Divine Necromancer : Cultivating Life & Death

Felix Ashford felt a surge of happiness when he spotted his best friend, Ashton Walker, standing in line for Awakening registration. They had been best friends since high school, a bond that had grown naturally over the years. Ashton, an orphan, had always stood out in a way Felix couldn't quite describe. His intelligence was sharp, his presence captivating. Felix had befriended him initially because of that brilliance, but as they grew closer, it became more about their unspoken understanding of each other.

Felix smiled as he approached, but before he could even speak, a sudden force slammed him to the ground.

"What the hell just happened?!" Felix thought in shock, the world spinning around him. Ashton had never been this strong—what was going on?

Ashton's eyes widened in realization, and he rushed to apologize, his voice sounding more urgent than usual. Felix groaned as he picked himself up, rubbing his sore back. Around them, curious eyes watched, drawn by the unexpected display of strength.

"Ashton... what the hell happened to you? Are you even really Ashton Walker?" Felix asked, still recovering from the surprise. "You know I've always been strong because of my race, right?"

Ashton's gaze wavered, his usual composure slipping for a moment. The memory of betrayal from his previous life lingered, a sharp reminder of how easily trust could be shattered. For a brief moment, he spaced out, lost in his thoughts. He knew Felix was his only real friend, but something inside him held back now—a caution that hadn't been there before.

"I… I'm sorry, Felix," Ashton muttered quietly, unsure of how to express what had changed. "I just… need some time."

Felix, sensing the shift in his friend, offered a reassuring smile. "I get it. You don't have to explain. Just… don't shut me out, okay?"

Ashton nodded, his lips pressing into a thin line. The warmth of Felix's words felt genuine, but Ashton wasn't ready to open up just yet. He couldn't risk being betrayed again. Not after everything that had happened.