Douluo Dalu:Shards of Fate

The morning sun climbed slowly over the horizon, casting the forest clearing in a warm, golden glow. Dew shimmered like tiny gems on the grass, and the air carried the fresh, clean scent of earth after a cold night. Near the campfire, Li Anye tended to a small kettle of tea, the flames crackling softly as steam rose from the spout. The tranquil scene was accompanied by the distant melodies of birds chirping, weaving a peaceful rhythm into the morning.

Ryo sat quietly on a nearby rock, his crimson eyes staring out toward the horizon. His black-and-red hair fell unkempt over his face, but he paid it no mind. Though two years had passed since the day he stumbled from that blood-soaked chamber into the snow, the memories remained vivid, like ghosts lurking just behind his gaze.

"You've got that faraway look again, boy," Li called out, his voice rich with humor. He poured tea into a chipped porcelain cup, his crescent-shaped mustache twitching as he took a sip. "You'll turn into a statue one day, just sitting there, brooding like that."

Ryo turned to look at the old man, his expression neutral. "Not brooding. Just thinking."

"Ah, thinking," Li said with a chuckle. "That's what you young folks are calling it now, eh?" He set the cup down and gestured for Ryo to come closer. "Come here, boy. I want to show you something."

Ryo stood, his footsteps soft on the damp ground as he made his way over.

Li pointed to a bundle of herbs laid neatly on a cloth by the fire. "This here's goldenroot. Handy little herb—works wonders for cuts and bruises."

Ryo frowned, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I've seen you use it before. What's so special about it?"

Li grinned, his expression teasing. "It's not the herb that's special. It's what you can do with it if you understand the cycle of life." He picked up a wilted stem, its leaves sagging with decay. "Watch closely."

He placed his hand over the herb, and a soft, golden glow radiated from his palm. The light spread gently over the plant, and within moments, it sprang back to life. The leaves straightened, their vibrant green color restored as though the stem had just been plucked from fertile soil.

Ryo's crimson eyes flickered with intrigue. "How did you do that?"

"Life energy," Li said, his tone casual. "Every living thing has a spark of vitality. The Goddess of Life teaches us how to nurture and restore that spark. It's a gift anyone can learn—if they're open to her guidance."

Ryo crossed his arms, his gaze skeptical. "So you're saying you got that power from your goddess?"

Li smirked, his crescent mustache twitching. "Exactly, boy. The Goddess of Life isn't like other gods. She doesn't demand blind devotion. She sees potential where others see failure. That's why her followers don't just scrape by—we thrive."

Ryo turned away, muttering, "I don't care about gods."

Li let out a soft sigh but didn't press further. "Stubborn as always. Well, maybe one day you'll change your mind."

That night, the forest grew silent. The only sound came from the soft crackle of the campfire as its flames cast flickering shadows on the surrounding trees. Ryo sat alone by the fire, his crimson eyes fixed on the dancing embers. Li had gone to the caravan to prepare for their next journey, leaving him with his thoughts.

As Ryo stared into the fire, a breeze stirred the air, carrying with it the faint scent of blooming flowers. He frowned, glancing around. The forest felt different—warmer, alive in a way he couldn't explain.

Before he could make sense of it, a soft, golden light enveloped him. The warmth of the glow was comforting, like an unseen hand gently cradling him. It seeped into his skin, and for a brief moment, he felt weightless, as though the world itself had faded away.

Inside the caravan, Li paused, his sharp instincts alerting him to something unusual. He stepped outside, his eyes narrowing as he caught sight of the golden light surrounding Ryo. "Well, I'll be…" he muttered under his breath, a mix of awe and understanding in his voice.

The glow dissipated as suddenly as it had appeared, leaving Ryo sitting by the fire, his crimson eyes wide with confusion. His body felt different—stronger, lighter. A steady warmth radiated from his chest, unfamiliar yet oddly comforting.

Li approached, his expression thoughtful. "Looks like you've caught someone's attention, boy."

Ryo turned to him, frowning. "What do you mean?"

Crouching beside him, Li gestured toward the faint remnants of golden light still lingering in the air. "The Goddess of Life. She doesn't hand out blessings often, but when she does, it's never without purpose."

Ryo furrowed his brow, his voice quieter than usual. "Why me?"

Li smiled faintly, his tone soft. "Maybe she sees something in you that you don't see in yourself. Maybe it's because you've endured what most wouldn't survive. The Goddess likes fighters, Ryo. You fit the bill."

Ryo said nothing at first, his gaze dropping to the ground. After a long pause, he muttered, "...Thank you."

Li blinked in surprise, his mustache twitching. "Well, that's a first. You're welcome, boy."

Ryo didn't elaborate, but deep inside, a flicker of gratitude stirred—a feeling he hadn't allowed himself to experience in years.

Two years passed, and under Li's guidance, Ryo grew stronger. He trained tirelessly in martial arts, honed his survival skills, and reluctantly learned the basics of trade during their travels. With each lesson, his resilience and determination deepened.

On the morning of his sixth birthday, Li arranged a special event. A soul master from Spirit Hall had been hired to assess Ryo's potential. The man stood in their clearing, dressed in pristine white robes, his calm demeanor offset by sharp, calculating eyes.

"Are you ready, boy?" Li asked, his crescent-shaped mustache twitching with pride.

Ryo nodded, stepping forward. The soul master produced a small crystal orb, placing it carefully on the ground.

"Place your hand on the orb," the man instructed.

Ryo complied. The orb glowed faintly at first, then pulsed with a steady light. The soul master's eyebrows rose slightly. "Innate soul power… seven," he murmured, a hint of admiration in his tone. "Remarkable for someone so young."

Li beamed, clapping Ryo on the back. "Not bad, eh?"

The soul master's expression grew more serious. "Let's awaken your martial soul. Hold out your hand."

Ryo followed the instructions. Energy shimmered faintly in his palm, coalescing into a translucent object. A glass box materialized before him, its surface delicate and unassuming.

The soul master's face fell. "A glass box," he muttered, his voice tinged with pity. "Fragile, impractical in combat… I'm sorry, but this martial soul has little to offer."

Ryo's crimson eyes darkened, but he remained silent. The soul master bowed lightly to Li before departing. "Thank you for your hospitality," he said, "but I must be on my way."

As the man disappeared into the trees, Li placed a comforting hand on Ryo's shoulder. "A glass box, huh? Well, boy, we'll figure something out. Don't let it get you down."

Ryo clenched his fists, his expression resolute. "It doesn't matter. I'll make it work."

Li smiled, admiration glinting in his eyes. "That's the spirit."

Later that day, while walking through a small village, Ryo's attention was drawn to a beggar sitting by the roadside. The man's tattered clothes and weathered hood concealed much of his face, but his sharp, knowing eyes were fixed on Ryo.

Ryo slowed, his crimson eyes narrowing. For a moment, the world seemed to fall away, the bustling village fading into silence.

The beggar's lips curled into a faint smile, as though he knew something Ryo didn't.