Path to Liberation

Jun's breathing slowed down as his eyes adjusted to the dim light of the room. The ragged breath of his escape mingled with the hum of an old mana-converter in the corner. Standing before him were five individuals, their appearances both intimidating and intriguing. As he sized them up, their identities began to crystallize.

The three high humans were unmistakable. One of them, with her flowing platinum hair, was majestic in the way she bore herself: pale skin and near-transparent pupils shining out an otherworldly presence. The other two, who sported shimmering turquoise hair inflected faintly with magical aura, seemed to shine softly with alchemical presence. The bronze-scaled man was a hybrid or some sort of thing-a living fortress, really-maintaining battered heavy armor that made him look a bit like a war machine. Finally, there was the insectoid figure, their segmented carapace gleaming under the dim light, dressed in a sleek uniform lined with mana-circuitry. This last one had an aura of quiet command.

Welcome to the Shadow Banner," said the insectoid in a voice like crackling static, its mandibles clicking softly. "I am Rickety, intelligence magi. These are my squadmates: Lanoir, Myrda, and Panois"—a nod towards the high humans—"and Slythe, our shield and vanguard."

Jun's instincts screamed at him to run. But he was cornered, and their calm demeanor betrayed no immediate threat. Instead, Rickety continued, their voice tinged with an unsettling mix of authority and curiosity.

"You've caused quite a stir, Juniper Green. That… artifact of yours? It's drawn more than just the Flying Squads' attention. Lucky for you, it also drew ours."

The Shadow Banner—Jun knew the name. Rumors on the streets called them revolutionaries, fanatics, and even terrorists. Yet, in this place, they looked almost like a tool of refined war, one that was waiting for its war to be fully engaged.

"What do you want from me?" Jun croaked out, his voice hoarse but steady.

Lanoir, the platinum-haired high human, stepped forward. Her voice was calm, her words edged with purpose. "We don't want anything from you. We want something for you. Freedom—from the corporations, from the nobility, from the leash they've put on hybrids like you and even on us."

Jun snorted. "Freedom? Is that what you call pulling me into this mess?"

Rickety's mandibles clicked softly. It might have been laughter. "Mess or opportunity? That's up to you. The creature that came out of your relic is no ordinary beast. It's Ether-born, tied to the Old Wars and the secrets of mana-tech symbiosis. That makes you a target… and potentially, a key player in what's to come.

Myrda and Panois exchanged glances, after which Myrda said, "There's a reason the Flying Squads are hunting you so relentlessly. The relic's energy disrupted their mana-grid and exposed hidden vulnerabilities. It's not just about the creature; it's about what you represent."

Jun's jaw tightened. He had no idea what they were talking about, but it did not sound like anything he wanted to be involved in. Still, curiosity gnawed at him.

"Fine," he said. "What's next, then? Do I just sit here and wait for them to blast this place apart?"

Slythe, a bronze-scaled man chuckled with a sound like ground grinding stones. "Not a chance. If they come, they'll have to go through me first." He tapped the circuits that flowed with mana drawn etched into his armor. "And that is said easier than done.

Lanoir's transparent irises appeared to bore into Jun. "First, we must confirm you're ready. You've been singled out by a creature of Ether. That is no trivial achievement. It demonstrates you may be able to enter a Blood Pact."

"A Blood Pact?" Jun furrowed his eyebrow.

Panois explained, her voice sharp but patient. "It's a binding contract between a being of Ether and a human. The creature lends its power to you, enhancing your mana flow, your reflexes, your strength—everything. But it's not without risks. You share a bond, for better or worse."

Jun hesitated. He'd heard stories about Blood Pacts. Some said they were empowering, others said they could drive you mad. But before he could voice his doubts, a soft glow began to radiate from his chest. A wisp of shadowy energy coiled in the air before him, its form flickering between intangible and serpentine.

"It's already chosen you," Rickety said, his compound eyes reflecting the glow. "The shadow snake. Rare. Powerful. And fiercely loyal, if you prove yourself worthy."

The wisp hovered closer, its presence both alien and oddly comforting. Jun felt a strange pull, as though it were calling to him. Slowly, he extended his hand. The wisp coiled around his wrist, its energy sinking into his skin. In his mind, he looked at the creature clearly for the first time: a snake with scales that shimmered like oil on water, iridescent. It gazed at him, unblinking, its tongue flickering out in a silent acknowledgment.

"All right," Jun said, his voice firm. "Let's do this."

Lanoir stepped forward, bringing forth a slender blade etched with fine runes. "This will burn," she said flatly, cutting a shallow line across Jun's palm. The snake's form burst forward, its energy intertwining with his blood. Pain was sharp but fleeting, replaced by a rush of heat that spread through his body. His mana burst forth, sharper and more refined than ever before.

The shadow snake hissed softly, its presence now a constant in Jun's mind. He could feel its emotions—curiosity, acceptance, and a faint, predatory edge.

"It's done," Rickety said. "You're bound now. And whether you like it or not, you've just taken your first step into a much larger world."

Jun flexed his fingers, feeling the new sense of precision in his movements. He could feel the Shadow Banner's gaze; their expressions were a mixture of satisfaction and expectation.

"So what now?" he asked.

Rickety's mandibles clicked again. "Now, we prepare. The corporations, the nobility, even the Ether-born—they're all moving their pieces. And you, Juniper Green, just became one of the important pieces on the board.

In the back of his mind, the shadow snake flicked its tongue, and Jun felt that this was but a beginning.