That night, a cold wind swept through Valtherion City. Astra Temple stood proudly at the city's center, a dome-shaped structure with tall spires reaching into the night sky. The faint glow of lanterns shone through stained glass windows, casting slow-moving shadows on the ground.
Kaelion and his group watched from a narrow alley hidden behind a row of shops. Lira stood beside him, her gaze fixed on the temple with a hint of hesitation.
"Are we really going in there?" she whispered.
Kaelion smirked, his eyes locked on the temple. "There's no place I can't break into. This temple is no exception."
The bandits, though visibly nervous, stood behind Kaelion with weapons in hand. Orik, the most experienced among them, tried to mask his unease.
"That place is guarded by knights and priests. This won't be easy, sir," Orik said cautiously.
"Nothing worth gaining ever comes easy," Kaelion replied coldly. "If you're afraid, leave now. I don't need cowards."
Orik lowered his head, ashamed of his doubt.
"Good," Kaelion continued. "We move during the guard shift change. Follow my orders, and we'll walk out of there with what we came for."
---
The Infiltration
As the guard shift began, Kaelion signaled his group to move. They crept through the shadows, heading toward a side entrance used by the temple's servants.
Kaelion led the way, his movements silent and practiced, despite his current body being far from a warrior's physique. Lira observed him closely, sensing that Kaelion carried years of experience in situations like this—something impossible for someone his age.
They slipped into the temple undetected. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of incense, mingling with the soft glow of candles lighting the long hallways.
"Where is the artifact stored?" Lira whispered.
"According to Grath, in the sanctum beneath the main altar," Kaelion replied. "Follow me."
---
The Sanctum
After sneaking past several guards and navigating narrow passageways, they finally arrived at the sanctum. The large, dark chamber was illuminated by a faint blue glow from a massive crystal hanging at its center.
On the main altar lay an ancient black sword, surrounded by glowing magical symbols. The sword emanated a cold, menacing aura, almost as if it were alive.
Kaelion paused, staring at the sword with an unreadable expression.
"That…" he murmured.
Lira, standing beside him, noticed something different in Kaelion's demeanor. For the first time, she saw something other than anger or ambition—she saw deep sadness.
"Kaelion," she whispered, "what is it?"
Kaelion exhaled softly. "That sword is mine. Thousands of years ago, I used it to conquer the world. And now, I'll take it back."
He stepped forward cautiously, approaching the altar. But just as he reached out to touch the sword, a rumbling noise echoed through the chamber.
---
The Sanctum's Guardian
From the shadows at the edge of the room, a man emerged. He was clad in golden armor engraved with the imperial crest. His face was cold and emotionless, but his eyes burned with sharp intensity.
"You dare enter this sacred chamber," the man said, his deep voice reverberating through the room. "Anyone who tries to claim this sword will face death."
Kaelion smirked faintly. "Laws? I couldn't care less about your laws."
The man drew his blade, which gleamed with a blinding white light. "Then prepare to meet your end."
Lira instinctively reached for her dagger, ready to fight, but Kaelion raised his hand, stopping her.
"No need," Kaelion said. "I'll handle this myself."
The man lunged with incredible speed, but Kaelion, despite his frail body, dodged with surprising agility. Lira watched in shock. How could someone like Kaelion hold his own against such a skilled opponent?
Kaelion exploited every gap in his opponent's movements, maneuvering with extraordinary precision. He didn't fight with brute strength but with the experience of a millennia-old King of Darkness.
Finally, with a swift motion, Kaelion seized the black sword from the altar. As soon as he touched it, dark energy burst forth from the blade, filling the room with a chilling, oppressive aura.
The golden-armored man staggered backward, visibly shaken by the unleashed power.
---
Retreat to the Shadows
Wasting no time, Kaelion ordered his group to retreat. They exited the temple swiftly, retracing their steps through the secret path.
Outside, under the pale moonlight, Kaelion stood holding the sword. It pulsed faintly, as though alive, its dark aura growing stronger.
"With this sword," Kaelion murmured, "the first step toward reclaiming the world has begun."
Lira stood behind him, unsure of what to say. She could feel the immense power radiating from the blade, but she also sensed that such power came with a heavy price.
Kaelion gazed at the sword with eyes full of emotion—not just hatred, but also sorrow, regret, and burning ambition.
"This world has forgotten me," he said softly, his voice almost a whisper. "But they will remember me again. As their king… or as their nightmare."