Kazuya moved like a wraith through the dense forest, his senses attuned to every sound. The distant howls of Wraithhounds echoed in the air, their presence an ever-present threat. Lyriana and Kaelith followed closely behind, their weapons drawn, their faces grim.
"We're getting close," Lyriana whispered, her elven ears twitching. "The summoner's aura is unmistakable. It's laced with malice."
Kazuya nodded, his eyes narrowing as he focused ahead. The trees parted to reveal a rocky ridge bathed in an eerie violet glow. Atop the ridge stood a cloaked figure, their hands raised high as tendrils of dark energy swirled around them.
The summoner's voice carried on the wind, a guttural chant that sent shivers down Lyriana's spine. "They're fueling the Wraithhounds with pure shadow magic," she said. "If we don't stop them now, the entire region will fall."
Kaelith unsheathed their blade, its edge gleaming with a silver light. "Then we strike fast and hard. No mercy."
Kazuya stepped forward, his voice steady. "Leave the summoner to me. You two handle the hounds."
---
Confronting the Summoner
Activating Dash, Kazuya closed the distance to the ridge in an instant. The summoner turned, their hood falling back to reveal a gaunt face with crimson eyes. A cruel smile curled their lips.
"So, the interloper arrives," they sneered. "You've made quite the nuisance of yourself, Kazuya Hiyotoshi."
Kazuya froze for a moment, startled. "You know my name?"
The summoner laughed, a sound like shards of glass scraping together. "Of course. Zaryth sees all. He knows your power, your potential... and your inevitable demise."
Kazuya's expression hardened. "If Zaryth knows me, then he knows I'm coming for him."
The summoner's smile faded. "Arrogant fool. You'll regret underestimating the shadows."
They raised their hands, and a torrent of dark energy erupted toward Kazuya. He countered by taking to the air with Flight, the energy searing the ground where he had stood.
"You'll have to do better than that," Kazuya said, his tone calm yet defiant.
The summoner snarled, conjuring a blade of pure darkness. "Let's see how you fare against this!"
---
The Battle Unfolds
The summoner lunged, their blade slicing through the air with deadly precision. Kazuya dodged effortlessly, his infinite speed keeping him one step ahead. He countered with a powerful kick, but the summoner dissolved into shadows, reappearing behind him.
"You're fast," they admitted, "but you lack control. That will be your undoing."
Kazuya smirked. "Then let's see how you handle this."
He activated Dash again, weaving through the battlefield with blinding speed. This time, he anticipated the summoner's movements, striking the ground with a powerful shockwave that disrupted their shadowy form.
The summoner staggered, their concentration broken. Before they could recover, Kazuya closed the distance, landing a solid punch to their chest. The impact sent them hurtling back, crashing into a boulder with a resounding crack.
The summoner coughed, black mist escaping their lips. "You... you're more powerful than I expected," they rasped.
Kazuya approached slowly, his gaze cold. "This ends now."
---
The Wraithhounds' Assault
Before Kazuya could strike again, the summoner raised a trembling hand. The Wraithhounds surged forward from the forest, their glowing eyes fixated on Kazuya.
Lyriana's voice rang out as she loosed a volley of arrows, each one glowing with light magic. "Not so fast!" Her arrows struck true, dispersing several hounds in bursts of light.
Kaelith followed, their blade slicing through the remaining beasts with ease. "Kazuya! Finish this!"
The summoner, now desperate, channeled all their remaining energy into one final attack. The ground beneath Kazuya's feet cracked as tendrils of shadow erupted toward him.
Kazuya didn't flinch. He raised his hand, summoning his strength. The tendrils wrapped around him, but his Infinite Durability rendered them useless. With a burst of power, he shattered the shadows, leaving the summoner defenseless.
---
A Fatal Strike
The summoner fell to their knees, their strength depleted. They glared at Kazuya with hatred burning in their crimson eyes. "You think this is victory?" they spat. "You've only delayed the inevitable. Zaryth will rise, and when he does, your strength will mean nothing."
Kazuya's gaze didn't waver. "Then I'll face him, just like I faced you."
With one swift motion, he delivered the final blow. The summoner's body dissolved into shadow, their dark energy absorbed into Kazuya's being.
New Ability Acquired: Shadow Manipulation
Allows the user to control and shape shadows at will.
Kazuya stepped back, his breathing steady as the new power settled within him.
---
The Path Forward
Lyriana and Kaelith approached, their expressions a mix of relief and concern.
"Is it over?" Lyriana asked, lowering her bow.
"For now," Kazuya said. "But this was just a pawn. Zaryth's influence is spreading faster than we thought."
Kaelith sheathed their blade. "Then we have no time to waste. The Sanctum of Echoes lies to the north. If the old records are accurate, it holds the key to understanding Zaryth's power."
Kazuya nodded. "Then that's where we're headed."
Lyriana glanced at the horizon, where the first rays of dawn broke through the trees. "Let's move quickly. If that summoner was any indication, more will come for us."
With renewed determination, the trio set off toward the Sanctum of Echoes, their resolve stronger than ever.