Time flowed again, the frozen world returning to its chaotic rhythm. The masked captain's blade swung toward Kael, but before it could strike, a red-black aura erupted around the boy. It surged like a living storm, coiling and twisting, pushing the captain backward with the sheer force of its power.
Both Kael and the masked man froze, eyes wide, hearts pounding. The aura was unlike anything they had ever felt—overwhelming, impossible, terrifyingly powerful. The man staggered as if the world itself were pushing against him.
Then, in the blink of an eye, a figure appeared behind Kael.
He was tall, black hair streaked with red at the edges, flowing like fire in the wind. His armor was black and silver, polished yet dark, each plate carved with subtle runes that glimmered faintly. Both hands gripped dual swords, their edges gleaming like cold lightning. Majestic. Deadly.
Kael staggered backward, jaw dropping. "Who… who are you?!"
The figure's eyes glowed gold, calm but piercing. "What do you mean? I am… Maverick."
Kael's hands flew to his head. "Maverick?! How… how did you… turn into a man?"
Maverick smirked faintly, dual swords resting lightly across his shoulders. "I will explain later. First, let us finish this."
The masked captain's thoughts raced, panic creeping in for the first time. He… he is too strong. I cannot defeat him. I must… I must report this. I need to retreat…
But before he could move, Maverick vanished in a flash of crimson and black, appearing directly in front of him. "You running?" he said, voice calm but deadly.
The captain swung his sword, but Maverick's movements were a blur. He dodged every attack effortlessly, flowing like water, striking like fire. Each movement of the dual swords left afterimages in the air, cutting wind and light alike.
Frustration and fear hardened in the captain's chest. He summoned his ultimate strike—the "Crimson Oblivion." A wave of red energy exploded from his blade, consuming the air and shattering stone.
Maverick raised his swords, eyes cold and focused. With a single, precise slash, he cut through the attack. The energy disintegrated mid-air. But the slash didn't stop there—it cleaved the building behind the captain, splitting walls and roofs in two. The mountain behind them trembled, cracks snaking along the rock face.
Kael staggered backward, mouth open in awe. "Impossible…"
The captain's blood splattered, his armor torn, and his body sliced in two from the slash. One half fell to the ground, the other hanging in midair for a heartbeat before joining the ruin below.
Kael's crimson aura flared uncontrollably, mingling with Maverick's presence. The young boy's eyes were wide with shock and wonder.
Kael staggered back, awe and fear mixing in his chest. "Maverick… what… what was that?"
Maverick sheathed his swords lightly, glancing at Kael. "You see now… how far you have to go."
The scene shifted.
A dark room, lit only by faint crimson candles. Shadows clung to every corner. At the center, a massive round table sat six figures, faces hidden beneath hoods.
One by one, they stood, a ripple of surprise crossing their movements. "Impossible…" one whispered, their voice low and incredulous.
Behind them, atop a throne shrouded in darkness, sat a figure emanating immense power. Even from the shadows, his presence pressed down like a storm.
"So… he finally shows himself," the figure said in a voice that seemed to come from everywhere at once, dark and commanding.
Maverick's senses flared. The moment he felt the presence, his eyes narrowed. He noticed me…
The air grew heavy. Even Kael, though far below, would sense the weight of what had just been awakened. Something greater than even the masked captain had taken notice.
And the game… had only just begun.