The night was long, and the weight of the battle still clung to Kael's shoulders like a second skin. His body ached, his muscles protesting with every step as he made his way back to the only place he could call home—a small, weathered house on the outskirts of the city. It was the house his parents had left behind, a place filled with memories that were both a comfort and a curse. The walls were lined with faded photographs of a family that no longer existed, and the air carried the faint scent of his mother's favorite flowers, long since wilted.
Kael pushed open the creaky door, the sound echoing through the empty halls. He tossed his daggers onto the kitchen table and slumped into a chair, his mind still reeling from the events of the night. The tattoo on his back pulsed faintly, a constant reminder of the power he had gained—or perhaps the power that had claimed him. The Shadow Interface lingered in his mind, a cold, mechanical presence that felt both foreign and familiar.
As he sat there, staring at the flickering light of a single bulb, a strange sensation washed over him. The shadows in the room seemed to shift, twisting and curling like living things. Kael's instincts screamed at him to move, but before he could react, a small figure emerged from the darkness.
It was no taller than a child, with smooth, obsidian-like skin that shimmered in the dim light. Its eyes glowed a soft, eerie blue, and its tiny horns curled delicately above its head. It looked almost... cute, like a doll carved from the night itself. But the aura it exuded was anything but harmless. The air grew heavy, and the temperature dropped, sending a chill down Kael's spine.
The creature tilted its head, studying Kael with an unnerving intensity. Then, it spoke, its voice a melodic blend of innocence and menace.
"Well, well, well... look who finally awakened the Shadow Dominion. Took you long enough, Kael Arashi."
Kael shot to his feet, his daggers back in his hands in an instant. "Who—no, *what* are you?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.
The creature chuckled, a sound that was both playful and unsettling. "Oh, don't be so tense. If I wanted to hurt you, you'd already be dead. Besides, we're partners now, you and I."
"Partners?" Kael's grip on his daggers tightened. "Explain. Now."
The creature floated closer, its tiny feet barely touching the ground. "Very well. My name is Nyx, and I am—or rather, *was*—the Ruler of All Shadows. The strongest, most powerful, and most feared of the Thirteen Demon Kings."
Kael's eyes narrowed. "Thirteen Demon Kings?"
Nyx nodded, his glowing eyes dimming slightly as if recalling a painful memory. "Long ago, the demon realm was ruled by thirteen kings, each representing a different aspect of darkness. I was the first among them, the master of shadows. But the others... they grew jealous of my power. They feared me because I opposed their desire to conquer both the demon and human realms. I believed in balance, in coexistence. They believed in domination."
Kael's mind raced as he processed Nyx's words. "So, what happened?"
Nyx's expression darkened, his cute demeanor giving way to something far more sinister. "They betrayed me. Stripped me of my power and banished me to the void between realms. But I am not so easily destroyed. I lingered, waiting for the right moment to return. And now, thanks to you, I have."
Kael took a step back, his daggers still raised. "Thanks to me? What are you talking about?"
Nyx floated closer, his tiny hand reaching out to touch the tattoo on Kael's back. Kael flinched but didn't pull away. "This mark," Nyx said, "is the symbol of the Shadow Dominion, the power I once wielded. When you defeated that demon earlier, you awakened it. And in doing so, you became my vessel."
Kael's heart pounded in his chest. "Your vessel? I didn't agree to this."
Nyx smirked, his blue eyes glinting with amusement. "You didn't have to. The shadows chose you, Kael. They saw your hatred, your determination, your unyielding will. You are the perfect host for my power."
Kael's mind was a whirlwind of emotions—anger, confusion, and a flicker of hope. He had spent his entire life powerless, and now, he had the chance to become something more. But at what cost?
"What do you want from me?" he asked, his voice steady despite the storm raging inside him.
Nyx's expression softened, the dangerous edge in his aura fading slightly. "I want what you want, Kael. Revenge. The demon kings who betrayed me are still out there, ruling over the demon realm and plotting their next move. Together, we can destroy them. But first, you need to grow stronger. Much stronger."
Kael lowered his daggers, his mind racing. "And how do you expect me to do that?"
Nyx floated back, his tiny arms crossed over his chest. "By following the path laid out before you. The Shadow Interface will guide you, but it's up to you to seize the opportunities it presents."
As if on cue, the translucent screen of the Shadow Interface appeared in front of Kael.
---
**New Quest:**
**Join the Demon Hunter Association**
- **Objective:** Become a member of the Demon Hunter Association to gain training and resources.
- **Reward:** +3 Strength, +3 Agility, New Ability Unlocked.
---
Kael stared at the screen, his resolve hardening. The Demon Hunter Association was a well-known organization dedicated to combating demon threats. It was a place where he could hone his skills and gain the strength he needed to face the demon kings.
But before he could say anything, Nyx's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Oh, and one more thing."
The small demon king floated over to the old television in the corner of the room and flicked it on with a wave of his hand. The screen crackled to life, showing a news broadcast.
"Breaking news!" the anchor announced. "The prestigious *Eclipsion Academy*, located in the heart of *Academy City: Lumina*, has announced the dates for its annual entrance exam. This world-renowned institution, which only accepts the most talented individuals with unique powers, will be holding its exams in one month. Aspiring students are encouraged to prepare, as competition is expected to be fierce."
Kael's eyes widened as he watched the broadcast. Eclipsion Academy was the pinnacle of power and prestige, a place where the strongest and most gifted individuals trained to become the next generation of leaders and warriors. It was a dream he had long since abandoned, knowing that his lack of a unique power made him ineligible.
But now... things were different.
Nyx floated back to Kael, a sly smile on his face. "Looks like you've got your work cut out for you. But don't worry, I'll be with you every step of the way."
Kael clenched his fists, a fire igniting in his chest. For the first time in his life, he felt a sense of purpose, a clear path forward. He would join the Demon Hunter Association, train harder than ever, and prove himself worthy of Eclipsion Academy. And then, he would take the fight to the demon kings.
"Alright, Nyx," Kael said, his voice firm. "Let's do this."
Nyx's eyes gleamed with approval. "That's the spirit. But remember, Kael—this is just the beginning. The road ahead will be long and treacherous. Are you ready to walk it?"
Kael's gaze hardened, his abyss-like eyes reflecting the flames of his determination. "I was born ready."
---
**To Be Continued…**