The ruins of Eldrin had become Kael's domain. His army now consisted of wraith-knights and the feral Shadow Hounds, but it was only the beginning.
Seated atop a crumbling throne in the heart of the ruins, Kael analyzed his next move. The first Abyssal Relic was still buried somewhere beneath this forsaken kingdom. If he could claim it, his power would grow exponentially.
Vaelros floated nearby, his form flickering uneasily. "My lord, there is… a problem."
Kael's gaze darkened. "Speak."
The wraith bowed its head. "The Divine Order has learned of our presence. A battalion of holy knights is marching toward Eldrin. Their leader is Inquisitor Aric Velian—a man notorious for hunting down abyssal remnants."
Kael's fingers drummed against the armrest of his throne. The Divine Order. Those who had betrayed him in his past life.
A smirk tugged at his lips. "So they come to kill a ghost?" He rose to his feet, his black cloak billowing behind him. "Let them try."
—
The March of the Inquisitor
Outskirts of Eldrin
Aric Velian rode at the head of his battalion, his golden armor gleaming under the morning sun. Behind him, a hundred elite knights advanced in tight formation, their banners fluttering in the wind.
The land they approached was lifeless. Cursed. Even the air felt wrong.
One of his knights, a young man named Cedric, hesitated. "Sir, are we certain this is not just another false alarm? The Abyss was purged centuries ago."
Aric's jaw tightened. "No." His blue eyes burned with conviction. "The darkness has returned. I can feel it."
Then, as if answering his words, a deep, bone-chilling howl echoed from the ruins ahead.
The knights froze.
The howl was not human. Nor was it from any beast of the natural world.
Something ancient had awakened.
Aric's grip tightened around his sword. "Prepare for battle."
—
The Tyrant's Response
Ruins of Eldrin
Kael stood atop the ruined castle walls, watching as the Divine Order's forces approached. One hundred knights, heavily armed, trained to kill creatures like him.
Beside him, the Shadow Hound Alpha growled, eyes fixed on the invaders.
Kael exhaled slowly. He could wipe them out with sheer force, but that was not enough. He wanted to send a message.
He turned to Vaelros. "Gather the wraith-knights. The hunt begins."
Vaelros bowed and disappeared into the mist.
Kael's crimson eyes gleamed. He would not wait for them to strike first.
Tonight, the Divine Order would learn fear.