The chaos that filled the ruins of the sect's stronghold subsided after Sigor's fall. Despite their victory, a lingering sense of unease surrounded the group, as though something greater was looming. Jin sat on a broken tree trunk, scrutinizing the maps and documents they found in the stronghold, while Ryo stood at the edge of the cave, gazing at the darkened sky.
Jin: "Nothing here suggests Sigor was the true leader. All these papers… plans, symbols, orders, but none bear his name or seal."
Ryo (in a cold voice): "Sigor was just a face for this sect. Someone else is pulling the strings from the shadows."
A few steps away, the boy, emboldened by Ryo's presence, sat by the fire, silently observing them. His eyes gleamed with a mix of admiration and fear, as if trying to comprehend how two people could possess such strength.
While they spoke, the system's voice broke the silence:
System: "Warning: Unfamiliar energy source detected 500 meters from your location. Probability of a trap: 72%."
Ryo turned his head calmly in the direction indicated by the system.
Ryo (with a cold smile): "72%? That's a good chance for a gamble. What do you think, Jin?"
Jin (mockingly): "You know I can't let you make your dumb decisions alone."
System: "Risk level increasing. Reconsideration is advised."
Ryo (firmly): "Your job is to warn, not to lead."
The boy, feeling the tension, tugged at Ryo's cloak.
Boy (in a small voice): "Are we in danger?"
Ryo crouched slightly and placed his hand reassuringly on the boy's head.
Ryo: "Danger is always present, but I won't let anyone touch you. Understand?"
The path to the energy source was fraught with peril. The trees seemed to close in on them, and the shadows shifted unnaturally as though they were being watched.
Jin: "This forest isn't normal. It feels like it's alive."
System: "Environmental analysis: Increasing levels of negative energy. Probability of hostile entities: 89%."
It wasn't long before twisted creatures emerged. Their forms were a grotesque blend of wolves and serpents, their eyes glowing with a sinister purple hue, and their jaws dripping venom.
Jin (with a smirk): "Does the sect create these things, or did they bring them straight from hell?"
Ryo: "It doesn't matter. We'll end them."
The creatures charged at them with unrelenting ferocity. Jin was the first to move, his sword gleaming under the moonlight like lightning in human hands. He swiftly cut down the first creature before continuing his assault on two more.
System: "Remaining enemies: 15. Threat level: Moderate."
Ryo (shouting): "Moderate? Don't make me laugh!"
With a burst of shadow energy, Ryo disappeared from sight, reappearing behind another group of creatures. His movements were sharp and precise, like a shadowy assassin in the dark.
The boy, despite his fear, tried to use the wooden staff he carried to defend himself as one of the creatures approached.
Ryo (yelling): "Stay behind me!"
Ryo dashed toward the creature before it could reach the boy, striking it with enough force to leave a mark on the ground.
After the battle ended, an eerie voice echoed through the area. It was deep and powerful, as if coming from all directions at once. Suddenly, the silhouette of a tall man, cloaked in black with glowing red eyes, appeared.
Darkos: "Ryo… Jin… You're moving faster than I anticipated. But you don't understand what you've gotten yourselves into."
Jin (pointing his sword at the shadow): "If you know who we are, stop hiding in the shadows like a coward."
The voice let out a cold laugh:
Darkos: "Cowardice? It's unwise to face an enemy you cannot yet defeat. Enjoy your moments of victory… soon, you will crumble."
Before they could respond, the silhouette vanished, but the atmosphere grew heavier, as if his warning carried more than mere words.
As they left the forest, the boy walked beside Ryo, clutching his hand tightly as though afraid to lose him.
Boy (in a faint voice): "Ryo… will that man come back?"
Ryo (confidently): "Of course. But when he does, we'll be ready."
Jin (with a small smile): "I hope you're right… because I feel like what lies ahead won't be easy."
At dawn the next morning, as the first rays of sunlight broke through, Ryo, Jin, and the boy left the cursed forest. The aftermath of the battle was evident on their bodies, but their eyes reflected an unyielding determination.
Jin (gazing at the horizon): "The sect is bigger than we imagined. Darkos wasn't just making empty threats. I feel like something enormous is waiting for us."
Ryo (calmly): "The closer we get to the truth, the darker it becomes. But that doesn't mean we'll back down."
As they made their way toward the nearby city, they received shocking news from a traveler they encountered on the road.
Traveler (frantically): "Have you heard about the slave traders? They're back! I've heard there's a massive secret market being held in the ancient ruins east of the city. They say they sell everything… humans, beasts, even secrets."
The boy, who was walking behind Ryo, froze in place. His face turned pale as if old memories were resurfacing.
Boy (in a trembling voice): "Ryo… is this… the same kind of people who…"
Ryo placed a steady hand on the boy's shoulder.
Ryo (firmly): "I won't let anyone touch you again. I'll burn this entire market down if that's what it takes."
When they arrived in the city, they began gathering information. The secret market wasn't just a place for selling slaves; it was a hub for sect activity, guarded by well-trained forces.
System: "Threat analysis: Multiple levels of enemies. Probability of success without a plan: Low."
Jin (smirking): "Even the system is trying to convince you to think twice this time."
Ryo (sarcastically): "Overthinking is a waste of time. But this time, we'll need a strategy."
As night fell, the trio sneaked through the city's alleys until they reached the market's entrance. Guards were heavily stationed, each armed with weapons and tools that appeared to be poisoned.
System: "Number of guards: 25. Equipment: High-grade. Probability of success in a direct assault: 37%."
Ryo (with a cold smile): "37%? I'll make it 100%. Jin, take the right side. I'll handle the rest."
Jin (with a sarcastic smile): "As usual, you want to show off."
Ryo moved first, using his shadow abilities to slip behind the guards unnoticed. By the time they noticed him, it was too late. His strikes were sharp and precise, leaving behind muffled cries and bodies collapsing silently.
On the other side, Jin advanced steadily, his sword slicing through the air like a storm mixed with thunder.
As they reached the heart of the market, they were confronted by a new group of guards led by a mysterious figure cloaked in black, adorned with strange symbols.
Mysterious Figure (in a steady voice): "You've disrupted our plans far too much. But I doubt you'll leave here alive."
Ryo and Jin exchanged glances.
Ryo: "If you think threats alone are enough to stop us, you're gravely mistaken."
Jin (with a cold smile): "Let's show them how we finish things."
As the battle began, Ryo heard the system's voice again.
System: "Warning: An unknown force is approaching rapidly. Prepare for confrontation."
Ryo (calmly): "How far?"
System: "10 meters… 5 meters… It's here."
From the shadows emerged a massive creature, its form resembling a fusion of a dragon and a serpent, its eyes glowing with a deep purple light.
Jin (in astonishment): "This isn't a natural creature. The sect has crossed all boundaries."
System: "Analysis: The creature is an engineered hybrid of magic and energy. Weak points unknown."
Ryo: "Then we'll make a weak point."
With every strike, the creature grew more frenzied, and the fight turned into a grueling battle for both Ryo and Jin. The boy, hiding in a corner, watched them with wide eyes filled with awe and fear.
Ryo (shouting): "Jin, lure it to the right. I'll try to end it in one blow."
Jin (with a sarcastic smile): "Don't die before you succeed."
The sound of clashing swords and roaring filled the air as the moment of the decisive strike approached.