Doubt clouded my mind during the ceremony. The Rens spoke of fate, but what could I know of that? When they revealed the path to the Ancients, the other disciples buzzed with excitement, but all I felt was fear. What if I wasn’t chosen? Every cut, every broken bone, every hour spent in meditation over the course of a decade could have ended today with me abandoned in the Waste… again.



But the moment the Rens opened the doors to the sanctum, a sense of calm washed over me. As I walked through the threshold to the black altar inside, my Ancient called to me. My hand closed around its hilt, and we were reborn. The blade beamed and I knew its light echoed in my soul.

When the Rens called me by my true name – the name of the Ancient destined for me alone – it felt more real than anything I had ever known. Before I was conceived, before the world bloomed and decayed, this was meant to be.

We are bound now, my Ancient and I. We are… Asana.

Rumors are that Sevi was also chosen today. I am looking forward to meeting his true self.

