Bang. Thud. Rumble.
A violent, ear-splitting noise tore through the air like thunder crashing down from the heavens. A wave of warmth and suffocation swept in, thick with tension. Fireflies lit the air like fallen stars as evening descended.
Footsteps echoed—measured, calm, commanding.
From the distance emerged a tall, slender figure cloaked in hues of burning orange. Loose, braided black hair draped over one shoulder, half his face veiled with a matching cloth. Only his eyes—fierce yet strangely innocent—shone through, sharp and hypnotic. His presence was both haunting and magnetic, the kind that made the air hold its breath.
"I welcome you back, my dear," came a deep, graceful voice as Kenji Huang stepped into the grand Superior Temple of Guardians.
Nothing had changed—the same golden jade floors, the same towering throne belonging to the Empress Guardian.
Bang!
Another deafening crash resounded with each step Kenji took. Guardians around him winced, some clutching their ears, others trembling at the overwhelming energy. The only one who remained composed was the Guardian Empress, seated with one hand resting calmly on the hilt of her ceremonial sword.
Unfazed, Kenji walked forward and bowed deeply before her.
The Empress rose and gently placed a hand on his arm, lifting him.
"The Superior Temple has been dreadfully dull without you, bearer of fireflies. Now that you're back, I trust you've reflected on your past transgressions. I've summoned this assembly for your return," she announced, then returned to her throne.
Kenji bowed again. "Yes, Your Majesty. I'm honored to return."
"It has been 980 years since your banishment. Much has changed in your absence. New Guardians have risen. I hope harmony can be restored." The empress's voice poise and calm as she delivered her sentence.
A murmur ran through the assembly. Eyes turned to Kenji—some anxious, others cold. Whispers buzzed like hornets in the air.
"I ask Guardian Huang to introduce himself to those unfamiliar with him," said the Empress.
With a calm gaze, Kenji faced the crowd—men and women elegant in stature, yet stiff with unease. He bowed once more.
"I am Kenji Huang, former Guardian of the Gods of War and Death, ruler of the Western Territory. I hope to work in peace with those appointed during my absence."
Tension rippled through the room, but none dared respond.
The Empress rose. "Let this be a day of renewed unity. I expect everyone to interact freely and welcome our returning guardian."
As she exited, silence filled the hall—until a warm, clear voice broke through.
"Welcome back, Your Honor," said a tall woman emerging from the crowd, her smile radiant. She was dressed in robes of white and gold, her presence a soothing contrast to the room's unease. "I'm Chao Xing, Guardian of the Southern Gods of Wealth and Love."
Kenji turned to her. "Greetings, Your Honor Chao Xing. How may I assist you?"
"No assistance needed," she replied, laughing lightly. "Just a chat, if you have time."
Gasps spread through the room. Chao Xing, beloved and aloof, had never sought out company so casually—let alone from Kenji, the infamous 'Sinister Fall.'
With a courteous nod, Kenji gestured for her to lead the way.
They walked in silence until they reached the ruins of what once was Chao Xing's palace—now reduced to rubble and ash.
Kenji exhaled. "I sincerely apologize. My moniker isn't without reason—Sinister Fall, Bringer of Misery, Walking Calamity. Wherever I go, ruin follows. This time, it seems your palace bore the curse. I'll make amends."
But Chao Xing simply smiled, her presence radiating calm. "Oh, no need for apologies. I just wanted to make sure you were aware. Also… I'd like us to be friends."
Kenji blinked in surprise.
Few would ever approach him. Fewer still would speak so openly. And no one, not in 980 years, had offered him friendship.
"Friends?" he asked, incredulous.
She extended a hand with a playful grin. "Yes. Just friends."
He stared at her hand, then back at her face. Slowly, he placed his hand in hers.
"It's an honor," he said.
"No need for such formality! Honestly, it's suffocating," Chao Xing joked, waving off the stiffness.
Kenji smirked. "No—it's just my energy. Suffocating, intense, unsettling...."
"Oh! Yes. I remember now—your energy was described as overwhelming, mysterious, and magnetic in the scroll," she said with a chuckle.
"Friendship's new to me," Kenji admitted. "Back then, even before I was banished, I was an outcast. A dominating one, maybe, but still."
"I thought so," Chao Xing nodded. "The way everyone speaks of you—it's like they feared you, but were also obsessed with you. Jealous, maybe."
Their conversation was cut short by tremors rumbling beneath their feet. They rushed toward the source.
Before them stood another palace in ruins, and in its midst, a Guardian radiating fury—his fists clenched, breath heavy.
As the presence of Kenji and Chao Xing grew near, the man turned. His face was sharp and beautiful, dressed in green robes and adorned with a gleaming necklace. Rage softened into forced politeness.
"I greet you," he said, bowing. "I am Shen. Chao Xing, what brings you here with… Guardian Huang?"
Chao Xing stepped forward. "We felt the tremors and came to investigate."
"My apologies," Shen muttered. "My anger got the best of me. My palace—it's the third time this has happened."
"Same with mine," Chao Xing replied cheerfully, patting his shoulder. "You really need to work on that temper."
Kenji simply stood watching—his return stirring far more than old dust and gossip.