The Awakening Error - The system's Greatest Error

A dull ache pulsed through Ethan's body as his mind drifted between consciousness and unconsciousness. His limbs felt strangely weightless, as if floating, yet his body was heavy with exhaustion. His thoughts were hazy—memories of the brutal battle against the villains flickered in his mind like distant echoes. He remembered the overwhelming force they faced, the sheer powerlessness he felt in those final moments… and then—darkness.

Something wasn't right.

His eyes shot open.

The world around him was nothing like what he expected.

Instead of the cold, ruined battlefield where they had collapsed, he found himself lying on an unnaturally smooth surface, almost like polished stone, but it radiated a strange warmth. The air was crisp and carried a scent of morning dew, oddly refreshing. Towering trees with shimmering blue leaves swayed gently above him, their glow casting soft waves of light across the misty atmosphere. A faint hum vibrated in the air—not a sound, but a sensation that seeped into his bones, making his tense muscles relax involuntarily.

Beside him, Ronan stirred, his fingers twitching before his eyes slowly fluttered open. His reaction was instant.

"Where—?" He shot up, scanning his surroundings with sharp, calculating eyes. His body tensed, prepared for another fight.

Ethan sat up more cautiously, still feeling the strange, relaxing pull of the place. "You feel that?" he muttered.

Ronan clenched his fists, then released them, his expression twisting in confusion. "Yeah… It's like something is—calming me." He paused before his gaze darkened. "This isn't natural."

A deep chuckle echoed from nearby.

Both of them whipped around, immediately taking defensive stances. A tall figure stood near the edge of a cliff that overlooked a vast landscape bathed in golden light. He was dressed in dark, flowing robes that subtly shifted in color, blending into the scenery around him. His presence was commanding, yet strangely serene—like a storm held at bay by sheer will.

"You two are sharper than I expected," the man spoke, turning to face them fully. His piercing silver eyes studied them with an intensity that made Ethan feel exposed, as if the man could see through his very essence.

Ronan narrowed his eyes. "Who the hell are you? And where are we?"

The man gave a small smirk. "Straight to the point. I like that." He walked towards them, his movements unnaturally smooth, like he was in complete control of every aspect of his body.

"You may call me Veyrn. And as for where you are…" His gaze shifted to the sky. "Let's just say this place exists between reality and illusion—a sanctuary of sorts."

Ethan and Ronan exchanged glances, neither trusting his words completely.

"Why bring us here?" Ethan asked cautiously.

Veyrn studied them for a moment before speaking. "Because I know who you both are. And more importantly, I know what you are becoming."

A tense silence followed.

Veyrn turned his attention to Ronan first. "You—boy of fractured blood. Your lineage was never meant to survive, yet you did. Not because of luck, but because of something inside you that even your tormentors failed to understand." His silver eyes gleamed. "Tell me, have you ever wondered why your clones each manifest separate traits instead of being identical copies?"

Ronan stiffened. His hands curled into fists, a flicker of unease crossing his face. "…You know something, don't you?"

Veyrn's expression remained unreadable. "More than you think. But we'll get to that later."

Then, his gaze shifted to Ethan. Unlike before, his voice was quieter—measured. "And you… You are an anomaly, even among anomalies."

Ethan's breath caught slightly. He had heard those words before. First from his own family, then from the people who mocked him, and now… from a man whose very presence demanded fear and respect.

Veyrn took a step closer, and for the first time, Ethan felt something stir deep within him—something primal, something resonating with the man in front of him.

"You don't understand it yet, do you?" Veyrn mused. "That strange sensation in your core. The way your body sings when faced with energy, the way you adapt without knowing the full extent of what you're doing." He tilted his head slightly. "You think you've seen the limits of your resonance… but you are barely scratching the surface."

Ethan clenched his jaw. "Then tell me."

Veyrn smirked. "Eager. That's good." His gaze sharpened. "But before I answer… let's see if you are truly worthy of knowing the truth."

The air around them shifted.

Ethan's body tensed. Something was coming.

And for the first time since awakening in this strange place, he wasn't sure if they were safe at all.