Rebirth of the Crimson Soul
Chapter 9: Crimson Eyes in the Dark
The storm didn't pass by morning—it deepened.
Thunder cracked the sky, shaking the walls of the cottage. Brann paced near the fire, tense, his hand never straying far from the hilt of his blade.
"They're here," he growled.
Alex jolted. "Already?"
Lyra entered from the back room, staff in hand, cloak wrapped tight. "I felt it too. A ripple. Like the world held its breath."
> [System Alert]
Soulfire Pulse Detected: Unknown entity triggered aura scan
Warning: You are being watched
Tracking Skill Not Available
Status: Concealment failing — leave zone immediately
"We have to move," she said.
Brann grabbed a satchel and threw Alex his sword. "Too late to run quiet. They know what's here now. You want to live? Then fight like hell."
Outside, the forest was black and alive.
Trees groaned. The rain was cold and sharp like knives.
And then—they appeared.
Three figures in crimson cloaks, faces hidden by polished bone masks. No words. Just presence. Oppressive. Magical.
One stepped forward, voice hollow beneath the mask.
"Subject identified. Code designation: 'Unbound Soul.' Surrender or be purged."
Alex tightened his grip on the sword. "Not happening."
The masked figure raised its hand.
A blast of dark fire surged toward him.
Lyra jumped in front—staff glowing as she screamed a warding spell. The flames struck her shield, cracking it—but she held.
Alex moved—fast. Faster than he should've.
> [Soulfire Link Activated]
Sync Rate: 96%
Reflex Boost: +4
Flameheart Overdrive (Temporary): Magic synergy enabled
He closed the gap and slashed at the first figure. The blow struck—but it didn't cut deep. Bloodless. The body writhed and reformed.
"A construct," Lyra gasped. "These aren't real mages—they're shells."
Brann hurled an axe into one, severing its arm. "Means their master's close. Very close."
Alex turned—eyes darting through the woods.
And then he saw him.
Far beyond the others, on a ridge, a tall figure in darker crimson. No mask. Pale skin. Long black hair. Eyes glowing red.
The aura around him was like gravity—thick, choking, ancient.
"That's no shell," Alex said quietly.
"No," Brann agreed grimly. "That's a Crimson Hunter."
> [New Entity Detected]
Name: Valtheran the Blood-Seeker
Rank: High Enforcer
Power Estimate: Lethal
Status: Observing — Not Engaged
Objective: Unknown
"Why isn't he attacking?" Lyra whispered.
Alex clenched his jaw. "He's measuring me."
And then, for just a second, Valtheran's voice echoed directly in Alex's mind.
> "Grow, little flame. Struggle. When you burn bright enough… I'll come to snuff you out myself."
Alex staggered, clutching his head. Lyra caught him.
"They're leaving," Brann said suddenly.
The shell constructs turned and vanished into the trees like ghosts. And Valtheran? Gone—like mist.
Silence returned.
But nothing felt safe anymore.
---
That night, they didn't speak much.
Alex sat by the fire, sword across his lap, staring into the flames.
Lyra approached quietly, kneeling beside him.
"You were brave," she whispered.
"No. I was terrified."
"That's what bravery is."
She kissed him again—gentle this time. No heat. Just comfort.
And that was what he needed most.
> [Soulfire Link: 97% Synced]
Bond Strength: Deepening
Quest Updated: Crimson Hunt Begins