The Lightning God's Ascension

Kaleb's heart pounded as Floki's laughter rang out, echoing eerily through the trees. His mocking words stirred anger and confusion within Kaleb. Before he could demand answers, the ground beneath his feet began to tremble, faint at first but growing stronger.

A deep, guttural growl cut through the night, resonating from the darkness ahead. Kaleb spun toward the sound, his knife gripped tightly in his hand. His breaths came in short, shallow bursts, the tension in the air thick enough to choke on.

"What is coming now?" Kaleb muttered, his voice low but steady. He glanced back at Floki, who leaned casually against a tree, his grin as wide as ever.

"Oh, nothing much," Floki said, waving a dismissive hand. "Just a little fun for me, and a bit of life-or-death excitement for you."

From the shadows, a hulking beast emerged into the moonlight, its yellow eyes glowing like molten fire. Thick fur bristled along its massive frame, and its sharp claws dragged through the dirt, leaving deep grooves in their wake.

Kaleb's muscles tensed, his instincts screaming danger. "That's no ordinary spirit beast," he muttered under his breath. He adjusted his stance, his sharp blue eyes scanning for any weaknesses.

Floki's grin widened as he clapped his hands. "Of course not! Ordinary is boring. This one's extra mean, just for you, my little storm."

The beast roared, its sharp teeth gleaming as it lunged forward with terrifying speed. Kaleb dove to the side, narrowly avoiding its claws. Dirt and rocks exploded into the air as the beast's strike tore into the ground.

Rolling to his feet, Kaleb growled, "You could actually help, you know!" He glared at Floki, who was watching with childlike glee.

"Help?" Floki gasped, feigning shock. "Where's the entertainment in that? Don't be selfish, Kaleb. I'm enjoying this."

The beast lunged again, its movements faster than Kaleb expected. He ducked low, slashing upward with his knife. The blade sliced into the beast's side, but the cut was shallow, barely slowing it.

Kaleb backed away, his breathing labored. His mind raced as he scanned the clearing for anything he could use as a weapon. The knife wasn't enough—not against something this strong.

"Any actual advice, oh mighty god of nothing?" Kaleb snapped, sarcasm dripping from his voice.

Floki tilted his head, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, let me think... Try not to die. That's always a good starting point."

Kaleb's scowl deepened as he dodged another swipe from the beast. "You're useless," he muttered, frustration boiling beneath his calm facade.

The beast roared again, its claws raking the ground as it charged. Kaleb spotted a thick branch nearby and dove for it, grabbing it just in time to swing it upward. The branch cracked against the beast's jaw, sending it stumbling back with a snarl.

"Not bad!" Floki cheered, clapping lazily. "You've got some fight in you after all. Maybe I shouldn't have doubted you."

"Maybe you should shut up," Kaleb shot back, his chest heaving as he gripped the branch tightly. Splinters dug into his hands, but he ignored the sting.

The beast circled him, its molten eyes narrowing as it measured his movements. Kaleb's muscles burned, but he couldn't afford to stop. Every breath felt heavier, his stamina draining fast.

"You're slowing down," Floki observed, inspecting his nails. "Maybe I should've placed my bets on the beast."

Kaleb spared him a glare, sweat dripping down his face. "You really are useless," he muttered, dodging another strike from the beast.

The creature feinted left, then struck from the right, its claws narrowly missing Kaleb's shoulder. Kaleb twisted, using the beast's momentum against it as he swung the branch with all his strength into its ribs. A pained growl escaped the creature, but its fury only grew.

Kaleb's legs wobbled as exhaustion crept in, but he forced himself to stay upright. His breaths came in short, sharp bursts, his body screaming for rest.

The beast lunged again, this time with all its weight. Kaleb ducked and spun, driving the jagged end of the branch straight into its eye. The creature let out a bloodcurdling roar, thrashing wildly as it tried to dislodge the weapon.

Blood poured from the wound, its movements growing erratic and desperate. Kaleb jumped back, watching as the beast's growls turned to gurgles before it collapsed in a heap.

Kaleb dropped to his knees, his chest rising and falling as he struggled to catch his breath. The broken branch slipped from his trembling hands.

"Well done!" Floki said, striding toward him with exaggerated enthusiasm. "That was almost impressive. You might survive yet."

Kaleb glared at him, his voice raw. "What was the point of this?" he growled. "Why are you even here?"

Floki's grin grew sharper, his eyes glinting with amusement. "To see what you're made of, little storm. And to give you this."

With a flick of his wrist, Floki summoned a glowing orb of crackling energy. Sparks danced around it, the light pulsating faintly.

Kaleb stared at the orb, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "What is that?" he asked, his voice wary.

"Raiden," Floki said simply, tossing the orb in the air and catching it. "A system designed just for you. It'll help you reclaim what's yours... and more."

Kaleb's jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. "And what's the catch?"

Floki chuckled, his laughter sharp and mocking. "You'll owe me. And I always collect. But trust me, it's worth it."

He tossed the orb toward Kaleb, and it dissolved into his chest on contact. A jolt of energy shot through Kaleb's body, making him gasp as his muscles tensed involuntarily.

A glowing blue mark appeared on his chest—a lightning bolt encircled by flames, pulsing with every breath. Kaleb dropped to one knee, his body trembling from the surge of power.

The warmth of the mark spread through him, steady and quiet. It felt like the calm before a storm, an untapped force waiting to be unleashed.

"What... is this?" Kaleb asked, his voice shaking.

Floki's grin widened, his tone filled with mischief. "That, little storm, is the beginning of your journey. Welcome to Raiden."

Kaleb's mind raced with questions, his gaze fixed on the god. But before he could speak, Floki raised a hand. "We'll talk more later. For now, survive. I'll be watching."

With that, Floki vanished into the shadows, his laughter echoing faintly through the trees. Kaleb stood slowly, his hand brushing over the glowing mark on his chest.

The storm inside him had begun to awaken. And for the first time in years, Kaleb felt a spark of hope, from within his dark depressing existence…