In this world, power is drawn from a mysterious force called the Origin, and those who can harness it progress through three main stages—Originmarked, Originbound, and Originshaped. These levels show a person’s growth and mastery: Originmarked are newly awakened, Originbound have gained control and skill, and Originshaped are rare masters capable of legendary feats. However, what truly sets individuals apart is their innate talent, measured in Stars, from 1-Star to 7-Star. A person’s Star rating never changes—it’s a mark of their potential, how far they can go, and how fast they can get there. A 1-Star has limited growth, while a 7-Star, known as Starborn, is destined for greatness. For example, two warriors might both be Originbound, but a 7-Star Originbound will always outclass a 3-Star Originbound in the long run. Thus, the level shows how far someone has come, but the stars reveal how far they can go.
Women are entitled to Origin power, and men are born with Aura.
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While the situation on the outside was getting in control. Valara, on her end, noticed how Morgana and Darian were killing those fiends. Seeing them here, only one question raised in her mind—what were they doing till now?
If they were in the premises, they should have come earlier and helped them.
Keeping aside her anger, she fought to clear the remaining fiends.
Meanwhile,
In the dark cellar of the tavern, Taeryn held his wounded mother close while Rena and Ryanna huddled together in the corner.
The thick stone walls had kept them safe from the worst of the battle, but they could still hear the screams and the sound of breaking wood from above.
Baren stood guard at the bottom of the stairs, his wedding clothes torn and bloodied. His now wife, Ryanna, sat beside him, her eyes still red from crying over her father’s death.
Baren wore an anxious expression as he looked at the door and back at Ryanna and Taeryn. As he was crying, holding his mother. She wasn’t fatally hurt, but she wasn’t talking. The wound seemed deep, and blood was all over the dress.
Though they ran away, Baren couldn’t help worrying about his friends and others. Various kinds of sounds rang all over the area, and they could hear it clearly, making it harder to go out.
They were afraid and fear-struck.
The small group had thought they were safe in their hiding place.
They were wrong.
The heavy tavern door above them splintered with a sound like thunder. Heavy footsteps echoed on the wooden floor, followed by the scraping of claws on stone.
Baren, who was at the door, looked really tense, sweat glistening on his forehead as he tried to keep quiet. The group held their breath, praying that whatever was outside wouldn’t find them.
And the next second, a shadow stood over the door, and a low growl filled the room, sending shivers down their spines.
Baren moved back as he saw the presence of the shadow.
BANG!!!
The door to the cellar was kicked in, and it was shattered into pieces.
Two fiends had found their way inside.
All of them were terrified.
Ryanna was visibly shaking seeing the monstrosity.
"Stay back," Baren whispered, but his voice shook with fear. He was no warrior, just a blacksmith. What could he do against monsters like these?
The fiends came down the stairs slowly, their multiple arms feeling along the walls like blind spiders. Their long mouths were open, tasting the air for the scent of human fear.
They found it.