The Spirit City of Eryndor was restless.
The streets, usually lit by glowing spiritual lanterns, were cloaked in an unnatural darkness. Above, the Spiritual Eclipse loomed like a silent curse, its presence heavy and foreboding. The energy in the air throbbed with an unrelenting pulse, making even the most seasoned cultivators uneasy.
It felt as though something ancient and forbidden had awakened.
And indeed, it had.
Zorin opened the door of his modest home, staring down at the city below. The flickering light from the few remaining lanterns danced across his face, but his expression remained grim.
Behind him, Aria clutched Kael tightly against her chest. Her pale face betrayed her fear, even as her eyes burned with determination.
"We can't take the main roads," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, but her tone carried the weight of urgency. "If the Hunters are nearby, they'll catch us before we even reach the gate."
Zorin nodded. His mind raced through possibilities, discarding plans as quickly as they came. He grabbed a dark cloak, draping it over his leather armor to hide the glint of steel beneath.
His eyes fell on Kael, who lay silent in Aria's arms.
Kael didn't cry. Didn't squirm.
He simply watched.
Zorin felt an uneasy chill creep down his spine. It wasn't the silence of an infant too weak to make noise—it was the quiet stillness of something observing, calculating.
"We'll take the alleys," Zorin said finally, forcing himself to ignore the gnawing discomfort. They had no choice. The main streets would be death.
High above the city, a shadow moved.
Thane de Vorakis stood on the edge of a rooftop, his crimson eyes glowing faintly as he scanned the streets below. The air was thick with spiritual energy, the lingering effect of the eclipse sharpening his senses.
He inhaled deeply, his sharp features breaking into a predatory grin.
"I've found you," he murmured.
Behind him, eight cloaked figures stood motionless, their forms blending into the shadows. They waited silently for his command.
"They're taking the alleys," Thane said, his voice low but filled with amusement. He licked his lips, his excitement barely concealed. "Let's hunt them down."
And like a pack of wolves, they vanished into the night.
Zorin led Aria through Eryndor's narrow alleyways, moving swiftly but cautiously. He checked every corner before advancing, his senses on high alert.
Aria followed closely, clutching Kael as though her sheer will could shield him from harm.
But they weren't alone.
As they rounded a corner, a figure emerged from the shadows, blocking their path.
Rhoric, the Black Claw, stood before them, his twin blades gleaming under the faint light. He twirled them lazily, his grin stretching wide as his eyes gleamed with chaotic energy.
"End of the line," Rhoric said, his voice dripping with malice.
Zorin stepped forward, drawing his sword. He positioned himself between Aria and the enemy, his blade catching the dim light.
"If you want the boy," he said evenly, "you'll have to go through me."
Rhoric chuckled, his laugh low and guttural, like a beast toying with its prey.
"With pleasure," he said.
And then, he lunged.
Rhoric moved like a shadow, his body vanishing and reappearing in bursts of impossible speed. His twin blades whistled through the air, striking with deadly precision.
But Zorin wasn't an ordinary warrior.
He dodged the first strike, spinning on his heel to counter. His sword glowed faintly, the spiritual energy within it flaring to life.
With a sharp swing, Zorin unleashed his technique.
The air split with a crack, and an invisible blade carved a gash into the stone wall behind Rhoric, forcing him back.
"Impressive," Rhoric said, his grin twisting into something more sinister. "But..."
Before Zorin could react, three more Hunters emerged from the shadows, their movements silent and deadly.
"...You can't fight us all."
Aria retreated further into the alley, her back pressing against a pile of old crates. She held Kael close, her eyes darting around for an escape that didn't exist.
Zorin's grip on his sword tightened. He couldn't protect them both.
And then, Kael opened his eyes.
Inside Kael's mind, something stirred.
His body was weak, but his awareness was sharp—far sharper than it had any right to be. He felt the spiritual energy around him, dense and chaotic, pulsating with the echoes of the eclipse.
And then, he felt it.
Deep within him, a black flower began to bloom.
The Dark Spiritual Lotus awakened.
Its power seeped into him, subtle but potent. He could feel it drawing in energy from the environment, anchoring him, protecting him.
Kael wasn't a victim. He wasn't weak.
He was a predator.
And the world would soon realize it.
In the alley, Rhoric raised his blades, ready to deliver the final blow.
But before he could strike, Zorin moved.
With a roar, he lunged forward, driving his sword straight into Rhoric's chest.
The blade glowed blindingly bright as Zorin unleashed his final technique.
The energy surged, consuming everything in its path.
Rhoric's eyes widened. "Wha—?!"
And then, the world erupted in light.
When the dust settled, Zorin was on his knees, blood dripping from his wounds. His breath came in shallow gasps as he turned to Aria.
She stood frozen, tears streaming down her face as she held Kael.
Zorin smiled faintly, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Run."
And with that, he collapsed.