The days following the initiation of the new disciples were a flurry of activity. The Obsidian Altar pulsed with renewed energy, its reach spreading farther across the wasteland. The Sovereign's presence seemed to deepen the connection, his every command resonating with power and purpose. Kael, Ryn, and Sylas worked tirelessly, their training intensifying as the Sovereign began forging the Dominion into a force that could withstand the inevitable retaliation of the Emberlight Clan.
The five new disciples—Ryn referred to them as the "Shadowsworn"—adjusted quickly to life under the Sovereign's rule. Each of them had survived their trial, emerging hardened and imbued with a faint resonance of Abyssal energy. Though they were rough around the edges, their loyalty was unquestionable, forged in the crucible of the Abyss.
Kael watched as one of the new recruits, a wiry young man named Tahl, practiced with a pair of daggers. His movements were quick and deliberate, but there was an edge of desperation in every strike.
"You're trying too hard," Kael said, stepping closer. "The Abyss doesn't respond to force. You have to let it flow."
Tahl paused, breathing heavily. "Easy for you to say. You've been doing this longer."
Kael smirked. "Not by much. Trust me, I get it. It feels impossible at first, but it's not. Watch."
He drew the Abyssal Fang, the blade's dark glow pulsing faintly in the dim light. Closing his eyes, Kael focused on his Qi, letting it flow naturally into the blade. When he struck, a faint wave of dark energy rippled outward, scattering the loose stones at his feet.
Tahl stared, his eyes wide. "How do you make it look so easy?"
Kael shrugged. "Practice. And trust. The Abyss is part of you now. The sooner you stop fighting it, the stronger you'll be."
A New Mission
Later that evening, the Sovereign called the group to the altar. Kael, Ryn, Sylas, and the Shadowsworn gathered around him, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and anticipation. The glow of the altar cast eerie shadows across their faces as the Sovereign began to speak.
"The Emberlight Clan is regrouping," he said, his voice low but resonant. "Their forces are greater than before, and their leaders have begun forging alliances. If we wait, they will become too strong to crush easily."
Ryn frowned. "What are you suggesting, Master?"
The Sovereign's crimson eyes burned brighter. "We will strike first. Not with brute force, but with precision. A key figure in their ranks—a strategist—has left their main encampment to seek reinforcements. If we eliminate him, their efforts will falter."
Sylas tilted their head, their tone light but curious. "A targeted assassination, then? Sounds like my kind of fun."
The Sovereign nodded. "Sylas, you will lead this mission. Kael and Ryn will accompany you. The Shadowsworn will remain here to guard the altar."
Kael felt a surge of excitement—and apprehension. "We won't let you down."
The Sovereign's gaze lingered on him for a moment before shifting to the rest of the group. "Good. The Abyss demands precision and ruthlessness. Do not fail."
Into the Shadows
The trio departed that night, moving swiftly through the wasteland under the cover of darkness. Sylas led the way, their movements fluid and silent as they navigated the rough terrain. Kael and Ryn followed closely, their weapons ready and their senses sharp.
"Keep your eyes open," Sylas whispered as they approached a rocky outcrop overlooking a small camp. "Our target should be down there."
Kael peered over the edge, his heart pounding. The camp was modest, consisting of a few tents and a central fire. A group of Emberlight cultivators sat around the fire, their Qi faint but present. At the far edge of the camp, a tall man clad in ornate robes stood with his back to them, his presence commanding.
"That's him," Sylas said, their tone low. "Ceren, the Emberlight Clan's lead strategist. Take him out, and they'll be scrambling for weeks."
Ryn glanced at Sylas. "How do you want to do this?"
Sylas grinned behind their mask. "We hit them hard and fast. I'll handle the guards. You two focus on the target. Don't give him a chance to react."
Kael nodded, his grip tightening on the Abyssal Fang. "Got it."
The Strike
The attack began without warning. Sylas moved first, darting into the camp like a shadow. Their blade flashed in the firelight as they struck the nearest guard, dropping him before the others even realized what was happening. Kael and Ryn followed, their movements swift and coordinated.
Ceren turned as the commotion erupted, his eyes narrowing. "So, the Dominion finally decided to show itself," he said, his voice calm but tinged with disdain. "You're fools if you think this will change anything."
Kael didn't respond. He charged forward, his blade glowing with dark energy as he swung. Ceren raised his hand, a barrier of fiery Qi materializing in front of him. The two forces clashed, the resulting shockwave rippling through the camp.
"You'll have to do better than that," Ceren said, his tone mocking.
Ryn moved in from the side, her blade cutting through the air with precision. Ceren twisted, his barrier shifting to block her strike, but the effort left him exposed. Kael seized the opening, channeling his Qi into a powerful thrust. The Abyssal Fang pierced the barrier, striking Ceren's shoulder and drawing a cry of pain.
Ceren staggered back, his fiery Qi flaring wildly. "You... will regret this."
Before he could retaliate, Sylas appeared behind him, their blade slicing cleanly across his back. Ceren fell to his knees, his Qi flickering as his strength faded.
Kael stepped forward, his blade poised for the final strike. "This is for the Dominion."
With one decisive motion, he plunged the Abyssal Fang into Ceren's chest. The strategist let out a final gasp before his body collapsed, lifeless, to the ground.
A Message Sent
The trio wasted no time. They set the camp ablaze, ensuring that the Emberlight Clan would know their strategist had been struck down. As the flames consumed the tents, Kael felt a strange sense of satisfaction. They had struck a blow against their enemies—a small victory, but a meaningful one.
Sylas clapped him on the shoulder. "Not bad, kid. You're starting to get the hang of this."
Ryn nodded, her expression serious. "We're making progress. But this won't be the end of it."
Kael glanced back at the burning camp, his grip tightening on the Abyssal Fang. "I know. But it's a start."
As they made their way back to the Obsidian Altar, the faint glow of the altar's crystal seemed to grow brighter in the distance. The Dominion was rising, and the shadows were spreading.
End of Chapter 14