, Sira turned to him, her eyes laced with a hint of caution.
"You're not planning to do something dangerous… or illegal, right?"
"Yeah," Myth replied without hesitation.
Sira's brow twitched. "Bribery?"
"Exactly. I mean, what else can I do with this body? Threaten someone?" Myth said with a smirk.
Sira burst into soft laughter, trying to stifle it behind her hand.
"What's so funny?" Myth asked, feigning annoyance.
"I just pictured a little boy trying to threaten a grown man," she said between giggles. Then, after a pause, she added, "But honestly? I think most girls would prefer your type. Delicate face, mysterious eyes..."
She trailed off, then looked at him again with a grin. "Let me be real—Myth, you were born to be a womanizer."
Myth narrowed his eyes slightly. "I'm not sure how to take that... but thanks?"
They reached the small restaurant, ordered a few dishes, and settled into easy conversation. The tension faded as they chatted idly under warm lights, the buzz of Ashfall Ridge humming around them.
Conversation drifted from light chatter to a more thoughtful silence.
After a while, Sira spoke, her voice steady but cautious, the flicker of concern evident in her eyes.
"Myth, before you fully commit… I know you probably have some idea, but let me explain properly how Seekers gain power, what the categories are, and how I see them."
Myth gave a nod. "Alright. Go on."
"To gain a Seeker ability, you have to accomplish an extraordinary feat—one that aligns with a specific nature. It could be physical, mental, or something else entirely."
"The ability you awaken is shaped by the type of challenge you overcome... and also how you overcome it. Your actions during that feat matter just as much as the outcome."
"For example—let's say someone swims a long distance underwater, holding their breath, and successfully plants explosives beneath enemy ships. That action turns the tide of a battle and brings victory."
"So, the feat was extraordinary in the context of war, but the key action was moving undetected underwater. That person might unlock a water-related Rook ability... or something tied to stealth or pressure adaptation. It's never random—it's a reflection of what they did and how they did it."
Sira paused. Looking at Myth she continued in calm voice.
"There are six categories.
Each category also comes with a percentage—this indicates how much of its total power a Seeker can draw. And the more power you can access, the stronger your physical capabilities and ability power become. Those who can reach 100% of their Pathway's potential often possess remarkable physical strength and attack power "
But at the same time percentage is not everything.
"Think of it like musical instruments," Sira said, her voice calm. "A drum at 100% is loud and powerful. But even a flute at 10% can change the mood of a room. The categories don't play the same song—they were never meant to."
She continued, steady and focused.
First is Rook—or Enhancer. As the name suggests, it enhances the body. You can change your physical form—grow taller, shorter, even turn your body into metal or stone, depending on your element or ability.
The energy from the environment acts on or inside your body.
But humans can only access about 50% of a Rook's true potential.
It's a good type, but… it's not suited for you. The path requires a physically extraordinary feat—like in combat or athletics."
She paused, then continued.
"Second is Bishop—or Conjurer. This one allows you to control environmental energy and change its form temporarily. You act on the environment—forming metal balls, fire, water—again, depending on your element.
It requires accomplishing something extraordinary in terms of knowledge—grasping and applying it in new, creative ways.
Honestly, Myth, if you'd stayed at Aurvyn and finished college, this could've been your path. You're focused, intelligent… with time, you could've easily pulled off something worthy."
She gave a wistful smile.
"Humans can access about 70% of a Bishop's power. Around five students each year become Seekers at your college.
I think this is the best category for you—no real need for combat or raw physicality."
She took a breath, then continued.
"Third is Queen. It's a hybrid—both Enhancer and Conjurer.
But humans can only access about 10% of its power.
Now, keep in mind—percentages don't translate directly across categories. A Queen at 10% isn't as strong as a 10% Pawn. But still, at 10%, a Queen is generally physically weaker than a Pawn at 100%, or a Rook at 50%.
In short, the higher the percentage of power drawn, the physically stronger and more resilient a Seeker tends to be.
They're incredibly rare. And honestly, most people consider Queen-types to be the weakest and least useful of all.
So… I really don't think that suits you either."
Sira leaned back slightly as she said it.
"But they do tend to have a wide range of abilities," Myth added, his tone thoughtful.
"True," Sira replied calmly, "but what's the point of having many tools if none of them are strong enough to make an impact?"
Myth shook his head. "That's not what I meant. I'm saying—at their peak, every Pathway has the equal potential to kill other peak. Each one is dangerous in its own way. The system balances things out differently for each type."
Sira sighed and spoke. "Anyway, it's a well-known fact that Queen-types are… problematic."
She leaned in slightly.
"Fourth is Pawn—or Changer. These abilities are tied to change. Face shifting. Shapeshifting. Turning into animals or birds.
But it's linked to deep mental suffering.
People say you can access 100% of its power, but… not much is known about the kind of task that awakens it.
I don't mean to offend you, Myth… but you're not the most mentally resilient person I know."
Myth didn't respond, just listened carefully.
"Fifth is Knight—or Diviner. It's all about sensing danger before it strikes. Avoiding traps. That's the one I have.
I got it by helping people—at least, I think that's how it happened.
But this type is weird. What worked for me might not work for someone else. I think it heavily depends on the nature of task.
It could suit you… but there's no guarantee."
She paused again before saying the last one.
"Last is King—or Manipulator. These abilities are all mental—mind control, memory rewriting, even emotion suppression.
Humans can access 100% of King power.
But they're dangerous. Anyone who doesn't work for the country is considered a criminal. If you're a rogue King, you're basically marked.
I don't know the exact kind of task that awakens this either. They're rare, like Queen.
And yeah... I won't lie, Myth—you're manipulative enough that it might suit you.
But I wouldn't recommend it. Not unless you're ready to work for the state… or always watch your back."
Myth gave a small shrug. "It's not that big of a deal. I could always live in the Lawless Lands."
He paused, then added with a faint smirk, "You know better than anyone—some areas in lawless are practically ruled by Kings."
Sira's face tightened. "Those areas are dangerous, Myth. And nowhere near as stable or advanced as Aurvyn. The people there would do anything just to escape and come here."
She looked at him for a long moment. "Do you really want to live like that?"
Myth didn't answer. The silence hung heavy between them.
Then, gently, Sira spoke again. Her voice was softer, careful.
"Don't take this the wrong way... I'm just putting it out there," Sira said softly, her eyes flickering with hesitation. "Your father's a Rook. He might actually be a big help with that Pathway. And... it would be safer."
Myth let out a slow breath, his expression tightening. "You know how I feel about him. That's not even on the table."
Sira paused for a moment, searching his face. Then, with quiet determination, she asked,
"So, Myth... which one do you want?"