The ground trembled under Kael's slow steps.
Each step brought him closer to the cursed valley — where no man had ever returned.
The sky darkened above An'Raku. Red clouds, heavy with sand, swirled as if the desert itself was holding its breath.
At the top of the dune, the caravan watched in silence. No one dared follow.
The old man dropped to his knees, eyes fixed on the lone figure.
> "That boy… he is no human… He's a curse in human flesh…"
---
In the valley, the wind had vanished.
A black mist slowly rose from the burning sand. Then, a scream.
A scream that was anything but human.
The Sand Demon.
A massive beast burst from the ground, made of fangs, rusted chains, and blood-colored scales. Its eyes glowed a sickly yellow.
Kael stopped.
The monster rose, taller than a building, and roared to the sky.
But the boy did not flinch.
He slowly unsheathed his katana. The thin black blade vibrated with a high-pitched hum — almost alive.
Then he whispered:
> "I was born without fear.
Without anger.
Without love.
I was born to do what no one else can."
The demon charged.
The ground exploded beneath it.
Kael closed his eyes… and vanished.
A black flash split the air.
When the dust settled, Kael stood behind the beast. Sword in hand. Motionless.
The demon let out a piercing howl. A deep slash ran across its chest. The sand drank its black blood.
---
On the cliff, the hooded figure clenched the medallion in his hand.
A raspy voice whispered:
> "He has awakened the Golden Star… The ancient blood still flows."
---
Kael sheathed his sword without a word.
The Sand Demon fell to its knees… then collapsed, raising a storm of ash.
The boy looked up to the red sky.
> "This was only the beginning.
If the ancient pacts are truly broken… then the world will tremble."
And without looking back, he walked on through the dunes, alone.
But in the shadows, many eyes were watching.
For the heir of the forgotten clan… had just reminded the world…
that legends were not dead.