Shadow wandered through forests and mountains, seeking refuge from his shame. He discarded his shining armor for a tattered cloak and became a hermit. Dreams of the king's final moments haunted him, but the guilt of failure weighed heavier than any sword he had carried.
One night, a storm drove Shadow into a small village. There, he overheard rumors of dark forces gathering in the north—Maldrak's power was growing. Shadow resolved to stay hidden, believing himself unworthy to fight again.