The End of the Battle in the Dark
Skotadi stood unmoving, dark flames twisting around him, forming jagged armor that seemed to absorb the very light of the forest. Each ember pulsed like a heartbeat, cold and suffocating. His gaze, steady and unyielding, pierced the chaos.
"Let's end this," he said, voice flat but cutting through the storm of fire and shadow.
Igetis' Phoenix Soul blazed, wings of flame bursting from his back as he lunged forward. His blade arced through the air, leaving a streak of heat. "You don't stand a chance," he shouted, voice fierce. "This fight is about strength! And you… you're weaker than you think!"
The clash of fire and darkness ripped through the trees. Sparks hissed and danced in the rain-slicked air, the impact vibrating through Igetis' arms. His flames met Skotadi's shadows, twisting and writhing like living things. Still, unease gnawed at him.
Why is he fighting like this? Igetis' mind spun even as he struck. Curiosity? Testing me? Or something else…? His sword swung, slicing through smoke and ember, yet Skotadi barely flinched. He's not a simple enemy. If he weren't a Chaos Seeker… maybe this would be a duel, not a war. Maybe we could've been allies.
A thought flickered and died. Danger snapped him back to the present.
"Don't overthink in battle," Skotadi said, his voice cutting like a blade through the roar of flames.
Igetis gritted his teeth. "Then I'll take this seriously!" His sword glowed red-hot, phoenix fire crawling up his arms. "You're holding back! What's your goal, Skotadi?"
Skotadi's lips curved into a faint smirk. Shadows leapt from him, wrapping into a dark cocoon that shimmered with cruel amusement. "Why are you holding back, Igetis? I have no reason to use my full power against someone not serious. Why do you hide yours?"
Blades and flames collided in a rhythm of sparks and shadows. Every swing, every burst of energy, met Skotadi's counters. Yet it wasn't a fight—it was a test, a game. Igetis felt it: Skotadi was watching him, learning, probing, amused by his struggle. What is he after? Why is he so calm?
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, silent as a whisper, a chill cutting across the battlefield.
Igetis froze. "You… you were with the shadows Theo and Evangeline faced."
Skotadi chuckled, a dark, low sound that seemed to devour the light around him. "He's skilled—hiding, scheming, running. Perfect assets for someone like me."
Igetis' grip on his sword tightened, knuckles white. "You never stop, do you?"
The shadow stepped closer, hand resting lightly on Skotadi's shoulder. Voice calm, almost bored, he said, "Let's go."
Skotadi didn't resist. He stepped back, fading into the darkness without a trace of frustration. Rage was absent, as if losing was irrelevant. Why doesn't he care about winning?
Before disappearing entirely, Skotadi glanced at Igetis, eyes locking with his. "Losing… it's part of the process. Trying, failing, learning… until I reach my goal. That's how I fight."
Then the shadows swallowed him, leaving Igetis alone in the wet, burning forest.
Igetis stayed motionless, chest heaving, sword heavy in his hands. The echoes of battle dimmed, replaced by a suffocating silence. His mind raced, trying to piece together the enigma that was Skotadi.
So this is the end…? A fleeting fight, but it revealed nothing. He's more than a warrior… something else. And I still don't know what drives him. I've been lazy in my investigation—he knows more than I thought.
Theo and Evangeline appeared beside him, their expressions grave.
"Let's go," Theo said firmly. "We need to report to the Sages. The barrier kept the black fire hidden."
Igetis shook his head, resolve hardening. "No."
Theo's brow furrowed. "What do you mean, 'no'? We have to report."
Igetis met their eyes, unwavering. "Not this time. I'll explain later. Not everything needs their control."
The two exchanged a glance, surprise flashing. "What?"
"I don't trust them. You'll understand when the time comes," Igetis said, final. "We're not reporting this."
Theo opened his mouth to argue, but Evangeline pressed a hand to his arm, her gaze softening slightly, yet sharp. "You know the risks, right?"
Igetis nodded, shadows under his eyes. "I do. But sometimes, following their rules isn't the answer."
Theo frowned, asking how they'd hide it. Evangeline's lips curved into a faint smile. "The Sages' meeting is almost over. They'll head to the Colosseum after."
A few days later at The Colosseum
The Colosseum throbbed with the roar of thousands. Shouts collided like thunder, anticipation thick in the air. At the center, the referee's voice pierced the chaos.
"The Sages are here to witness the fighters' glory!"
A wave of recognition rippled through the crowd. Warriors readied themselves, weapons flashing under torchlight, hearts pounding with determination.
But one knight, crimson hair catching the flames, stood apart. Fatigue weighed on his posture, his eyes distant amidst the frenzy.
A Sage, sharp and calculating, turned toward him. "You were absent from our meeting, Nikos, Adonis, and Dinos."
The three stiffened. Nikos' red eyes flicked between his companions. Adonis, sleek black hair, composed. Dinos, wild-haired, tense.
Adonis spoke first, calm. "We were patrolling the city as usual."
The Sage's gaze lingered, faint smile curling.
Liar.
Unspoken, yet palpable.
Finally, he nodded. "You look tired. Rest after the match."
Other Sages relaxed, casual, almost ordinary.
Nikos wasn't fooled. His eyes darted between them, instincts screaming. Lips parted. "Shadows…"
Adonis reacted instantly, gripping Nikos' shoulder. Dinos covered his mouth. Silence held, the moment fragile. Had the Sages seen?
The match began, the crowd drowning out the brief exchange. Yet Nikos knew—one slip, one word, could shatter everything.