---
Scene: Rooftop of Kang Wo Hu's Luxury Apartment, Modern Day
The wind blew softly across the rooftop as the sun set over the skyline. Mordryn stood near the edge, his eyes scanning the horizon, absorbing the sights and sounds of the world that had become his new reality. Kang Wo Hu stood next to him, adjusting the gloves on her hands, her expression one of anticipation.
Kang Wo Hu:
"So, you ready for your first hunt in the modern world?" she smirked "It's a bit different from what you're used to, I'm sure."
Mordryn glanced at her, a slight frown creasing his brow.
Mordryn:
"I have fought creatures that would chill the bones of most mortal men, Wo Hu. These... hunts you speak of, I expect they are no different."
Kang Wo Hu grinned, clearly enjoying the challenge in his voice.
Kang Wo Hu:
"Well, don't get too cocky. Some of these monsters have evolved over the centuries, and with the way the world works now, there's always something new to worry about. But don't worry—I'll be with you the whole time. Just try to keep up."
Mordryn raised an eyebrow but said nothing. He had been impressed by Kang Wo Hu's skills so far, but he was curious to see how this modern world handled the creatures of the Shadowrealm. The thought of facing them again after so many centuries stirred something deep inside him—a sense of unfinished business.
Kang Wo Hu:
"There's a small pack of monsters that's been sighted just outside the city. Nothing too dangerous for me, but since it's your first hunt, I figured we'd start small."
She pulled out a sleek device, something like a phone, and tapped on it a few times. A map appeared on the screen, showing a blinking dot just beyond the city limits. She turned the screen toward Mordryn.
Kang Wo Hu:
"See? That's where we're heading. Ready to go?"
Mordryn nodded.
Mordryn:
"I am prepared."
---
Scene: Forested Outskirts of the City
The two of them arrived at the edge of a dense forest just as the moon began to rise. The city's lights were a distant glow in the background, but out here, the world felt more familiar to Mordryn. The scent of the trees, the quiet sounds of the forest—it reminded him of the hunts he had once embarked on long ago, though the weapons and methods were vastly different now.
Kang Wo Hu led the way, moving with the silent grace of a seasoned hunter. She held a sleek, futuristic-looking crossbow in her hands, its metal gleaming in the moonlight.
Kang Wo Hu:
"The pack we're looking for is small, but they're fast. Shadowwolves, we call them. They usually hunt in threes or fours, and they can melt into the shadows, so be on guard."
Mordryn's eyes narrowed as he scanned the darkened forest ahead of them.
Mordryn:
"Shadowwolves... Yes, I remember creatures like them from my time. They are born of the Shadowrealm, feeding on the fear of those they hunt. Be wary—they are more dangerous than they appear."
Kang Wo Hu gave him a sideways glance, impressed by his knowledge.
Kang Wo Hu:
"Looks like you've still got some tricks up your sleeve. Good, because we're getting close."
The air seemed to thicken as they moved deeper into the forest, and the shadows began to shift unnaturally. Mordryn could sense it—the presence of creatures from the Shadowrealm, lingering just out of sight. His muscles tensed, his instincts from centuries of battle kicking in.
Suddenly, Kang Wo Hu stopped, holding up a hand.
Kang Wo Hu:
"There. Do you see them?"
Mordryn followed her gaze. In the shadows between the trees, faint, glowing eyes stared back at them. The figures of the Shadowwolves, barely visible against the darkness, prowled in a half-circle, watching them.
Kang Wo Hu:
whispering
"Alright, we take them down quick. Don't let them slip away into the shadows."
Before Mordryn could respond, one of the wolves lunged, its fanged maw open wide, aimed directly at Kang Wo Hu. She dodged with fluid precision, her crossbow snapping up as she fired a bolt into its side. The wolf let out a shriek and stumbled, but two more appeared from the darkness, charging at them with deadly speed.
Mordryn's eyes flashed, his hand reaching out as ancient words left his lips in a low chant. The shadows around the wolves seemed to shudder, and for a brief moment, they froze, unable to move.
Mordryn:
"Now!"
Kang Wo Hu didn't waste a second. She fired two more bolts in quick succession, each one finding its mark. The wolves yelped and fell, dissolving into wisps of black smoke as they hit the ground.
Mordryn lowered his hand, his eyes still glowing faintly with power. He had restrained himself, using only a fraction of his strength, but it was enough. The creatures of the Shadowrealm would not have their way this night.
Kang Wo Hu let out a breath, lowering her crossbow.
Kang Wo Hu:
"Well... that wasn't so bad. I see you've still got it, old man."
Mordryn smirked slightly but didn't respond. The fight had been quick, but something still felt off to him. He turned his attention back to the trees, his instincts telling him there was more to this hunt than just a pack of stray Shadowwolves.
Suddenly, a sound—faint, but unmistakable—came from the deeper part of the forest. Footsteps. Someone was watching them.
Mordryn:
quietly
"We are not alone."
Kang Wo Hu immediately tensed, raising her crossbow again.
Kang Wo Hu:
"What is it? More wolves?"
Mordryn shook his head slowly, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the presence he could sense. It was not a creature, but a person—someone who did not belong in this time, someone whose aura was hauntingly familiar.
Before either of them could act, a figure stepped out from the shadows, their face illuminated by the moonlight. Kang Wo Hu's eyes widened in confusion, but Mordryn's expression darkened, his hand curling into a fist.
Kang Wo Hu:
"Who...?"
The figure smiled, their voice smooth and cold.
Mysterious Figure:
"Well, well... I didn't expect to run into you here, Mordryn. After all this time... still alive."
Mordryn's blood ran cold as he stared at the man standing before them. He knew that face—he had once called this man an ally, but that was long before the betrayal. Long before the fall of Valendar.
Mordryn (thinking):
"No... it can't be..."
Mordryn:
quietly, his voice filled with barely contained rage
"Cyras."
The man—Cyras—laughed softly, his eyes gleaming with amusement.
Cyras:
"It's been a thousand years, Mordryn. You didn't think you'd be the only one to survive, did you?"
Mordryn's heart pounded in his chest. Cyras—one of the betrayers, one of those responsible for the fall of his world—was standing before him, alive and well in this new era.
And it seemed he had plans of his own.
---
End of Chapter 8