Riven stood frozen, his words caught in his throat. He had not anticipated the arrival of the enigmatic Architect, a figure shrouded in mystery and power. The weight of his own insolence hung heavy in the air as he struggled to find his composure.
"Oh well, would you look at that," the Architect said, his voice dripping with both amusement and disappointment. "The young brat who I spent my time trying to create is now staging a revolt."
Riven's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and apprehension coursing through him. How had the Architect known of his inner turmoil, his secret doubts and frustrations?
"I... I didn't mean to betray you," Riven stammered, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and defiance. "It was the result of my recent defeat, the wounds of failure still fresh."
The Architect's expression did not soften, his frown of anger remaining etched upon his face. He regarded Riven with a piercing gaze, his eyes seemingly able to peer into the depths of his soul. Riven felt a surge of both fear and respect, knowing that the Architect held the key to unlocking his true potential.
"How is that my business, you retard?" the Architect retorted, his voice laced with scorn. "Deal with your own problems, ass."
Riven's shoulders slumped, his hopes of finding solace in the Architect's presence shattered. It seemed that the Architect was more interested in asserting his authority than offering guidance or understanding.
"Let me tell you what I am here for," the Architect continued, his tone brusque and commanding. "I have seen that Akira of a boy is too annoying for you to handle alone, so I am here with a direct order."
Riven's gaze met the Architect's, a mixture of curiosity and trepidation in his eyes. What could this direct order entail? The Architect's words hung in the air, laden with both menace and purpose.
"I will give you an artifact that blocks out magic except that of its user for one hour," the Architect declared, his voice seething with a dark intensity. "In this short time, you are to cut out his glyph core and chop his hands off."
Riven's breath caught in his throat, shock and horror coursing through him. The magnitude of the Architect's command was overwhelming, challenging his sense of morality and loyalty. The Architect's words continued, each one a chilling reminder of the ruthlessness that lurked within him.
"I received information from one of my spies in Aetherius that he is useless in a sword fight," the Architect revealed, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "So deal with him. You are my worst creation, but you still have the potential to defeat a lower being. I leave it to your hands, the artifact of Shadowbane."
Riven's mind spun with conflicting emotions. The Architect's words were callous and unforgiving, pushing him to the brink of darkness. Yet, the allure of power and the chance to prove himself tugged at his ambitions.
"I... I understand," Riven muttered, his voice heavy with resignation. "I will carry out your orders, no matter the cost."
The Architect's cold gaze bore into Riven's, a mix of satisfaction and expectation gleaming in his eyes. "Very well, Riven. Remember, this is your chance to redeem yourself in my eyes. Do not fail me."
As the Architect turned to leave, a sense of dread settled upon Riven's shoulders. The weight of his task loomed over him, casting a shadow upon his soul. The path ahead was filled with darkness and uncertainty, and Riven knew that his allegiance to the
Architect had brought him to the edge of a precipice.
The hourglass of destiny had been turned, and the sands of fate began to trickle down. Riven's encounter with the artifact known as Shadowbane would mark a pivotal turning point in his journey, one that would test the limits of his loyalty and reshape the course of the battle between him and Akira.