"In the shadows of forgotten legends, the truth of one's name is often the most elusive.

  The Wanderer, once a beacon of hope, now carries the weight of countless unspoken stories.

  Her past, veiled in the mist of time, beckons only to those brave enough to seek its answer."

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  Chapter 0.5: The Prophecy and Lia (Part II)

  ?? Quick Note Before You Read!

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  The Birth of Monsters

  The crystal mountain's eruption unleashed chaos far beyond the village. Mana-infused fragments rained down into the barren depths of a nearby dungeon, igniting a transformation that birthed horrors.

  The animals that wandered too close to the crystal shards screamed in agony as the dense mana twisted their forms. Flesh blistered and tore, bones cracked, and their cries of pain echoed through the dungeon's hollow chambers. The narrator's voice explained:

  "While humans are destroyed by prolonged mana exposure, animals absorb it, mutating into grotesque forms driven by bloodlust. Their transformation is both their torment and their rebirth."

  Among the creatures, some exposed to more potent shards began to evolve. Intelligence flickered within their monstrous minds, and they developed the capacity to wield elemental magic. Over time, the dungeon grew into a kingdom of monsters bound by a single, primal law:

  "The Stronger Rules."

  Once a quiet labyrinth of caves, the dungeon now teemed with feral creatures—its depths transformed into a living nightmare.

  Lia and the Surge of Mana

  Back at the shattered mountain, Lia stood amidst the destruction, overwhelmed by a surge of pure mana..

  Her body convulsed, and searing pain shot through her veins as though liquid fire replaced her blood. Every muscle in her body tightened, her vision blurred, and she collapsed into unconsciousness, a fragile figure surrounded by the glowing remnants of the crystal.

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  Villagers rushed to her aid, their faces pale with fear as they carried her away. The chief, his heart heavy with foreboding, ordered everyone to leave the area immediately. The fumes from the scattered crystals filled the air, laced with a danger they could not yet comprehend.

  Lia lay unconscious for days, her body fighting the raw energy that had invaded it.

  Awakening and the Gemstone

  When Lia finally awoke, her body ached as if every nerve had been scorched. The chief sat beside her, clutching a peculiar gemstone strung with rosemary beads. His chants filled the quiet room:

  "Fu...shi...sho...mi...de."

  Confusion filled Lia's eyes as she asked, "What happened to me?"

  The chief recounted the explosion, her collapse, and the strange mana surge that seemed to affect her more than anyone else. Lia's face paled at the memory, but she quickly composed herself. "I can't stay here. There's too much at stake."

  Before she could leave, the chief handed her the gemstone. "This is no ordinary stone—it reveals the potential of one's mana. I believe you hold more power than you realize."

  Reluctantly, Lia touched the gemstone. The room was bathed in a blinding light, its brilliance forcing everyone to shield their eyes. When the light subsided, murmurs of awe filled the air.

  Lia stared at the glowing artifact in disbelief. "What does this mean? Why me?"

  The chief placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Fate has chosen you, child. But you won't face this alone."

  Journey to the Capital

  After days of preparation, the chief arranged for Lia to travel to the capital. Two skilled guards accompanied her, their presence ensuring her safety during the perilous journey.

  The capital's towering walls greeted them a day and a half later, bustling with life and activity. Lia's first stop was the mercenary guild, where she was met with a mix of relief and frustration from familiar faces.

  "Lia! Where have you been? We've been worried sick!" the guild attendant exclaimed.

  "Let's just say I had an... eventful detour," Lia replied with an awkward laugh.

  The attendant sighed, handing her a schedule. "Your meeting with the king was postponed, but it's set for tomorrow morning. Don't miss it."

  Lia opened her mouth to respond, "I'll try to make it tomorrow—"

  Suddenly, shouts erupted from the street, cutting her off mid-sentence.

  The Merchant's Protest

  Curious, Lia and the attendant rushed outside to find a crowd gathered near a building marked with a prominent guild's emblem.

  "Release the merchants!" a villager cried. "Without them, we can't get the supplies we need!"

  The crowd's frustration boiled over as chants for justice filled the air. The tension was palpable, and the situation threatened to erupt into chaos.

  From within the guild, a man emerged, his commanding presence silencing the crowd. His sharp eyes scanned the restless villagers as he clapped his hands for attention.

  "What's the meaning of this uproar?" he asked, his voice calm but authoritative.

  The crowd quieted, their anger simmering just beneath the surface. Lia's gaze locked onto the man, sensing the weight of his influence as he stepped forward to address the mob.

  Chapter End

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  End-of-Chapter Note

  If you enjoyed this chapter or have any thoughts, I’d love to hear them! Whether it’s something you liked, something that felt off, or any suggestions, feel free to share. I’m always open to feedback, criticism, and discussions to make the story even better.

  I’m also experimenting with my update schedule! If you’d like to see more frequent updates or have any input, drop a comment or leave a review. Your support truly makes a difference!

  If you're enjoying the journey so far, please consider leaving a review and rating—it helps a ton and keeps this story going strong. Your feedback and encouragement mean the world to me!

  Thanks for reading, and see you in the next one! ????

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