Chapter 23 - 22 - The Law whispers
Riven repeated the phrase silently in his heart.
Echo Initiate.
The name felt foreign, yet... poetic—like it carried a profound meaning hidden within each syllable.
He turned to Ashtoria. "What does that name mean?" he asked softly.
Ashtoria looked at him for a moment, then began explaining—calmly, yet with an unmistakable firmness in her tone.
"Every object and living being is a part of this world. And this world, in turn, is connected to every creature that lives within it. But that connection isn’t uniform. Every person resonates with the world in their own way—be it through elements, concepts, or essence."
She picked up a small twig from the ground and drew a circle in the dirt.
"For example... someone may have a connection to fire. If their bond—or affinity—with fire is deep and strong, then one day they might be able to summon a blaze powerful enough to burn down a city. But if that connection is distant and weak, they might only be able to spark a small flame. Or... simply have a body that tolerates heat better than most people."
She lifted her gaze, glancing at Riven and Mira in turn.
"That’s what we call Affinity. And the strength of your connection to it—that’s what we call Talent."
Riven and Mira listened intently, mentally taking note of every word, absorbing the explanation slowly, like dry soil welcoming the first rain.