The dimly lit chamber reeked of power and malice. The air itself felt heavy, saturated with the aura of those who resided within. At the center of the room stood a tall man clad in black armor, his presence dominating. His sharp, angular face was shrouded by a hood, and his piercing, blood-red eyes glowed faintly in the darkness. He was Black Dagger, the leader of the three who had betrayed Razork.
The Master entered the room, his steps hesitant. Despite his reputation for cruelty and power, his demeanor was different now—subdued and cautious. His eyes flickered nervously as he glanced at the two figures standing silently beside Black Dagger.
One was a towering brute, covered in scars, his hulking frame radiating raw strength. The other was a woman draped in flowing crimson robes, her face hidden behind an intricate mask. Her aura was sinister, and her presence exuded a cold, unyielding control.
"Master," Black Dagger said, his voice calm but carrying an edge that made even the strongest tremble. "You have returned. I assume you bring good news."
The Master hesitated, his head bowing slightly. "Zarvok is dead," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Razork's son, Kael, defeated him."
The silence that followed was deafening. Black Dagger's expression darkened as he stepped forward, his shadow stretching across the room. The brute and the woman remained motionless, their eyes locked on the Master.
"You mean to tell me," Black Dagger began, his voice low and menacing, "that not only have you failed to eliminate Razork, but now his son has awakened a power that even Zarvok couldn't overcome?"
The Master dropped to his knees, his head bowing lower. "I... I didn't anticipate the boy's strength. It was... unprecedented."
Black Dagger's lips curled into a snarl. In a blur of motion, he was in front of the Master, his hand clamping around his neck. He lifted the Master off the ground effortlessly, his grip tightening.
"You didn't anticipate it?" Black Dagger growled, his voice dripping with venom. "You were given one task: eliminate Razork and his bloodline. And not only have you failed, but you've allowed them to grow stronger!"
The Master clawed at Black Dagger's hand, gasping for air. "Please... forgive me... I won't fail again..."
Black Dagger tightened his grip, his expression cold and unrelenting. The other two figures exchanged glances but remained silent, watching the scene unfold without a hint of emotion.
"Forgiveness?" Black Dagger said mockingly. "You dare ask for forgiveness after this humiliation?" He slammed the Master into the ground with a force that cracked the stone beneath him. The Master coughed violently, blood dripping from his mouth.
Black Dagger knelt beside him, his voice lowering to a deadly whisper. "Listen to me carefully. This is your final chance. You will eliminate Razork and his sons, or I will personally end you. Do you understand?"
The Master nodded frantically, his fear evident in his trembling. "Yes... yes, I understand."
Black Dagger stood, brushing off his hands as if the entire exchange had been nothing more than a minor inconvenience. He turned to the brute and the woman.
"The time has come for us to act," he said, his tone commanding. "Razork and his sons are growing stronger, but they are still vulnerable. We must strike before they become unstoppable."
The brute grunted in agreement, his massive fists clenching. "I'll crush them. Just say the word."
The woman tilted her head, her voice soft but icy. "Patience is key. If we rush, we risk losing everything. Let the Master prove his worth first."
Black Dagger nodded. "You're right, as always. The Master will lead the next strike. But this time, we will ensure he has the tools he needs to succeed."
He turned back to the Master, his expression as cold as ever. "Do not disappoint me again. If you do, there will be no mercy."
The Master scrambled to his feet, his body shaking. "I won't fail, Black Dagger. I swear it."
Black Dagger waved him off, his attention already shifting. As the Master hurried out of the room, the brute and the woman stepped closer to Black Dagger.
"Do you think he'll succeed?" the brute asked, his deep voice rumbling.
"No," Black Dagger replied simply. "But that doesn't matter. Whether he succeeds or fails, we will use the chaos to our advantage. Razork and his sons will fall, one way or another."
The woman chuckled softly. "And when they do, nothing will stand in our way."
Black Dagger's lips curled into a wicked smile. "Exactly. Let the game begin."