Night fell swiftly in Ethereal.
Both moons cast pale light across the field of shattered stone-wolves.
Ethan sat cross-legged, experimenting.
He focused inward.
Mana responded—cool and electric.
A faint orb of blue light formed above his palm.
"Okay," he whispered. "That's magic."
The System displayed his updated stats.
Strength: 14
Agility: 17
Vitality: 16
Intelligence: 21
Mana: 120
He was stronger than any human had a right to be.
And he had just begun.
Somewhere in the distance, a horn sounded.
Then another.
Torches flickered along the horizon—an approaching caravan or patrol.
Ethan stood.
"Civilization," he murmured.
The System pulsed once more.
[Major Calamity Approaching]
Estimated Time: 03:12:47
Origin: Unknown
Ethan looked toward the darkening sky.
Clouds were gathering unnaturally fast.
Lightning crawled between them—black, not white.
He felt it deep in his bones.
Something big.
Something catastrophic.
And for the first time since his death—
He smiled.
"Alright, Thanaros," Ethan said quietly. "Let's see what your mistake can do."
Above the clouds, something stirred.
And Ethereal began to change.