The air crackled with tension as Wei squared off against the shadowy figure. The oppressive energy radiating from the entity made the hairs on his neck stand on end. It was a palpable darkness, a manifestation of everything he had fought against—fear, pain, and the bitter echoes of loss.
"Do you really think you can stand against the Shadow Sect?" the figure taunted, voice smooth like silk but laced with venom. "You're just a pawn in a game far greater than you understand."
"I'm not a pawn," Wei spat, his fists clenching tightly at his sides. "I'm the one who will end your tyranny."
The figure laughed, a chilling sound that echoed in the clearing. "You have spirit, I'll give you that. But spirit alone won't save you."
