The bells of Valdorium tolled thrice. Their deep, resonant clang shook through the city, sending soldiers rushing to the barracks and mages to their posts.
Rihan stood at the heart of the courtyard, his newly-forged black and silver armor gleaming under the morning sun. Across his chest burned the sigil of the Flame — proof that he had been chosen.
Elira adjusted her bowstring beside him, while Kael gripped his sword, its edge still nicked from their last battle. The two exchanged glances, but said nothing.
Because today was not like other days. Today, the Champion led them.
---
⚔️ The Mission
Grandmaster Thalros descended the stairs of the council hall, his crimson robes trailing like spilled blood. His stern eyes locked on Rihan.
"South of Valdorium," Thalros intoned, "a border village lies in ruin. Reports speak of shadow creatures, far stronger than ordinary beasts. The council suspects cult influence."
He paused, letting his words sink in.
"This mission falls to you, Rihan. Consider it your first duty as Champion. Lead. Protect. Survive."
The soldiers gathered around the courtyard banged their spears in salute.
Rihan tightened his grip on his sword. A part of him thrilled at the honor. Another part whispered that this was no ordinary mission — that the council was watching every step.
"I'll bring them back," Rihan said, his voice firm. "All of them."
---
🛡️ March of the Flame
The journey south was long, the road twisting through forests where shadows clung to the trees like hungry hands.
At night, the campfire flickered while Kael sharpened his blade.
"You feel it too, don't you?" Kael muttered.
Rihan glanced at him. "The air. It's… heavier."
"Not just the air," Kael said, eyes narrowing. "It's like we're being followed."
Elira, sitting on a log with her bow across her lap, spoke softly.
"Not followed. Watched."
Her words silenced them both. Because she was right.
---
🌑 The Village of Silence
When they arrived, the border village was deathly quiet. Houses half-burned. Doors left swinging open. Not a single voice.
Rihan's heart sank.
"This wasn't just an attack… this was a message."
A rustle broke the silence. From the shadows between two houses, a shape emerged. Then another. And another.
Dozens of creatures crawled into view, their skin like tar, their mouths splitting wider than any human jaw. Their eyes glowed faint violet.
Elira gasped.
"These aren't ordinary shades. They're bound… controlled."
Kael raised his sword.
"Then let's cut their strings."
---
🔥 The First Clash
The beasts lunged all at once. Rihan's blade flashed, flames trailing its edge as he cleaved through the first. Black ichor sprayed across the ground, sizzling where it touched.
Kael fought at his side, his strikes brutal, each swing breaking through bone and shadow alike. Elira's arrows cut through the dark, each one bursting into light as it struck a creature's core.
But for every monster they felled, two more rose.
Sweat burned down Rihan's brow. His chest heaved, his grip tightening. Something about these creatures was wrong.
They're not dying. They're feeding off the shadows.
A guttural roar split the night. From the center of the village, a massive beast emerged — towering twice as high as the rest, its arms like tree trunks, its chest marked with a glowing serpent sigil.
Elira's voice shook.
"That… that's Draemir's mark."
---
⚡ Awakening
The monster charged, slamming its fist into the ground. The impact sent Rihan flying into a broken wall. Pain lanced through his ribs, but he forced himself back up.
The villagers' screams echoed in his ears — not from the present, but from memory, the night he lost his own world. Rage flared, bright and consuming.
His sword ignited, flames spiraling up its length until it roared like a living inferno.
"I won't let it happen again."
He charged. Each strike was faster, heavier, flames cutting deep into the beast's shadow flesh. It bellowed in pain, the serpent sigil flickering.
Kael and Elira fought at his side, covering his blind spots, pushing him forward. Together, they drove the monster to its knees.
With a final roar, Rihan plunged his blade into its chest. The serpent sigil shattered, and the beast dissolved into smoke.
---
🕯️ The Unseen Eyes
The village fell silent once more. Only the crackle of fire remained.
Rihan wiped the sweat from his brow, chest heaving. His armor was cracked, his blade scorched, but he still stood.
Kael clapped him on the shoulder. "Not bad, Champion."
Elira's smile was faint, but real. "You did what you promised. You brought us back."
But as Rihan looked at the ashes where the beast had fallen, unease twisted in his gut.
That serpent mark… Draemir knew I'd be here.
Far away, hidden beyond the veil, a pair of violet eyes watched him through the shadows. Lyra's whisper carried faint on the wind.
"…You've grown stronger, Rihan. But will it be enough?"