The Shadow World—
a realm where light had long since perished. Everywhere lay darkness, land littered with ruins, broken fortresses, and crumbling towers. The sky held no stars, only a heavy haze of ash and mist. The air itself felt poisoned, as though each breath carried venom into the body.
In one forsaken corner of this world, an anomaly stirred. A sudden surge of shadow energy began to gather, as if some unseen force were pulling it together. At first, it was a small sphere—then it grew, swelling into a massive orb of dark flame. The sphere trembled, pulsing with energy, before exploding outward with a thunderous crack.
When the smoke cleared, something new stood in its place—
a being of pure shadow.
It slowly rose to its feet. Its body was wrapped in black haze, and its eyes burned like violet fire. The creature looked down at itself, then at the devastated world around. Confusion and dread swirled in its heart.
Unknown Shadow Entity: "Who… who am I? What is this place? Why can't I remember anything?"
It began to walk, unsure, searching for answers. Everywhere it looked, destruction greeted it—broken statues, torn banners, shattered weapons. It was as if a great war had been fought here, and its scars were still fresh.
Then, in the distance, it noticed a figure. Someone was waiting—standing still amid the haze. The entity approached cautiously, every step echoing on the cracked ground. The figure raised his head, eyes glowing faintly.
Dremal: "At last… you've arrived. I've been waiting for you for a long time."
Unknown Entity: "Who are you? And why were you waiting for me?"
Dremal (smiling faintly): "I am Dremal, a Shadow Warrior. And you… you are one too. Your name is Valnor. We are both born of the same shadow essence. But I stand here under Soryth's command—to test your worth."
Valnor's mind reeled. No memories, no identity—only a name, gifted by a stranger. Before he could reply, Dremal's voice hardened.
Dremal (annoyed): "Enough talk. Let the fight begin!"
He lunged forward, a shadow-spear in hand. Valnor reacted instinctively, summoning a blade of shadow from his arm. Steel-like shadows clashed, the sound like thunder across the dead plains.
The battle began.
Dremal's strikes were controlled, almost friendly—but they carried undeniable weight. Valnor, however, fought with desperation. His blows were wild, charged with anger, confusion, and the need to prove his existence.
Spear and sword met again and again, sparks of darkness scattering into the air. Dremal's movements were precise, calm. Valnor stumbled often, but his will refused to break. Blow after blow, he pressed on, until at last a surge of rage pushed him forward. His blade shattered Dremal's spear, forcing the warrior to his knees.
Valnor stood over him, chest heaving.
Valnor: "Now… where do I go?"
Dremal (smiling through exhaustion): "Head east. There, you'll find Korvax. He awaits you."
Valnor turned and walked eastward. Hours passed. The world around him seemed endless—ruins stretching as far as the eye could see. Finally, he saw another warrior sitting calmly on a stone, surrounded by a faint blaze of shadowfire.
Korvax.
Korvax (chuckling): "So, the child has arrived."
Valnor: "I'm not here to talk. Let's fight."
Korvax: "So impatient. Very well—if you insist."
Valnor charged recklessly, blade flashing. Korvax didn't move much—he blocked, dodged, let Valnor's fury wash over him. Valnor grew frustrated. Every swing of his sword felt wasted against the calm, mocking defense of Korvax.
Then, in a blur, Korvax struck. His weapon slammed against Valnor's guard, breaking through. Valnor was hurled back, blood dripping from his brow. Yet Korvax did not press his advantage. He simply stood, smiling.
Valnor (shouting): "Fight like a true warrior!"
Korvax (laughing): "To you, this is a battle. To me… it's only a game."
Their clash raged on. Valnor, wounded yet relentless, pushed harder and harder until his blade finally broke through. Korvax staggered, dropping to one knee.
Valnor: "Tell me—where is Soryth? I will face him."
Korvax laughed loudly, raising his arm and pointing eastward.
Valnor set out once more, his thoughts uneasy.
Why is everyone fighting me as if in play? Why do they test me, instead of ending me?
As he walked, he spotted two more figures in the distance. They hadn't seen him yet. He crouched low, listening.
Ryvek: "Another nuisance has been born. Fighting these things bores me now."
Althar: "Whether we enjoy it or not, we must fight. This new one will be weak anyway. He is, after all, the last of the Shadow Warriors."
Ryvek (smirking): "Right."
Althar (suddenly tense): "Wait… someone's here. Hide!"
They vanished into the bushes. Moments later, Valnor walked past, scanning the wasteland.
Valnor (calling out): "If you want to fight, do it openly! Like true warriors!"
Suddenly—
CRACK!
Ryvek struck him from behind, sending him to the ground.
Ryvek (mocking): "Is that so?"
Althar (firmly): "Remember, we fight in a friendly way."
Ryvek (snarling): "Don't you dare teach me how to fight."
Valnor's body lay still for a moment—then the shadows around him stirred. His wounds began knitting shut. He rose slowly, eyes glowing brighter. He realized this was no time for restraint.
The ground trembled as his Prime Mode awakened. Black fire roared around him, his aura shaking the very earth. The sky darkened, cracks split the ground. Valnor launched himself forward, a storm of blades and shadows.
The battlefield erupted in chaos. His strikes tore the air, his speed unmatched. For a moment, it seemed he might prevail. But Ryvek and Althar, fighting together, countered his fury. Bit by bit, they pushed him down, binding him in chains of shadow.
Weakened and drained, Valnor collapsed.
The two dragged him through the wastelands until they reached their master.
Soryth.
He was training when they arrived. Each strike of his weapon shattered trees, split boulders, sent shockwaves rippling through the ground. His presence alone was suffocating, a storm of raw destruction.
Ryvek (nervous): "Sir…"
Soryth (stern): "What is it?"
Ryvek: "We've brought Valnor. He is… incredibly agile."
Soryth lowered his weapon, his eyes piercing Valnor like blades.
Soryth: "Good. Teach him the rules of our team."
Althar (bowing): "Yes, sir."