Prana Chronicles: Sword of the Cosmos

The tunnel's darkness was suffocating, an endless void where even the faintest sound seemed amplified. Callen and Yu stood frozen, their breaths shallow, their hearts pounding in unison. The guttural sound from the depths grew louder, reverberating through the narrow walls.
Then, a faint glow appeared, cutting through the oppressive blackness like a beacon. It was soft at first, barely more than a flicker, but it grew steadily until the boys could make out its source. Hovering before them was a small, ethereal figure—a sprite-like being, no taller than a child, with translucent wings that shimmered like a thousand tiny stars. Its body emitted a soothing light, casting the tunnel in a pale, silvery glow.
"Who… what are you?" Callen asked, his voice trembling.
The sprite tilted its head, a serene smile on its face. "I am Lirael, a guide of the forgotten paths," it said, its voice melodic yet ancient, as though it carried the weight of countless lifetimes. "You are not the first to find yourselves lost in this place, nor will you be the last."
Yu took a cautious step forward. "What do you want with us?"
Lirael's glow pulsed gently. "It is not about what I want. It is about what you desire. I see it in your hearts—yearnings so powerful they have drawn you here, to the crossroads of destiny."
Callen exchanged a wary glance with Yu. "Crossroads of destiny? What are you talking about?"
Lirael's expression turned solemn. "This is the world of swords—a realm where every soul is bound to a blade, a reflection of their essence. These swords, unique to each individual, determine their strength and potential. They are classified into ranks: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Unique, Legendary, and the most coveted of all, Mythic. Few ever rise beyond the ranks of Uncommon, for the power to do so is exceedingly rare."
The sprite circled the boys, its glow illuminating the awe and fear in their eyes. "In this world, there exists a legend passed down through generations: defeat the Transcendent Beings—the planetary guardians—and your deepest wish will be granted. But beware: the magnitude of your wish determines the strength of the planets you must face. For the greatest desires demand the greatest sacrifices."
Callen's voice was barely a whisper. "You mean… we could get what we want? No matter what it is?"
Lirael nodded. "Indeed. But first, you must awaken your swords. This occurs when you turn fifteen. Only then will you be eligible to take the test to face the first guardian, Pluto. If you succeed, you may challenge Mercury, and so on. Each victory brings you closer to your ultimate wish—but the path is fraught with peril."
Yu frowned, skepticism creeping into his voice. "And why are you telling us this? What's in it for you?"
Lirael's smile returned, though it carried a hint of sadness. "Guides do not seek rewards. We merely illuminate the path. What you choose to do with this knowledge is up to you."
Before they could respond, the sprite's glow dimmed slightly. "But take heed, young ones. The world of swords is not merely a place of dreams. It is a crucible, where the weak perish and only the strong survive. Prepare yourselves, for the journey ahead will test not only your strength but your very souls."
As the last word left Lirael's lips, the sprite's form began to fade, its light dissolving into the surrounding darkness. The tunnel fell silent once more, save for the boys' ragged breaths.
Callen turned to Yu, his face pale. "Do you think it's true? That we could… get what we want?"
Yu clenched his fists, his mind racing. "I don't know. But if there's even a chance…"
Their conversation was cut short by a distant voice echoing through the tunnel. "Callen! Yu!"
It was Alaric. His tone was sharp, laced with worry.
The boys scrambled toward the sound, relief flooding their senses as they spotted Alaric at the tunnel's entrance. His figure was a silhouette against the faint moonlight, but his presence was unmistakable.
"Do you have any idea how dangerous this forest is?" Alaric scolded, his usually calm demeanor replaced by visible frustration. "You could've been killed!"
Before they could explain, a low growl rumbled from behind them. The shadows stirred, and a pair of glowing red eyes emerged from the darkness. Another beast-type Astroid, its purple aura crackling like fire, stepped into the faint light, its form monstrous and menacing.
Alaric drew his sword in one fluid motion, the blade gleaming faintly in the moonlight. "Stay behind me," he commanded, his voice steady but tense.
Callen and Yu obeyed, their hearts pounding as the Astroid let out an ear-splitting roar and lunged.
The chapter ends here.