Soul Hunters

Skyler lay under the scorching sun on the unforgiving ground, covered in cold blood—his blood. His life seemed to hang by a thin thread of consciousness. With a smirk, he looked at the sun, his body numb, and then he woke up. It was just a nightmare. Skyler woke up, sweaty and confused. Why did this strange dream bother him? He'd been a soul hunter for a while, but this anxiety was new. The dream stuck with him, making him wonder about its meaning. The sun's scorching heat stayed in his memory, even though the sweat on his skin felt cold. It was like his own mind played a spooky game, and he was left trying to make sense of it. As he faced the real world, Skyler thought about what this dream might reveal. He was used to facing shadeborns and strange places, not his own unsettling thoughts. The fear from the dream lingered, something unusual for a seasoned soul hunter. He trained to deal with supernatural things, not the weird stuff his mind conjured up. The unease stayed with him, making him feel different from his usual composed self. Skyler tried to shake off the anxiety that the dream brought. Dreams and reality mixed up, leaving him in a weird state where what wasn't real felt too close to what was. How can a simple dream make him like this? his body trembling, he scoffed at his own thought, 'simple?' it wasn't just a simple dream, it felt real. His whole body feeling hot despite the cool breeze that flooded into his room through his opened window. He climbed down from his bed, slipping into his leather slippers, he walked out of his room. To where in particular, he had no idea. The only thing he wanted right now was to relax his muscles and breath in fresh air. He walked through the corridor of the school lodge and his feet landed him to the grandeur of an age old tree that stood as a sentinel in the heart of Hunters Creek. He stood under the tree and closed his eyes as he felt the breeze rushing down his spine, breathing out, he felt a little bit of relief as he tried pinpointing the meaning of his dream. "What was that all about? Is it a warning or a revelation?" He muttered in a whisper "Skyler..." Skyler heard his name and turned his back to the direction of the voice. "What are you doing here?" Skyler asked Miguel. Miguel, the trusted confidant and partner of Skyler, stood as a formidable Soul Hunter, ranking just below the renowned warrior. Standing at 6.1 feet, he possessed a commanding presence. His black, short hair framed a face accentuated by piercing black eyes and a pointed nose, elevating his features with an air of admiration. Broad shoulders, held high, became an emblem of pride among fellow Soul Hunters, a physical testament to his strength and prowess. Handsome in his own right, Miguel's rugged appeal fell just shy of the extraordinary magnetism exuded by Skyler. Despite this, his unique charm resonated, earning him respect among those who crossed paths with the duo. In the realm of Soul hunters, Miguel carved his own identity, a skilled warrior whose abilities matched the challenges of their perilous pursuits. His loyalty to Skyler and his distinct yet subtle attractiveness added layers to the dynamic partnership that fueled their shared quest for dominance in the unpredictable world they navigated. Skyler, a man of formidable repute within and beyond the walls of Aetharia, stood as a distinguished Soul Hunter. His fearsome reputation inspired dread among all who crossed his path, while his prowess garnered admiration from many. A seasoned warrior, his love for battle transcended the confines of Aetharia, leaving an indelible mark across various kingdoms. Within the walls of Aetharia, he was a figure of both respect and apprehension, his name echoing through hushed whispers. Beyond those walls, his legend extended, his exploits in distant realms weaving tales of his unmatched skill and unyielding determination. Skyler's legacy as a Soul Hunter reached far and wide, casting a shadow that stretched beyond the boundaries of his homeland, solidifying his status as a revered and feared warrior. At 6.9 feet, he stood tall, golden eyes ablaze like vivid embers. His lips, thin and angular, harbored the unspoken tales of battles fought. Elegantly, his broad 'V' shoulders elevated, framing a masculine form that seamlessly complemented any attire. Cascading to his shoulders, raven hair, soft yet substantial, added to the allure. His physique, a masterpiece, sculpted a perfect fit for every garment, while his mesmerizing abs captivated all who gazed upon them. Each feature, a symphony of masculinity and grace, painted a portrait of strength and allure. In his presence, a confluence of stature and charisma, he embodied a captivating enigma, leaving an indelible impression on those fortunate enough to witness his commanding presence. "I should be the one asking you that question." Miguel said with creased brows as he walked closer to Skyler. "What's wrong?" he added. "Nothing... I was suffocating inside, I just came to recieve fresh air." Skyler said in a calm expression. Miguel, looking intently at his friend, he knew he was not going to get anything from his expression. He sighed, "Fine, let's go in. You know tomorrow is the welcoming speech right?" "Yeah..,"Skyler shrugged and started walking back to his room. With a sigh, Miguel followed him. The sun rose over the horizon, painting the sky in a soft golden hue. The light crept slowly across the land, chasing away the shadows of the night. Birdsong filled the air, and the world seemed to wake from its slumber, stretching and yawning into the new day. Skyler, awoken fully, he stretched his body and did his push ups that has become like a ritual to him. The thoughts of last night came to his head but he pushed it behind his mind. Today was a special day in Aetharia, not just Aetharia but also Hunters Creek. The Kingdom of Aetharia, known for uniqueness and magic. A land that harboured great sorcerers, spell casters, warriors and soul hunters. At its heart lay the capital city, Aethralis, a city of opulence and grandeur. In the capital heart stood the royal palace, a testament of Aetharia royal heritage. The street bustled with life as people of different purposes floods in and out each minutes that passes by. But amidst the enchanting landscapes of Aetharia, nestled within a forest of ancient, towering trees, there lay a mystical institution known as "Hunters Creek." Its grand entrance was flanked by colossal stone pillars, each etched with ancient runes that glowed softly, welcoming all who approached. The air here hummed with an otherworldly energy, and a sense of reverence washed over those who ventured through its gates. Upon entering, a vast courtyard sprawled before the newcomers, its cobblestone pathways intersecting like a web of possibilities. Surrounding this central hub, imposing buildings stood as silent sentinels of knowledge. The architecture was a blend of ancient mystique and timeless elegance, with spires that reached skyward, seemingly touching the heavens. Students, draped in robes adorned with the emblem of Hunters Creek, moved with purpose, their footsteps echoing through the open space. Within the heart of the institution lay a library, a hallowed sanctuary of wisdom. Enormous bookshelves stretched from floor to ceiling, housing an array of ancient tomes and scrolls. The pages whispered secrets, and the leather-bound volumes exhaled the scent of ancient knowledge. Students hunched over thick volumes, seeking answers to the mysteries of the Shadeborns. Candlelight flickered, casting shifting shadows as they unraveled the arcane histories, each word a breadcrumb leading deeper into the enigma. In one corner of the courtyard, martial arts practitioners engaged in a mesmerizing display of skill. The air crackled with energy as they practiced intricate forms, their movements fluid yet precise. A master, clad in robes adorned with golden embroidery, guided his disciples. The clash of wooden staffs and the harmony of combat filled the air, a testament to the dedication of these students. Elsewhere, in secluded chambers veiled by ornate doors, spellcasters immersed themselves in the delicate art of magic. Their voices resonated with ancient incantations, their hands tracing intricate symbols in the air. Crystal orbs floated serenely around them, responding to their will. Vibrant runes glowed in an ethereal dance, and students experimented with spells, conjuring ethereal flames and shimmering shields.