The morning sun barely pierced through the thick clouds above Altheria's northern village. Smoke still lingered from the previous day's battle, and the villagers were busy repairing their homes.
Ren walked through the streets, his hands casually in his pockets, observing the repairs. Lyra walked beside him, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.
— "Ren… are you sure it's safe for you to stay here?" she asked.
Ren's lips curled into a faint smirk.
— "Safe? That's boring. No, I prefer to let things get interesting."
Before Lyra could protest, a loud roar echoed from the edge of the village. The ground trembled slightly. Villagers screamed and scattered as a massive shadow beast emerged from the forest. Its glowing eyes scanned the village, teeth bared.
Lyra drew her sword.
— "Ren! We have to stop it!"
Ren tilted his head, casually stepping forward. His eyes glowed faintly as shadows stretched from his feet, crawling along the ground toward the beast.
— "Time to test a bit more…" he muttered.
He raised his hands, and the shadows around him formed black blades and chains, moving with terrifying precision. With a flick, a massive shadow whip shot out, entangling the beast and pinning it in place.
Seris arrived at the scene, her silver hair flowing as she drew dual daggers.
— "Impressive," she said, eyes wide. "I didn't think he'd be this strong…"
Ren's lips curved into a small grin.
— "Most don't realize the shadows are smarter than the average fighter."
Lyra charged at the beast's flank, slicing at its glowing limbs. The beast roared, thrashing wildly, but Ren's shadows adapted instantly, predicting every movement.
As the villagers watched in awe, the black energy surrounding Ren shimmered slightly, giving him a godlike aura. Even Seris and Lyra couldn't hide their fascination.
— "You… are not just strong," Lyra muttered.
— "Dangerously strong," Seris added.
Ren looked down at them, calm and collected, yet enjoying the tiny flicker of fear and awe in their eyes.
— "Exactly. That's why I work from the shadows. Let them see what they need… but never all of it."
With one final motion, the shadow chains constricted around the beast, and a surge of black energy consumed it. When the smoke cleared, the beast was gone, leaving only the trembling villagers behind.
Lyra and Seris exchanged glances. Both knew they had just witnessed something far beyond a normal adventurer's skill.
Ren, meanwhile, smirked quietly. Perfect. Let them think the heroes are out there… they don't even know I exist.