《RYOJIN KUROHANE;THE ABYSSAL MONARCH》 THE WORIOR;RYOJIN KUROHANE The battlefield was painted in blood and fire. Cries of the fallen echoed beneath the storm-laden sky, and the scent of steel and death filled the air. At the center of it all stood a lone figure, his black armor streaked with crimson, his katana humming with the residual energy of those it had slain. Ryojin Kurohane exhaled slowly, his violet eyes scanning the battlefield. The war between the Celestial Order and the Abyssal Clans had reached its climax, and he stood at the heart of it, neither fully aligned with gods nor monsters. His only loyalty had ever been to the truth¡ªsomething the world seemed desperate to erase. "Ryojin...he.. betrayed..us" a voice rasped from behind him. He turned, finding one of his fallen comrades reaching toward him, his fingers trembling. He stepped forward, intending to offer mercy, but before he could, a golden spear tore through the dying warrior¡¯s chest. The light consumed him in an instant, leaving behind nothing but scorched earth. Ryojin''s grip on his katana tightened. A figure clad in celestial silver armor approached, stepping through the flames as if untouched by the chaos around him. A golden halo flickered above his head, his wings spread wide, radiating divine energy.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. "Seraphiel," Ryojin muttered. The High Commander of the Celestial Order. The very embodiment of divine justice¡ªor so he claimed to be. "You fought well, Kurohane," Seraphiel said, his voice carrying a weight that made even the most hardened warriors falter. "But it is time for this war to end. The gods have decreed your fate, your tendency to draw power from the Nexus Abyss was seen as unclean by the gods." Ryojin lifted his katana, its black edge gleaming with abyssal energy. "Decreed? I don¡¯t recall bending my knee to any god." Seraphiel sighed, as if speaking to a misguided child. "Then you leave us no choice." With a motion too swift for mortal eyes to follow, the celestial general raised his spear. Golden chains erupted from the ground, slithering like serpents, coiling around Ryojin¡¯s limbs before he could react. Pain shot through his body as divine seals burned into his skin, suppressing his power. His muscles tensed, resisting, but the chains grew heavier, pulling him down. The battlefield faded. The sounds of war became distant echoes. Above him, the sky cracked open, revealing a void deeper than the night itself. A force unlike anything he had felt before wrapped around him, colder than death. "You were always too dangerous, Ryojin," Seraphiel said, his voice tinged with something almost like regret. "For the sake of balance, you must be cast into the Abyss." Ryojin struggled, rage boiling within him, but it was too late. The void pulled him in, swallowing him whole. The last thing he saw was Seraphiel turning away, his wings folding as he disappeared into the storm. Then, there was nothing. Only darkness. Only the Abyss. CHAINS OF THE ABYSS Silence. A vast, infinite nothingness stretched in all directions, an endless void devoid of light, sound, or time. Ryojin Kurohane drifted through it, his body weightless, his thoughts scattered. There was no up, no down, no sense of reality. The golden chains that had bound him still clung to his wrists and ankles, their divine energy suppressing his strength, but even they felt meaningless in this abyss. "Is this death?" He had always imagined death as something final¡ªan end, a release from suffering. But this? This was something else entirely. The Abyss was alive. It whispered. "Ryojin Kurohane..." The voice slithered through the darkness, neither loud nor quiet, but absolute. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. His breath hitched. He tried to move, but his limbs felt sluggish, like he was trapped in a thick, unseen force. "You do not belong here... and yet, you are one of us." Shapes shifted in the darkness, formless entities that pulsed and writhed, observing him from the void. The whispers grew louder, overlapping, a chorus of fragmented voices. "He is the one." "He is nothing." "He will consume." "He will be consumed." A cold dread settled in Ryojin¡¯s chest. He had fought gods and demons alike, but this presence¡ªthis endless, unseen force¡ªit was beyond all of them. "Show yourself," he growled, forcing strength into his voice. The whispers stopped. Then, the Abyss moved. A pair of colossal violet eyes opened in the void, burning with an eerie, inhuman glow. They dwarfed him, their mere gaze sending an unbearable pressure crashing down upon him. The chains around his body rattled violently, as if terrified. "You have been cast away, abandoned." The voice came not from the eyes, but from everywhere at once. It was deep, resonant, seeping into his very bones. "You don¡¯t need to remind me," Ryojin muttered, clenching his fists. The golden chains cracked. The entity chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that made the void itself tremble. "You are strong, but you are still bound. These gods you defy¡ªthey fear what you could become. Shall I tell you why?" Ryojin remained silent. The Abyss did not wait for an answer. "Because you are like me." The void twisted. For a brief moment, Ryojin saw it¡ªa massive, draconic form coiled within the darkness, its body shifting between solid and immaterial, its wings stretching endlessly. The Abyssal Dragon. An entity feared by even the gods. A being that had been locked away in this prison long before Ryojin¡¯s birth. It grinned, revealing fangs large enough to devour stars. "And now, you have a choice, Ryojin Kurohane." The golden chains shattered completely. Ryojin fell. Down, down, deeper into the Abyss. And the whispers welcomed him. THE PACT OF OBLIVION Falling. It felt endless. The Abyss stretched infinitely below him, swallowing all traces of light, sound, and reason. Ryojin had stopped struggling¡ªthe void would not let him go. The whispers were gone now, replaced by an unnatural stillness. Then, the descent stopped. He landed, but not on solid ground. Instead, it was something shifting, something alive. The darkness trembled beneath him. The colossal violet eyes opened once more, illuminating the abyss with an eerie glow. The Abyssal Dragon was before him, its form barely distinguishable from the void itself. Its body was titanic, shifting between scales and shadows, its wings stretching across eternity. "You are still bound by the mortal¡¯s hesitation, the dragon¡¯s voice rumbled. And yet, you hear the whispers, feel the hunger. The Abyss does not reject you." This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Ryojin rose to his feet, his katana still strapped to his back. His instincts screamed that this being was beyond anything he had ever faced. "And what do you want from me?" he asked, voice steady. The dragon grinned, baring fangs that glowed like dying stars. "Want? No¡­ I offer." The void around them pulsed. "You were cast away by the gods, discarded like broken steel. But the Abyss does not discard." The pressure around Ryojin intensified, crushing, suffocating. His legs nearly buckled, but he refused to kneel. "I offer you power beyond gods, beyond fate itself. Accept the Abyss, and you shall become something greater than mortal, greater than divine. You shall become a force." A deep hunger stirred within him. Not for food, not for revenge¡ªbut for understanding. "What¡¯s the cost?" The dragon¡¯s grin widened. "You will never be the same again." The Abyss twisted around him. Something unseen wrapped around his arms, his legs, his heart. His body was dissolving into the void, becoming one with it. Pain. His veins burned as abyssal energy surged through him, rewriting him at a level beyond flesh and blood. His vision darkened. His soul fractured. And then¡ª Silence. When Ryojin opened his eyes, the void had changed. He was no longer falling. No longer lost. He stood at the center of it, and it bowed to him. The whispers no longer tormented him. They waited. The chains that had once bound him were gone, replaced by black runes that pulsed along his arms and chest, glowing with abyssal power. His katana, once an ordinary blade, now pulsed with the same energy. He looked at his hands. They no longer felt human. The dragon was watching, satisfied. "Now, Ryojin Kurohane... it rumbled. Let the gods see what they have created." The void cracked. Reality trembled. And with a single step, Ryojin left the Abyss. THE FIRST STEP INTO DARKNESS A rift tore through reality. From the depths of the Abyss, Ryojin Kurohane emerged. The world he once knew greeted him with an eerie stillness. He stood on the edge of a ruined battlefield, the remnants of a war long since ended. The sky above was dark with storm clouds, but no rain fell. The wind was silent. And yet, something was different. He flexed his fingers, feeling the abyssal energy coursing through him. The black runes carved into his flesh pulsed faintly, remnants of the pact he had made. His katana, now reforged by the void itself, shimmered with an unsettling aura.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. He had not simply escaped the Abyss. He had become it. But the moment his boots touched solid ground, a presence stirred in the distance. They knew. The gods, the Celestial Order¡ªthey had cast him into the Abyss, expecting him to vanish into nothingness. But now that he had returned, they would come for him. And yet, he felt no fear. His body was different, his mind sharper. He was no longer bound by the constraints of mortals or the limitations of his past self. The hunger of the Abyss lingered in his soul, but he had mastered it. The whispers still called to him, but this time, they did not command. They awaited his command. Ryojin exhaled, watching the air distort around him. His very presence warped reality, the ground beneath his feet darkening, cracking. Then, he sensed them. A ripple in space. A golden light flickered in the distance. Divine energy. They had arrived. With a calm expression, Ryojin turned toward the approaching figures, his fingers lightly brushing the hilt of his blade. The first battle of his new existence was about to begin. And for the first time in a long, long time¡ª He was looking forward to it. SHATTERED CHAINS, SHATTERED WORLD The golden light intensified. Ryojin stood motionless as celestial figures descended from the sky. Their armor gleamed like the sun, their wings stretched wide, radiating divine energy. They were not mere soldiers. These were Judicators¡ªthe executioners of the Celestial Order. At their center stood a warrior clad in silver and white, a flowing cape draped over his immaculate armor. His presence alone warped the air with divine pressure. Ryojin recognized him immediately. Darius Vael- The man who betrayed the abyssal clan in order to be granted divine power He was now one of the Celestial Order¡¯s greatest champions. A man who had once fought beside Ryojin, who had once called him brother. But there was no familiarity in Darius¡¯s golden eyes now. Only judgment. ¡°Ryojin Kurohane,¡± Darius spoke, his voice carrying the weight of divine authority. ¡°You should not exist.¡± Ryojin tilted his head, a smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°Yet, here I am.¡±Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. The air between them was tense, crackling with energy. The Judicators drew their weapons¡ªswords forged from divine light, spears humming with celestial energy. The very ground beneath them trembled, unable to withstand the presence of such immense power. Ryojin remained still, his abyssal energy coiling lazily around him. The whispers stirred in his mind, eager, hungry. Darius took a step forward, the light around him intensifying. ¡°The gods decreed your fate. You were cast into the Abyss to be undone. And yet, you returned. This is an affront to the order of the world.¡± Ryojin let out a low chuckle. ¡°Is that what they told you? That I was meant to fade?¡± His eyes glowed with eerie violet light. ¡°Then perhaps the gods aren¡¯t as wise as they pretend to be.¡± Darius¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°You have been corrupted.¡± Ryojin¡¯s smirk faded. ¡°Corrupted?¡± His voice was calm, but there was something beneath it. A quiet storm. A depth that had not been there before. He raised his right hand. Black tendrils of abyssal energy flickered around his fingers, shifting and pulsing like living shadows. ¡°I have not been corrupted, Darius.¡± His gaze locked onto the celestial warrior. ¡°I have been reborn.¡± Darius¡¯s grip tightened around his sword. ¡°Then you leave me no choice.¡± In an instant, he moved. A blur of silver and light. His blade arced toward Ryojin¡¯s neck, the sheer force of the strike splitting the air apart. But Ryojin did not flinch. The moment the divine blade touched his skin¡ªit stopped. Not because he blocked it. Not because he dodged. But because the Abyss itself refused to be cut. The runes on his body flared. The very concept of the attack unraveled, devoured by the void. Darius¡¯s eyes widened. Ryojin lifted his gaze, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°You¡¯re not ready for this fight.¡± And then, with a single pulse of his energy¡ª Reality shattered. The sky cracked like glass. The ground split open beneath them. The divine warriors staggered as the very fabric of the world twisted under Ryojin¡¯s power. Darius leapt back, his expression unreadable. Ryojin exhaled, lowering his hand. He had not even drawn his sword. ¡°The next time we meet, Darius,¡± he said, his voice carrying through the chaos, ¡°I suggest you bring a god with you.¡± And with that, the shadows swallowed him. Ryojin Kurohane had returned. And the world would never be the same. WHISPERS IN THE SHADOWS The void folded around Ryojin as he reemerged far from the battlefield. He stood atop a crumbling temple, its stone worn by time, its inscriptions faded beyond recognition. The night sky stretched endlessly above him, untouched by stars or moonlight. The remnants of his power still crackled in the air, distorting reality itself. He clenched his fist. The sensation was¡­ different. Before the Abyss, his strength had been bound by limits¡ªhuman limits, celestial limits. Now, he was something else entirely. He had not just gained power. He had become a force beyond definition. But he wasn¡¯t alone. A flicker of movement. Ryojin¡¯s eyes darted to the temple¡¯s entrance, where a lone figure stood watching him. She stepped forward, the dim light revealing her form¡ªa woman clad in black and silver robes, her piercing crimson eyes glowing with a mix of caution and curiosity.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. He recognized her. Elyria Noctis- a former member of the Abyssal Clan. A shadowbinder, a rogue sorceress once hunted by both the Celestial Order and the Abyssal Clans - after she quit. She was neither enemy nor ally¡ªat least, not yet. She tilted her head, studying him. ¡°You should be dead.¡± Ryojin smirked. ¡° And you should be running." Elyria stepped closer, her boots making no sound against the temple stone. ¡°I felt the shift in the world. The Abyssal energy radiating from your body is like none, what happened?" He met her gaze, unshaken. ¡°I was reborn.¡± She paused, as if considering his words. Then, her lips curled into a sly smile. ¡°Perhaps." Ryojin exhaled, his grip tightening on his katana. ¡° for the first time in my existence I feel free ,free from the Abyssal Clan and free from fear." A gust of wind passed between them. The silence that followed was heavy, filled with unspoken tension. Elyria¡¯s eyes flickered with amusement. ¡°You¡¯re not the only one who¡¯s changed, Ryojin.¡± She turned away, her form dissolving into the shadows. ¡°The gods are stirring. The abyssal clans are restless. And you? You are the crack in the foundation of this world.¡± Her voice lingered as she vanished. ¡°Be careful, or you might find yourself devoured by the very power you wield.¡± Ryojin remained still, staring at the space where she had stood. The world was shifting. The gods would come. The Abyssal Clans would not remain silent. The Celestial Order would prepare for war. And him? He would cut through all of them. For the first time in his life, he was unbound. And nothing would stand in his way. THE GATHERING STORM A storm was brewing. Not in the skies, but in the unseen currents that dictated the fate of the world. Ryojin could feel it. He stood on the temple¡¯s highest peak, the wind tugging at his cloak as he overlooked the ruined valley below. His senses stretched beyond mortal perception, tracing the disturbances rippling through the world. Darius would return. The Celestial Order would not stand idle after witnessing his rebirth. But they would not be alone. The Abyssal Clans had already begun to stir. Ryojin closed his eyes, allowing the whispers of the Abyss to guide his thoughts. He saw flickering visions¡ªcloaked figures moving through the shadows, crimson sigils glowing beneath the earth, ancient forces awakening from their slumber. The world thought the war had ended. It had only just begun.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. A presence approached. Ryojin didn¡¯t turn, but his fingers twitched toward his katana as he sensed a new arrival. Soft footsteps echoed across the stone. A voice, smooth and knowing, broke the silence. ¡°You really don¡¯t waste time making enemies, do you?¡± Ryojin smirked. ¡°Depends on how you define enemy.¡± The newcomer stepped into the moonlight¡ªa tall man with silver hair and sharp, golden eyes, dressed in a flowing dark coat adorned with intricate runes. Vaelin Duskbane. A name that carried weight among those who dealt in forbidden knowledge. Unlike others who entered the Abyss to draw power, Vaelin, had no interest in power and this fact unsettled many people. A rogue scholar. A tactician. And, when it suited him, a killer. Vaelin studied him carefully. ¡°The Celestials have already begun their movements. And the Abyssal Clans?¡± He chuckled. ¡°They¡¯re either preparing to worship you or destroy you.¡± Ryojin met his gaze. ¡°Let them try.¡± Vaelin sighed. ¡°That attitude is going to make things messy.¡± He crossed his arms. ¡°So tell me, Ryojin¡ªwhat¡¯s your next move?¡± The question hung in the air. Ryojin had no illusions about what lay ahead. The gods wanted him erased. The Celestial Order wanted him chained. The Abyssal Clans obviously wanted to claim him as their own- to use him as a weapon, such was the type of clan they were. But Ryojin Kurohane belonged to no one. His path was his alone. He turned to Vaelin, his violet eyes glowing faintly. ¡°I¡¯m going to remind this world why it should fear the dark.¡± Vaelin smirked. ¡° You are a bold one.¡± Ryojin¡¯s grip on his katana tightened. The storm was coming. And he would be at its center. THE BLACK DAWN APPROACHES A city of light stood before him. Ryojin overlooked Solara, the grand citadel of the Celestial Order built on mortal land. Towering spires of white stone stretched toward the heavens, bathed in golden radiance. Divine energy pulsed through its streets, forming protective barriers that had never been breached. It was a sanctuary. A fortress. And soon, it would become a battlefield. ¡°Why are you following me?¡± Ryojin asked, holding the hilt of his katana, as he sensed a presence behind him. Vaelin revealing himself exhaled, arms crossed. ¡°Attacking the Celestial Order directly? You don¡¯t waste time, do you?¡±The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Ryojin remained silent. His gaze lingered on the highest tower¡ªthe Hall of Judgment, where the Celestial Order¡¯s will was enforced. It was there that they had sentenced him to the Abyss. It was there that they had declared him an abomination. It was where he would begin. Vaelin sighed. ¡°I assume this isn¡¯t just about revenge.¡± Ryojin¡¯s fingers brushed the hilt of his katana. ¡°No.¡± Revenge was simple. A fleeting hunger. What he sought was correction. The gods had built this world on chains and order, dictating who could rise and who must fall. But Ryojin had seen what lay beyond their grand design. He had touched the void, become the abyss, and now? He would tear their order apart. Vaelin gave him a knowing look. ¡°If you do this, there¡¯s no going back. No neutrality. No negotiations. The gods will descend, and the world will choose sides.¡± Ryojin smirked. ¡°Let them.¡± A gust of wind passed between them. Far below, Solara¡¯s people continued their lives, unaware that their city stood on the edge of a knife. But that would change. Soon. Very soon. Ryojin turned away from the city, the shadows curling around his form. ¡°When the dawn comes,¡± he murmured, ¡°it will be black.¡± THE DEVIL鈥橲 ORIGIN Solare ¨C The City of Gods Ryojin Kurohane stood atop a towering spire, his black hair swaying in the night wind. Below him, Solare¡¯s streets were filled with golden light, its divine residents basking in luxury. Laughter echoed through the air, gods and demigods feasting, drinking, and celebrating as if the world was at peace. His violet eyes burned with contempt. These so-called gods. Arrogant. Self-righteous. Drunk on power. His fists clenched as he gazed upon them, the memories of his past clawing their way into his mind. And he remembered. Devilu ¨C The Cursed Village Fifteen-year-old Ryojin walked through the dirt-covered streets of his home village, Devilu, wearing tattered clothes stained with filth and blood. The whispers of the villagers slithered into his ears like venom. "Look at his eyes. Violet. A devil¡¯s spawn." "His mother died giving birth to him. He killed her." "The scriptures of Lord Jeba spoke of this¡ªhe is cursed." He had heard these words his entire life. Even his own father, Riged, regarded him with nothing but disgust. Ryojin walked with his head held high. He wouldn¡¯t give them the satisfaction of seeing him broken. But that night, everything changed. A mob gathered outside his house, their faces twisted with hate. Torches flickered in the dark, their flames licking the air hungrily. "Burn the devil!" Ryojin turned to his father. "Help me drive them away!" Riged¡¯s cold gaze met his. Then, without a word, he grabbed Ryojin by the collar and threw him out. Ryojin¡¯s body slammed against the dirt, pain shooting through his limbs. His eyes widened in disbelief. "Father¡­?" The mob descended upon him like wolves. Fists. Boots. Stones. Pain exploded in his body as they beat him without mercy. Blood filled his mouth, his vision blurred, but he never screamed. He refused to give them that satisfaction.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. They dragged him through the village and tied him to a wooden pole under the scorching sun. Days passed. His lips cracked. His body screamed for water. People walked by, mocking him, spitting on him, throwing scraps of food just out of reach. Five days. Then, salvation came¡ªnot from kindness, but from cruelty. A group of warriors rode into the village, clad in black armor. The Abyssal Clans. They were searching for recruits. Families sold their sons for coin. One of the warriors, a towering man with dead eyes, spotted Ryojin. "Who''s this?" "My son," Riged said, stepping forward. "You can take him. Just give me a sack of rice." The warrior sneered. "He''s half-dead already." "Then take half a sack." A smirk. A nod. The deal was made. They rode for days, a caravan of stolen sons, their futures sold like cattle. Some boys boasted, dreaming of becoming warriors. Others remained silent, accepting their fate. But one caught Ryojin¡¯s eye¡ªa boy who shivered uncontrollably, drowning in his own fear. As they reached a barren wasteland, hundreds of other recruits stood waiting. The air was thick with unease. A high-ranking Abyssal warrior stepped forward. "If you want to be warriors, prove it." Silence. Confusion. Then, without warning¡ªa boy grabbed a stone and bashed another¡¯s skull in. Crack. Blood splattered across the dirt. The dead boy''s body twitched. And the killer laughed. The realization hit them all at once. Kill. Or be killed. Chaos erupted. Fists met flesh. Teeth sank into throats. Rocks smashed into skulls. Screams filled the air as boys fought for survival. Ryojin, weak and battered, was thrown to the ground. Six boys surrounded him. "Easy target," one sneered. They kicked him. His ribs cracked. Blood poured from his lips. Ryojin refused to fall. He grabbed a sharp rock and jammed it into a boy¡¯s throat. The boy gurgled, clutching at the wound as he collapsed. One down. Another lunged¡ªRyojin ducked, seized his arm, and twisted until bone snapped. Two down. A fist slammed into Ryojin¡¯s jaw. His vision blurred. He staggered, coughing blood. Then, a voice boomed. "Enough." The battle ceased. Thirty boys remained standing. The Abyssal warrior smirked. "The rest will be sacrificed." The wounded were dragged away, pleading, screaming, begging. Among them was the trembling boy from earlier. He knelt, praying. Ryojin¡¯s fury ignited. "Stop praying! Your gods won¡¯t save you!" But the boy smiled. "I thank the gods for this life." Anger surged. Ryojin stormed forward and punched him. The Abyssal warriors roared in laughter¡ªuntil one raised his hand to strike Ryojin down. Ryojin dodged, grabbed a jagged branch, and stabbed the warrior in the eye. A scream. Blood gushed down the warrior¡¯s face. But Ryojin wasn¡¯t fast enough. A fist slammed into his gut, then his face. Again. And again. Pain. Darkness. Before he lost consciousness, he heard a deep voice. "Interesting. Don''t kill this one." The Devil¡¯s Awakening Ryojin awoke to the sound of chains. His wounds had been tended to. The high-ranking warrior stood over him, eyes filled with amusement. "You have fire, boy." Ryojin spat blood at his feet. "Screw you.¡± The warrior chuckled. "You want to prove that gods are nothing? Very well. You live." Ryojin gestured at the praying boy. "He lives too." The worior scowled. "Why?" "Because I want to show him that gods are nothing.¡± The boy, Darius, approached Ryojin. "Why did you save me?" Ryojin''s violet eyes burned. "Because I want you to see with your own eyes¡ªyour gods don¡¯t give a damn about you." The boy chuckled, ¡° Am Darius vael, and you are?¡± ¡° Ryojin Kurohane.¡± He said his voice laced with confidence. ¡° hey, from now on do not depend on your fake gods. I¡¯ll be your God and you be mine.¡± Darius nodded in response. And from that day on, the Devil¡¯s path was carved in blood. Back to Solare Ryojin¡¯s fists unclenched as the memory faded. He looked down at the gods feasting below. They had no idea of the monster standing above them. A slow, sinister smile stretched across his lips. Tonight¡­ They would remember. THE FIRST CUT The night was silent. Too silent. Ryojin moved through the outskirts of Solara like a phantom, his presence a mere flicker against the city¡¯s golden glow. The divine barriers hummed softly, unseen to most, stretching high above the grand citadel like an unbreakable dome. To anyone else, infiltrating Solara was impossible. To Ryojin, it was inevitable. He extended a hand. The black runes etched into his skin pulsed, responding to his will. The Abyss stirred around him, its whispers coiling through his mind like a blade being drawn from its sheath. Break. Reality fractured. A thin crack split through the celestial barrier, a wound in the fabric of divine protection. It was small¡ªnearly invisible¡ªbut it was enough. Ryojin stepped through. The moment his boots touched the pristine streets of Solara, he felt the shift. The city itself rejected him. The divine energy woven into every stone, every structure, recognized his presence as an intrusion. Good. Let them feel his presence. Let them fear it. A flicker of movement. His eyes snapped to the rooftops. A pair of golden-clad figures had already taken notice of the disturbance. Celestial Sentinels. Warriors bound by divine will, their bodies enhanced beyond human limits. One of them raised his hand. A glowing spear materialized from pure energy, its tip aimed directly at Ryojin¡¯s heart. ¡°Intruder,¡± the sentinel spoke, voice hollow. ¡°You have trespassed upon holy ground.¡± Ryojin exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders. ¡°Holy ground?¡± His hand hovered over his katana. ¡°Not for much longer.¡± The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. The sentinel¡¯s eyes flared. ¡°By the will of the gods, we¡ª¡± Ryojin moved. Faster than sight. Faster than thought. A whisper of steel. A single step. And then¡ª Blood. The sentinel¡¯s words died in his throat as a deep slash tore through his chestplate, black energy searing into his flesh. He collapsed without a sound. The second sentinel barely had time to react. He thrust his spear forward, but Ryojin was already behind him. A single backhanded strike¡ª**not even a full swing¡ª**and the warrior was sent crashing into a nearby wall, his golden armor crumbling like brittle stone. Ryojin straightened, flicking his blade clean. The city remained quiet, but he could feel it. The ripple of his actions spreading. The moment of stillness before the storm. And then¡ª The bells of Solara began to ring. The hunt had begun. Ryojin smirked, stepping forward as torches flared to life and golden-clad warriors flooded the streets. ¡°Come then,¡± he whispered, his voice carrying into the night. ¡°Let¡¯s see what the gods have left to offer.¡± The city of Solara had awakened. Bells rang from the high towers, their chimes echoing through the streets like a divine war cry. Celestial Sentinels flooded the district, their golden armor gleaming under the moonlight as they searched for the intruder. For Ryojin. But he was already moving. Darting through the winding alleys, he was a flicker in the darkness, his abyssal energy weaving shadows around him. He had no intention of facing an entire city''s worth of warriors at once¡ªnot yet. A group of five Sentinels patrolled the nearby plaza, their weapons drawn, their eyes scanning every shadow. Ryojin dropped behind them like a phantom. His blade whispered through the air¡ªone step, one strike. A clean cut severed the first warrior''s throat before he could even scream. The others reacted, spinning toward the sudden disturbance¡ªtoo slow. Ryojin had already slipped through their formation. His next strike cracked armor, sending a second soldier crashing into the cobblestone, blood pooling beneath his broken form. The remaining three hesitated. They were afraid. Good. Ryojin''s violet eyes gleamed. "Run." One of them did. The other two charged, their weapons radiating divine light. He met them head-on. The first lunged with a radiant spear, aiming for his chest. Ryojin twisted, sidestepping with inhuman precision. His katana flashed ¡ª**a single, perfect arc¡ª**and the spear-wielder''s body crumpled, severed in two. The last soldier didn''t even try to fight. He turned to flee¡ª A mistake. Ryojin''s free hand snapped forward, and a tendril of abyssal energy lashed out, wrapping around the man''s throat. He struggled, choking, his golden armor dimming as the void leeched away its power. Ryojin pulled him close, their faces inches apart. "Tell your masters." His voice was barely above a whisper. "l''ve come to end their order:" He released the soldier, letting him collapse. The man scrambled away, running blindly toward the city''s inner sanctum. Ryojin exhaled, flicking his blade once more. The Celestial Order had declared him an enemy. Now, he would show them why. And this was only the beginning. THE WEIGHT OF BLOOD Ryojin moved like a specter through the winding alleys of Solara. The city was fully awake now¡ªmore Sentinels flooded the streets, torches ignited in golden flames, divine wards flickered along the walls. The Celestial Order was mobilizing faster than expected. But Ryojin was faster. He vaulted over rooftops, his presence a whisper in the night. Every shadow welcomed him, every flicker of abyssal energy concealed him. The hunt was on, but he was not the prey. He was the predator. Yet something felt... wrong. A presence. Faint, but undeniable. A cold whisper in the back of his mind. He wasn''t just being pursued by Sentinels. Something else was watching him. Ryojin landed silently on a high balcony, his eyes scanning the streets below. His instincts screamed at him. Then¡ª A blur of motion. He twisted, barely avoiding the blade aimed at his throat. The wind howled as steel met steel¡ªhis katana clashed against an assassin''s dagger, sparks flying between them. Ryojin''s eyes locked onto his attacker. A woman. Cloaked in black, her presence nearly undetectable. Her short silver hair glowed under the moonlight, and her crimson eyes burned with focus. He recognized her instantly. Seraphis, the Black Fang. A legendary assassin. The Celestial Order''s hidden blade. She was not a soldier. Not a knight. She was an executioner. "You should have stayed in the Abyss, Ryojin." Her voice was calm, steady. "Now you die in the light." She struck. Ryojin blocked, but the force of her attack drove him back. The speed¡ªthe precision¡ª she was unlike the Sentinels. She wasn''t weighed down by heavy armor, nor was she bound by divine law. She fought to kill. Stolen novel; please report. Ryojin smirked. "l didn''t know the Order still had dogs willing to fight in the dark." Seraphis said nothing. She moved again¡ªfaster. A flurry of strikes, each one aimed at his vitals. Ryojin barely kept up, his blade weaving between her daggers, deflecting each lethal thrust. But she was testing him. He could feel it. The way she adjusted, how her movements shifted. She was reading him, adapting. A true killer. But so was he. Seraphis lunged low¡ªa feint. Her real attack came from the opposite hand, a hidden blade aiming for his ribs. Ryojin reacted. Instead of blocking, he stepped forward. The blade cut into his side¡ªbut his own katana found her exposed shoulder. A sharp gasp. A splash of crimson. They separated, both injured, both watching. Seraphis exhaled, pressing a hand to her wound. She stared at him with something new. Not just calculation. Not just duty. Respect. "You''re better than I expected," she admitted. Ryojin chuckled, ignoring the sting in his side. "Disappointed?" Seraphis twirled a dagger, her expression unreadable. "Not yet." Then she vanished into the darkness. Ryojin remained still, blood dripping from his wound. The city around him still burned with divine energy, but his thoughts lingered on Seraphis. She had let him live. For now. But the next time they met... one of them wouldn''t walk away. Ryojin pressed a hand to his wound. The cut was deep, but not fatal. The pain was secondary¡ªhis body had endured worse. What lingered was the encounter itself. Seraphis was no ordinary opponent. She was a weapon honed for one purpose¡ªto eliminate threats before they could grow into something uncontrollable. And she let him live. Not out of mercy. No, she was too precise for that. It was a message. A warning. I know what you are. Next time, I won¡¯t hold back. Ryojin smirked. He wouldn¡¯t have it any other way. A gust of wind swept through the city, carrying the distant echoes of alarm bells and marching boots. The hunt was still on. But something else gnawed at the edges of his mind. The Celestial Order was moving too quickly. This wasn¡¯t just a city responding to an intruder. This was preparedness. As if they had anticipated his return. And that meant¡­ They weren¡¯t just hunting him. They were waiting for something bigger. Ryojin¡¯s violet eyes scanned the rooftops. He needed to move¡ªfast. He had already torn through several Sentinels, shattered a divine barrier, and left a trail of abyssal energy in his wake. The gods were watching now. He could feel their gaze pressing down on him like an iron weight. Yet, for all their divine power, they had not acted. Why? The answer came screaming from the heavens. A golden light burst through the clouds, parting the night like a divine spear. Ryojin shielded his eyes as a figure descended, carried by radiant wings of celestial flame. The air trembled. The ground cracked beneath the sheer force of his arrival. And then, standing before Ryojin, clad in shining white and gold armor, stood a man he had once called friend. Darius vael A sentinel of the highest order. The right hand of the gods themselves. His golden eyes burned with righteous fury. ¡°You should not exist.¡± Ryojin exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders. ¡° Is that the way to greet an old friend betrayer?¡± Darius didn¡¯t move. He didn¡¯t need to. His mere presence was overwhelming, radiating divine energy that made even the strongest warriors falter. But Ryojin didn¡¯t falter. Not anymore. ¡°Ryojin¡­ I would have wept for you, if you had stayed dead.¡± Darius studied him, disappointment laced in his voice. ¡° Don¡¯t blame me for doing the right thing, you become obsessed- during our time in the abyssal clans-with your anger against the gods that you were willing to sacrifice other people in order to obtain power to fight them.¡± Ryojin smirked. ¡°You of all people knew how I hated the Abyssal Clans, we were supposed to use them to fight the gods then leave. That was our plan but you decided to betray me.¡± Darius¡¯s expression darkened. The light around him intensified. No more words. The time for talking was over. The battle had begun. THE CLASH OF DAWN AND DUSK The heavens trembled. A golden radiance flooded the streets of Solara as Darius vael stood before Ryojin, his celestial wings burning like miniature suns. The sheer weight of his presence made the air heavy, suffocating, as if the gods themselves had descended to judge Ryojin''s existence. This was no ordinary warrior. Darius had once been Ryojin''s closest comrade, a man who fought beside him during their time in the abyssal clans . Now, he stood as his executioner. Ryojin tilted his head, cracking his neck. "So, you really believe you can kill me?" Darius''s grip tightened around his Divine Greatblade, a massive weapon inscribed with celestial runes that pulsed with holy energy. "The world must be cleansed of your corruption." Ryojin smirked. "Cleansed?" His fingers curled around his katana''s hilt, abyssal mist rising from its blade. "That''s a fancy way of saying ''I''m afraid of what you''ve become.''" Darius said nothing. He moved. A single step¡ªand the street shattered. Ryojin barely had time to react before a wave of golden force surged toward him, splitting the earth like a divine judgment. He leapt, flipping backward onto a rooftop just as the street exploded in a blast of holy fire. Darius was already airborne, wings carrying him with terrifying speed. He descended like a meteor, his blade swinging in an arc meant to cleave Ryojin in two. Ryojin met him head-on. Steel clashed against steel. A deafening shockwave tore through the district, sending tiles and stone flying. The sheer force of their impact flattened the surrounding buildings, reducing them to rubble. Ryojin landed smoothly, katana raised. Darius didn''t relent. Another swing¡ªfaster. Ryojin parried, but the impact sent him skidding backward, his boots carving deep trenches into the stone. Darius raised a hand¡ªgolden sigils formed in the air, each one crackling with divine energy. Ryojin''s eyes narrowed. "Oh shit!". The air boiled. "Judgment Spear!" The sky itself answered Darius''s command. A lance of pure light, burning hotter than the sun, descended toward Ryojin at blinding speed. Dodge? No time. Instead, Ryojin embraced the Abyss. A pulse of black energy erupted from his body, warping the very fabric of space. The moment before impact, he vanished. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. The Judgment Spear struck the earth¡ªand detonated. A shockwave of divine energy ripped through the city, reducing an entire block to nothing but scorched ruins. The force sent even Darius reeling, his wings flaring to stabilize himself. But Ryojin had already reappeared¡ªabove him. The Abyss surged. His katana, wreathed in black flames, came down in a devastating arc. A direct hit. Darius barely raised his blade in time. But even with his strength, he was forced downward, crashing through three buildings before landing in a crater of shattered stone. Dust and smoke filled the air. For a moment, there was silence. Then¡ªa golden glow. Darius rose. Blood dripped from his forehead, his armor scorched and cracked. His eyes burned with unshaken resolve. "This isn''t over," he growled. Ryojin grinned, licking a stray drop of blood from his lip. "Good." He pointed his katana at Darius. This is only the beginning. The war between light and darkness had begun in earnest. Ryojin exhaled slowly, feeling the rush of battle pulse through his veins. The night air crackled with residual energy from their clash¡ªdivine and abyssal energy warring in the very atmosphere. Across from him, Darius vael stood in the ruins of a once-proud district, his golden aura flickering, his celestial armor cracked but not broken. His grip on his Divine Greatblade remained steady, unwavering. "You haven''t changed," Darius muttered, wiping the blood from his forehead. "Still reckless. Still arrogant." Ryojin smirked. "And you''re still pretending to be a god''s loyal pet." He rolled his shoulders, letting abyssal mist coil around his katana. "Tell me, Darius, do you ever think for yourself? Or do the gods have to whisper every move into your ear?" Darius didn''t react to the provocation. Instead, he lowered his stance¡ªa sign that he was done talking. A golden ring of light formed beneath his feet. Ryojin''s eyes narrowed. Something''s coming. Darius lifted his free hand. "Solar Baptism!" The sky split open. A column of pure holy fire erupted from above, descending toward Ryojin like divine judgment itself. The heat alone warped the air, turning shattered stone into molten slag before it even touched the ground. But Ryojin didn''t move. He lifted a single hand. The Abyss answered. Black tendrils erupted from the shadows, forming a swirling vortex of nothingness around him. The divine flames struck the barrier¡ªand vanished. Consumed. Erased. Darius''s eyes widened, just for a fraction of a second. Ryojin grinned. Got you. He moved. Faster than sound. One moment, he was standing still¡ªthe next, he was inside Darius''s guard. His katana flashed. A clean, perfect slash aimed at the exposed joint in Darius''s armor¡ª Blocked. Darius had barely managed to intercept with his greatblade, but the force of the impact still sent him skidding backward, his boots tearing through the rubble. Ryojin didn''t let up. He struck again. And again. A relentless storm of blows, each one infused with the Abyss''s unnatural weight. The sheer pressure of his attacks forced Darius onto the defensive, cracks forming in the street beneath them. Then¡ªan opening. Darius misstepped¡ªa fraction too slow. Ryojin''s blade plunged forward, aimed for his heart. But¡ª A blinding explosion of golden energy erupted from Darius''s body, hurling Ryojin back. He crashed into a broken column, the force rattling his bones. Darius was panting, but his aura had changed. The golden light surrounding him was no longer a controlled radiance¡ªit was wild. Chaotic. He was preparing something big. Ryojin wiped a smear of blood from his lip, smirking. "Getting serious, huh?" Darius lifted his greatblade, his expression unreadable. "I made a promise, Ryojin. Remember?" The ground trembled. The sky darkened. "I promised you I''d be your God, and now am judging you." And then, he vanished. Not with speed¡ªwith teleportation. Behind him. Ryojin had less than a second to react before Darius''s greatblade came crashing down. For the first time in the battle¡ªRyojin felt pain. The impact tore through his defenses, slamming him into the ground so hard the street itself collapsed, forming a deep crater. Everything went quiet. Then¡ªa laugh. Low. Dark. Amused. Echoing. Inside the crater, through the dust and broken stone, Ryojin stood up. His body was battered, his clothes torn, blood dripping from fresh wounds¡ªbut his smirk never wavered. His violet eyes glowed. The Abyss¡­ was awake. Ryojin lifted his katana, its blade now wreathed in pure black fire. The city trembled beneath him. "Alright, Darius." He grinned, fangs bared. " I''ll also be your Judicator." And with that¡ª The real fight began. ABYSSAL AWAKENING The ruins of Solara trembled. Darius stood at the edge of the crater, his greatblade still radiating golden energy, his breath heavy but controlled. The celestial sigils around him pulsed erratically, as if they, too, sensed the shift in the battlefield. Because something had changed. Ryojin rose from the rubble, his form shrouded in abyssal mist, his violet eyes glowing brighter than ever. The wounds on his body leaked black energy, tendrils of the Abyss lashing at the air like living shadows. He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling slowly. Then, he looked up at Darius¡ªand grinned. ¡°Now that hurt,¡± he admitted, rolling his shoulders. ¡°I almost felt that one.¡± Darius didn¡¯t respond. He simply raised his greatblade again. No hesitation. No doubt. That¡¯s what makes him dangerous. But Ryojin was done playing. Abyssal power surged through his veins, and for the first time in this battle, he stopped holding back. The air itself darkened. Shadows spread from beneath Ryojin¡¯s feet, consuming the broken street, swallowing the light like a void with no end. The torches that lined the distant walls snuffed out. Even the moonlight above seemed dim, as if the sky itself feared what was about to happen. Then¡ª Ryojin vanished. Not with speed. Not with teleportation. He simply ceased to exist. Darius¡¯s eyes widened¡ªtoo late. A slash. Black flames erupted across his armor, searing through celestial enchantments, carving a deep wound across his chest. Darius staggered back, blood dripping from the gash. Before he could react¡ª Another slash. This time, across his left arm. A third. His thigh. A fourth. Straight across his back. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. It wasn¡¯t teleportation. It wasn¡¯t speed. It was something far worse. Ryojin was everywhere and nowhere at once. The Abyss had fully embraced him, his existence shifting between reality and something beyond. Darius¡¯s breathing grew heavier. His wings faltered. But still, he stood. ¡°I see it now,¡± he muttered. ¡°You aren¡¯t just wielding the powers of the Abyss.¡± Ryojin materialized a few feet away, his katana resting lazily on his shoulder. Darius¡¯s golden eyes burned. ¡°You¡¯re becoming it.¡± Silence. Then¡ªlaughter. Low at first, then rising. Ryojin chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°¡®Becoming it?¡¯¡± He tilted his head, amusement flickering in his glowing eyes. ¡°Darius, my friend¡­¡± The abyssal mist flared. The entire battlefield trembled. ¡°I already am.¡± The sky cracked. The earth groaned. And the true nightmare began. Darius tightened his grip on his greatblade, forcing himself to stand despite the pain burning through his body. The wounds inflicted by Ryojin weren''t just physical¡ªthey bled deeper. His divine energy struggled to counteract the abyssal corruption seeping into his very essence. He had fought monsters before. He had battled the wicked and the damned. But this? This was different. Ryojin wasn''t just wielding the powers of the Abyss. He was becoming something else. Something even the gods feared. The air around him was suffocating¡ªnot just dark, but empty. As if reality itself was unraveling in Ryojin''s presence. Darius exhaled sharply. He couldn''t afford doubt. Focus. The sigils around his body pulsed, growing brighter. He called upon the celestial power within, letting it surge through his veins like liquid sunlight. His wings, though battered, ignited anew, flames of golden purity cascading around him. He lifted his blade. And charged. A burst of divine speed. The earth shattered beneath him as he closed the gap in an instant. His greatblade flashed, its runes burning with holy fire, aimed straight for Ryojin''s chest¡ª Impact. But¡ªno resistance. The blade passed through empty air. Darius''s eyes widened. Not again¡ª A whisper behind him. "You still don''t get it." Ryojin''s presence loomed just a step away. Darius reacted instantly. He spun, slashing in a perfect arc. His blade cut through Ryojin''s form¡ª Only for it to melt into shadow. An illusion? No¡ªan afterimage. Then¡ªpain. A sharp, precise stab pierced his side. Ryojin''s katana, now wreathed in pure abyssal energy, had found its mark. Darius gasped, blood spraying from his lips. His vision blurred as the abyssal corruption crawled through his wound, trying to consume him from the inside. Ryojin leaned in, whispering into his ear. " Tell me how I can enter the godly realm and I¡¯ll spare you.¡± Darius gritted his teeth, forcing himself to move. He swung his elbow, aiming to knock Ryojin away¡ª But his opponent was already gone. Ryojin appeared a few meters away, examining the blood on his blade with mild curiosity. His violet eyes glowed unnaturally, his form flickering like a mirage. Darius staggered, but steadied himself. He couldn''t fall here. Not yet. His divine energy surged, burning away at the corruption, but it was slower this time. Weaker. Ryojin sighed. "You''re fighting a losing battle, Darius." He gestured to the ruined city around them. "Look at this place. Look at you. The Celestial Order isn''t coming to save you. Just tell me how I can enter the godly realm.¡± Darius remained silent. Ryojin took a step forward, the ground beneath him cracking. His presence alone seemed to devour the world. ¡°You used to be stronger than this." His voice was almost... disappointed. "Back when we fought side by side, you didn''t need the gods to think for you." Darius clenched his jaw. "That man is dead. I¡¯ll not put the lives of the innocent just to gain power.¡± Ryojin smirked. "Then let''s see how much of him is still buried in there." The Abyss howled. The shadows twisted, writhing like living things. Darius raised his blade, even as his vision darkened. The next exchange would decide everything, And only one of them would walk away. CELESTIAL RECKONING The ruined cityscape was silent. Not a single breath of wind, not a flicker of life beyond the two warriors locked in their deadly battle as most of the residents had evacuated while most Sentinels were killed. The sky above them churned¡ªdivine light clashing against abyssal darkness, each trying to consume the other. Darius wiped the blood from his lips, forcing himself to stand tall despite the searing pain coursing through his body. Every breath burned, his wounds refusing to fully heal as abyssal corruption gnawed at his insides. Ryojin, on the other hand, stood completely still. His body barely showed signs of fatigue, his violet eyes gleaming with something between amusement and anticipation. The shadows at his feet twisted restlessly, waiting for his command. He wasn¡¯t fighting seriously yet. Darius knew it. And that realization sent a chill down his spine. Ryojin took a slow step forward, the sound of his boot against the shattered ground echoing like a death knell. ¡°Still standing?¡± he mused. ¡°Not bad. You always were stubborn.¡± Darius tightened his grip on his Divine Greatblade, raising it once more. His golden wings flickered, their glow unstable¡ªbut still burning. He wouldn¡¯t fall here. Not without stopping this monster first. Ryojin tilted his head. ¡°You know what¡¯s funny?¡± His voice was calm, almost conversational. ¡°Once, a long time ago, we stood on the same side. We fought together, killed together. We swore to carve our own fate, no matter what.¡± His smile turned sharp. ¡°But you still chained yourself to the gods.¡± Darius didn¡¯t answer. Because, deep down, Ryojin¡¯s words dug into something real. A part of him that had always wondered¡ªhad always questioned¡ªif his loyalty to the Celestial Order was truly his own choice. No. Darius banished those thoughts. The gods had given him purpose. The gods had given him power. And with that power, he would end this fight. His golden aura flared, forcing the abyssal mist around him to retreat. He exhaled sharply, eyes narrowing as he summoned everything he had left. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. A final strike. No hesitation. No regret. Ryojin watched, his smirk never fading. ¡°So, you¡¯ve made your decision.¡± Darius moved. The air exploded as he launched himself forward, divine energy surging through every fiber of his being. His greatblade ignited, burning hotter than a star, golden runes inscribed along the blade pulsating with sheer celestial might. ¡°Solar Devastation!¡± A radiant shockwave tore through the city as Darius swung down. The sheer power of the attack split the ground, a torrent of divine judgment cascading toward Ryojin with unstoppable force. The ground cracked apart, light engulfing everything in its path. And then¡ª A single whisper. ¡°Collapse.¡± The light never reached him. The moment before impact, the Abyss consumed it. Darius¡¯s eyes widened in horror as his ultimate attack¡ªthe culmination of his faith, his strength, his very soul¡ªwas swallowed whole. No explosion. No resistance. It simply ceased to exist. Ryojin hadn¡¯t even moved. He lifted his katana, tapping its edge with a finger. ¡°Not bad,¡± he mused. ¡°But let me show you something.¡± The shadows surged. And then, Ryojin was gone. Darius barely had time to blink before¡ª Agony. A piercing, suffocating pain erupted through his chest. He looked down¡ª And saw Ryojin¡¯s katana buried in his chest. Abyssal fire roared from the wound, its darkness sinking deep, overwhelming his divine essence, silencing his celestial light. His fingers trembled. His wings dimmed. He had lost. Ryojin leaned in close, his voice a whisper against his ear. ¡°You should¡¯ve never betrayed me, Darius.¡± With one final twist of the blade¡ª The light vanished. Darius fell. He was unconscious The world seemed to stand still. Darius¡¯s body hit the ground with a dull, lifeless thud, his golden wings flickering¡­ then fading. His once-radiant armor, blessed by the Celestial Order, now lay cracked and broken, the divine runes burned away by abyssal corruption. His greatblade slipped from his grasp, embedding itself into the fractured earth beside him. A warrior of the gods had fallen. Ryojin exhaled, rolling his shoulders as he pulled his katana free from Darius¡¯s chest. Abyssal mist curled around the blade, hungrily devouring the remnants of divine energy that still clung to it. He gazed down at the fallen knight, his expression unreadable. Silence. For a moment, it was as if the battle had never happened. The city around them lay in ruins, a graveyard of shattered stone and burning remnants of a war long lost. The night sky above, once split by divine and abyssal forces, was now eerily calm. Ryojin closed his eyes. He had won. And yet¡­ He felt nothing. Not triumph. Not satisfaction. Just the same emptiness that had followed him. ¡°You were stronger than I expected,¡± he murmured, glancing at Darius¡¯s still form. ¡°But in the end¡­ you were still bound by their chains.¡± His grip on his katana tightened. A part of him had hoped¡ªjust for a second¡ªthat Darius would have been different. That he would have remembered what they once fought for. But he had been a fool to think so. Ryojin turned away, sheathing his katana in a single smooth motion. The Abyss still simmered within him, restless and insatiable, craving more. More destruction. More power. More war. And war was coming. He could feel it. This battle was just the beginning. The Celestial Order would not ignore Darius¡¯s defeat. They would send more warriors. Stronger ones. They would hunt him, try to contain him. Try to kill him. Ryojin smirked. ¡°Let them try.¡± With that, he stepped forward, disappearing into the shadows. The night swallowed him whole¡ªleaving nothing behind. And in the ruins of Solara, beneath a broken sky, the fallen knight lay motionless. His light extinguished. ECHOES OF THE FALLEN The news spread like wildfire. A Celestial Knight had fallen. Not just any knight¡ªDarius Vael, the sentinel. A warrior who had once carved through armies, who had stood at the vanguard of the Celestial Order¡¯s crusades. A symbol of divine strength and unwavering faith. And now? Defeated, Slain by Ryojin Kurohane. The revelation sent shockwaves through the realm of the gods . In the Grand Citadel of Astraea- in the Realm of the Gods- where the gods¡¯ light shone brightest, the High Priests whispered in hushed, fearful tones. The war councils convened, their voices sharp with anger and urgency. The Celestial Order had suffered losses before¡ªbut not like this. Not to the mortals Not to him. The air was thick with tension. Rows of armored warriors stood in silent formation, their weapons gleaming under the ethereal glow of the chamber¡¯s sacred torches. Massive stained-glass windows depicted the divine victories of ages past, but tonight, their light seemed¡­ dimmer. At the head of the chamber, seated on an ornate golden throne, was High Lord Seraphiel. The leader of the Celestial Order. His piercing eyes, cold as the stars, swept across the gathered warlords and high priests before him. A single word left his lips¡ªcalm, but absolute. ¡°Unacceptable.¡± The chamber shook with the weight of his voice. The air grew heavy, as if the very walls of the Grand Citadel rejected the idea of defeat. A warrior stepped forward¡ªCommander Lysara, one of the Celestial Order¡¯s finest. Her golden armor glowed with divine inscriptions, and her eyes burned with vengeful fury. ¡°This is no longer just a battle, High Lord,¡± she declared. ¡°It is a declaration of war.¡± Murmurs spread through the chamber. ¡° War, Against one man?¡± Seraphiel¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t waver. ¡°Ryojin Kurohane¡­¡± he said the name like a curse. A second figure spoke¡ªa high priest Vetrune , robed in celestial blue. ¡°We should have destroyed him years ago,¡± he muttered bitterly. ¡°While he was still within our reach.¡± Seraphiel tapped his fingers against the armrest of his throne. ¡°And yet, i failed. And now, the consequence is upon us.¡± A tense silence. Then, Lysara stepped forward. ¡°Give me the order.¡± Her voice was steady. Unyielding. ¡°Allow me to lead the crusade. We will hunt him down and erase his existence before he becomes an even greater threat.¡± The council chamber was dimly lit, the flickering golden flames of ethereal lanterns casting eerie shadows on the stone walls. A heavy silence filled the air, thick with tension. Debra, clad in celestial red robes, furrowed his brows, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest of his gilded chair. His voice, deep and measured, cut through the silence. ¡°That is far too risky, Lysara,¡± he said, his eyes narrowing. ¡°We don¡¯t even know the full extent of his abilities. Are they akin to the powers of the Abyssal Clans¡¯ Elite Five?¡± Jeba, another high priest robed in white, nodded solemnly. His aged hands clasped together as he spoke. "Debra is right. Sending Lysara is reckless. We cannot afford to lose a warrior of her caliber¡ªnot when we still have such limited knowledge of the Nexus Abyss." A low scoff echoed through the chamber. Seraphiel stood at the edge of the gathering, arms crossed, his eyes sharp with disdain. His fingers curled into a tight fist as he muttered, almost to himself, This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°The only thing we do know is that the Nexus Abyss is a wellspring of energy. Those who enter it under the protection of a high-ranking spirit have their abilities awakened.¡± His jaw clenched. ¡°And the worst part? They sacrifice their own kind to the spirits just to gain access¡ªoffering up their own people in exchange for power.¡± Lysara¡¯s eyes gleamed with cold determination. "According to the information Darius provided, the power they gain from the Nexus Abyss isn¡¯t even permanent. It lasts, what? A week? Two?¡± Seraphiel exhaled sharply, his gaze darkening. ¡°And so, they kill. Again and again. Humanity never changes. They always hunger for power beyond their control. They once formed pacts with spirits, but that wasn¡¯t enough. Now they sacrifice their own, all for the illusion of strength.¡± A sharp intake of breath came from the far end of the chamber. Beru, another high priest, leaned forward, his voice laced with excitement and unease. ¡°What puzzles me the most,¡± he said, ¡°is how Ryojin escaped the Abyss. Many powerful entities that have been imprisoned in the abyss have never escaped yet Ryojin-¡± His eyes flicked to Seraphiel, curiosity gleaming within them. ¡°When you imprisoned him, you said he had no spirit protecting him. So tell us, Seraphiel¡ªhow did he survive?¡± Seraphiel chuckled dryly, running a hand through his silver hair. His expression was unreadable. ¡°What are you implying, Beru?¡± he asked, amusement flickering in his tone. ¡°I saw it with my own eyes¡ªhe had no spirit. And as for why I didn¡¯t kill him? Death would not have solved the problem.¡± His eyes narrowed. ¡°If I had slain him, his soul would have merely reincarnated within the Spirit Realm. He would have returned, stronger, more vengeful. Imprisonment was the best option¡­ or so I thought.¡± The chamber doors creaked open. A shadowed figure strode inside, cloaked in black¡ªa jagged fang emblem glinting on her belt. Seraphis, the Black Fang. ¡°I know what his abilities are,¡± she said, her voice low, measured. ¡°Or at least, I have an idea.¡± Seraphiel¡¯s gaze snapped toward her. ¡°Then speak.¡± Seraphis took a slow breath, eyes dark beneath her hood. ¡°When I fought him, his strength was inhuman. His speed and agility surpassed anything I¡¯ve ever seen. And the aura¡ª" She paused, swallowing. ¡°It was black¡­ tinged with purple. I¡¯ve battled many who drew power from the Abyss, but this¡ªthis was different. He was different.¡± She hesitated. Something like unease flickered across her usually impassive face. Darius stepped forward, his body wrapped in bandages, every movement slow and labored. A guard supported him as he limped toward the gathering. His voice was hoarse, but steady. ¡°It¡¯s not just his body,¡± Darius said. ¡°The energy around him moves at his command. It shields him when attacked. It lashes out offensively. But the most terrifying thing I witnessed¡­¡± He paused, his fingers twitching involuntarily. ¡°He can erase attacks with a word. His very presence bends reality.¡± Silence. A ripple of unease spread through the gathered priests. Debra¡¯s voice was barely above a whisper. ¡°What¡­ do you mean by controlling his own existence?¡± Darius swallowed. ¡°I don¡¯t know, sire. But¡ª" "Speak clearly, Darius!" Debra snapped, his voice sharp with fear. Darius inhaled deeply. ¡°There was a moment during our battle when I could not sense his presence. It was as if he had vanished¡­ yet he still struck me down.¡± Beru¡¯s fingers drummed anxiously against his chair. ¡°Perhaps he can conceal his energy,¡± he suggested, though doubt laced his words. ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Vetrune countered quickly. ¡°Only beings of the highest rank¡ªthe Demon King, the Celestial Supreme¡ªcan achieve such a feat.¡± His voice dropped. ¡°We must inform the Celestial Supreme at once.¡± ¡°No.¡± Seraphiel¡¯s tone was final. His eyes burned with cold determination. ¡°The Celestial Supreme has greater matters to attend to. We will deal with Ryojin Kurohane ourselves.¡± His gaze swept over the gathered priests. ¡°By hunting him, we will force the Abyssal Clans¡¯ Elite Five out of hiding. They will come for him. They have no choice and when they do we will wipe them out of existence itself.¡± Lysara frowned. ¡°And what if he¡¯s already working with them?¡± Her voice was calm, but her hand rested on the hilt of her blade. ¡°The Abyssal Clans would never ignore his return. He was once their strongest warrior.¡± Darius shook his head. ¡°He¡¯s not with them,¡± he said, voice heavy. ¡°He told me himself¡ªhe has no intention of returning. The only thing he seeks now is to bring down the gods.¡± A murmur spread through the chamber. Unease, fear, curiosity¡ªemotions thickened the air. Then, a warrior clad in silver armor entered the chamber and knelt before Seraphiel. He whispered into the his ear. ¡°My lord, the Norns wish to see you. It concerns Ryojin.¡± Seraphiel stiffened. For the first time that night, true tension flickered across his face. The Norns¡ªancient beings who wove the web of fate¡ªrarely intervened. If they had summoned him over Ryojin¡­ it meant the situation was more dire than they had imagined. Lysara took a step forward, her piercing gaze locked onto Seraphiel. ¡°Well, high lord?¡± she asked, voice unwavering. ¡°Do I have your approval to go after Ryojin?¡± Seraphiel studied her for a long moment. Then, he nodded. And left the gathering ¡°So be it.¡± The decree was made. The hunt for Ryojin Kurohane had begun. Elsewhere ¨C Ryojin stood atop a ruined tower, gazing at the stars above. His violet eyes gleamed in the moonlight, reflecting something dark¡­ and inevitable. He could feel it. The Celestial Order would come. And when they did¡­ He must be ready. A smirk curled on his lips. ¡°Let¡¯s see how bright your light shines,¡± he murmured, ¡°when the Abyss swallows it whole.¡± The shadows around him coiled, whispering in anticipation. And far above, beyond the clouds, the heavens themselves prepared for war. ECHOES OF THE ABYSS A cold wind howled through the ruins, carrying the scent of scorched stone and forgotten memories. Ryojin Kurohane sat atop the broken tower, his crimson eyes gazing at the remnants of a kingdom long lost to war. Malakar. His fingers clenched into a fist as he overlooked the shattered land below. The very soil was tainted with the blood of the past, yet no signs of life remained. Nothing but silence. "How was I able to fight like that?" The thought gnawed at his mind. He had just defeated Darius, but something about the battle unsettled him. He fought as if he had always wielded this power¡ªan instinct, a muscle memory buried deep within him. The Abyss had always been a source of power, one that he could channel into his katana. But now¡­ now that same power surged through his body like a second heartbeat, as if it had always belonged to him. "Is this what it feels like to stand among the Abyssal Clans¡¯ Elite Five?" Ryojin exhaled, his breath visible in the frigid air. His gaze drifted to the ruins, the remnants of Malakar''s fall. One of four kingdoms lost during the Great War between the Celestial Order and the Abyssal Clans. The battle here had been ruthless, drowning the land in blood and despair. "Is this what you call saving humanity, Veydris?" The name whispered through his mind like a curse, dragging him back to the past¡ªback to the Abyssal Clans'' training grounds. The camp was alive with the sounds of steel clashing, sweat dripping onto hardened earth, and the labored breaths of recruits pushing their bodies past their limits. Ryojin wiped the sweat from his brow, his katana resting in his grip. He had long grown tired of this routine¡ªpush-ups, combat drills, swordplay. Training endlessly with no real battle in sight. "When are we going to see real combat?" he muttered, frustration bleeding into his voice. A sharp laugh came from behind him. "I was just about to ask the same thing," said Sheng, a fellow recruit with spiky black hair and a sharp-toothed grin. "I want to see blood¡ªmy enemies¡¯ blood." Darius, standing beside them, frowned. "You two are insane," he muttered. "All you think about is killing." Sheng grinned, flexing his fingers. "And what about you, Darius? You¡¯re always talking about battle strategy. Rumor has it the Abyssal Clans are planning to attack Colonia soon." If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Darius hesitated. "Colonia is ranked sixth among the ten kingdoms. Their Pact Bearers are powerful." Sheng scoffed. "Good. I want to see how Pact Bearers die." Darius shook his head. "You talk big, but have you even formed a pact with a spirit?" Sheng shrugged. "I don¡¯t need one." Darius sighed and turned to Ryojin. "What about you? Have you tried summoning a spirit?" Ryojin hesitated. He had tried before¡ªcountless times. But no spirit had answered him. "I don¡¯t need one," he finally said. "And don¡¯t worry, Darius. I¡¯ll be your god. I¡¯ll protect you." Sheng snickered. "That¡¯s cute. But don¡¯t forget, I¡¯m here too. I won¡¯t let any comrade of mine die." Darius smiled weakly. "I guess I¡¯m lucky to have you two¡­ even in this nightmare of a world." The three of them shared a laugh. It was rare to find friendship in a place like this, but somehow, they had. The moment was shattered by a booming voice. "Silence!" Duvis Grana, the man in charge of training new recruits, strode into the training grounds. His piercing gaze silenced the recruits instantly. "You''ve trained hard, but many of you still don¡¯t understand why we brought you here," he said, his voice heavy with authority. "Today, you will learn the truth. Enter the tent." Ryojin exchanged a glance with Darius and Sheng before following the others. As soon as they stepped inside, the air shifted. It was heavier¡ªoppressive. The weight of it crushed down on them, paralyzing even the strongest among them. "Shit," Sheng cursed, trying to move his arms. "What¡­ what is this?" Ryojin could barely breathe. His gaze flickered to Darius, who was trembling, sweat dripping from his face. Then, he looked up. Above them, five figures hovered in the air, cloaked in the very essence of the Abyss. The Abyssal Clans¡¯ Elite Five. They were legends¡ªwhispered in fear, their names etched into history as beings who transcended humanity itself. Veydris, the Hollow Reaper¡ªcloaked in shadows, his cracked porcelain mask concealing his face. His silver abyssal eyes gleamed like twin voids. Kael Zareth, the Abyssbound Tyrant¡ªarmor fused with abyssal spikes, veins glowing crimson beneath his darkened skin. Oris Valther, the Plaguebearer¡ªhis form shifting between flesh and liquid, abyssal corruption dripping from his every movement. Zekiel Ra¡¯ven, the Phantom¡ªhis body half-consumed by the void, his silver eyes gleaming in the darkness. Sylva Nyx, the Abyssal Witch¡ªthe only female among them, her swirling abyssal eyes containing the cosmos itself. The recruits couldn¡¯t move. They couldn¡¯t speak. They could only witness. A voice, calm yet absolute, broke the silence. "Do not be afraid, my children." It came from Veydris. His presence alone made their souls tremble. "I am Veydris, founder of the Abyssal Clans. And these," he gestured to the others, "are my closest allies. Together, we are the Elite Five." Sheng, ever reckless, was the first to break the silence. "Are you even human?" Darius paled. "Sheng, shut up!" But Ryojin spoke next, his voice steady. "He¡¯s right. What are you?" A deep chuckle rumbled from Kael. "Feisty ones this year." Veydris tilted his head slightly. "We are human¡­ but we have surpassed human limits. The power we wield is not ours alone¡ªit is the will of the Nexus Abyss." "The Nexus Abyss?" Darius echoed. Sylva Nyx chuckled. "I like these recruits." Veydris continued, his silver eyes gleaming. "The Nexus Abyss is where all realms converge. It is an infinite wellspring of power. But to enter it sacrifices must be made." A tense silence followed. Darius swallowed. " sacrifices?" Veydris¡¯ voice was low. "Yes, like the way we sacrificed those of you who were unworthy. Their lives were offered to Aulaff, the Great Spirit, so that he could open the Nexus Abyss. All this was done for the great of humanity." Ryojin clenched his fists. "So we were kidnapped. Forced to kill each other, you sacrificed some of us. And you call it ¡®saving humanity¡¯?" Veydris nodded solemnly. "Sacrifice is necessary for a race to prosper my child. The gods and demons have dictated our fate for too long it''s only a matter of time before they decide to be rid of us.If we want to stand a chance against them we must unite the ten kingdoms¡ªpeacefully if we can¡­ by force if we must." He looked down at them. "Together, we will bring eternal peace to this world." The recruits roared in unison. Back on the ruined tower, Ryojin¡¯s expression darkened. "The Elite Five¡­" he muttered. "You abandoned this world after one defeat. How pathetic." UNWEAVABLE THREADS Darkness loomed within Lysara¡¯s chambers, flickering candlelight casting elongated shadows upon the marble walls. The air was thick with incense, its fragrance cloying¡ªmeant to soothe the mind, yet it barely concealed the tension that hung in the air. Seated at the table, Lysara tapped her fingers against the polished surface, her eyes deep in thought. She was a tactician who had shaped the fates of civilizations, yet now she sat in silence, her brow furrowed. Across from her, Darius exhaled sharply, shifting in his seat. His bandaged body, wrapped tightly in divine cloth, was a testament to the wounds he had suffered in battle. "How many of our forces fell?" Lysara¡¯s voice was cold, measured. Darius'' jaw tightened. "Too many." He clenched his fists, the movement sending a tremor of pain through his body. "We threw everything at him, and yet¡ª" "He walks free." A long silence stretched between them. Ryojin. The Godslayer. A being who should not exist. A being who defied the natural order. Darius closed his eyes. The memory of their battle still burned behind his eyelids. He had seen gods fall, watched as Ryojin carved through divine flesh like a farmer reaping wheat. There had been no hesitation, no mercy. "We need a plan," Lysara murmured. "One that ensures he never threatens us again." Darius exhaled sharply. "Easier said than done. I think he is beyond us now. Even if we were to muster all the divine might of the Celestial Orde©\¡± "It would be enough," Lysara finished. Darius gritted his teeth. "You don¡¯t get it, we need high lord Seraphiel to deal with him immediately. Ryojin will not stop until all gods are killed and in the process he will sacrifice a lot of people just to wield abyssal energy.¡± Lysara¡¯s fingers drummed against the table. "Then we must think differently. A direct assault will only feed his wrath." Darius looked away. "Then what do you propose?" Before she could answer, the air in the room shifted. A creeping cold spread through the chamber. A slow, deliberate sound¡ªclick. Click. Click¡ªechoed through the space, like the sound of fangs snapping shut. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. A figure stepped forward from the darkness. Seraphis, the Black Fang. She moved with an elegance that was inhuman. Her lips curled in a sharp, knowing smile, and her eyes were sharp as daggers . Lysara¡¯s expression did not change. "Seraphis." "How entertaining," Seraphis mused, her voice a silk-coated blade. "Two of the greatest minds of the Celestial Order, reduced to desperation." Lysara¡¯s golden gaze met Seraphis¡¯ unflinchingly. "Speak plainly. If you have something to say, say it." Seraphis chuckled, stepping forward. "Your problem is simple. You cannot kill him. You cannot overpower him. So why do you keep trying?" Darius scowled. "If you have a solution, say it." Seraphis smiled. "A prison. A domain built from divine power. A space where time flows differently. To us, a month will pass. But to him? Only hours." Lysara¡¯s gaze sharpened. "He will enter as a titan," Seraphis continued, her voice lilting with amusement. "And when we open the domain again, he will be nothing more than a relic of the past as his abyssal energy will degrade.¡± Silence. Darius exhaled, his mind racing. "A fractured stasis," Lysara murmured, thinking through the implications. "If we craft a space where time is unstable, he will not notice the shift until it is too late." Seraphis spread her arms. "And by the time he does, it will be far too late." A pause. Then, Lysara nodded. "We will do it." The Loom of Fate Between the Demon Realm and the Godly Realm, there existed a place untouched by war. A space where fate itself was woven. Seraphiel moved through the endless void, the fabric of reality shifting around him like a great tapestry. The Loom of Fate lay ahead, its presence timeless, absolute, eternal. Here, the Norns wove destiny itself. As he approached, the air hummed with power. Countless threads shimmered in the darkness, stretching infinitely across the expanse. Each thread represented a life, a story, a future yet to be written. The three figures stood before the great tapestry. Urd, the past. Her face was marked with the weight of ages, her eyes seeing all that had been. Verdandi, the present. Her hands moved swiftly, weaving the stories of those who still lived. Skuld, the future. Shrouded in mystery, she alone held the threads of what was yet to come. Seraphiel knelt before them. "Great weavers of fate." Urd¡¯s voice was like the rustling of old parchment. "High Lord Seraphiel. " Verdandi¡¯s fingers never ceased their work. "The realms tremble." Seraphiel¡¯s expression darkened. " Ryojin?" Skuld¡¯s voice was a whisper of wind through forgotten halls. "He has become a threat." The threads shifted. Before him, a strand appeared¡ªdark and empty, a void where a destiny should be. "We cannot weave his fate," Urd said. Seraphiel frowned. "So he has become beyond fate itself?¡± "But he is not alone," Verdandi murmured, weaving faster. "There is another, this one more dangerous.¡± A second strand appeared. This one was divine. It shone like celestial fire¡ªyet it, too, resisted the loom. Seraphiel¡¯s breath caught. "A god?" The Norns nodded. "In the godly realm, among your kin, there is one whose fate we cannot weave," Skuld said gravely. "This being¡¯s existence will be the undoing of the gods." Seraphiel¡¯s blood ran cold. "Who?" "We do not know," Verdandi admitted. "But this thread will lead you, it will glow when the being in question is before you.¡± The glowing strand curled around his wrist like a serpent. "End them," Skuld whispered. "Before fate unravels." Seraphiel clenched his fist. The gods already had a problem to deal with - Ryojin Kurohane. But now, a new question loomed¡ª Which of their own would bring about their end? THE SHADOWHAND; VAELIN DUSKBANE The ruined city of Solara stood as a testament to devastation. Broken spires clawed at the sky, half-destroyed buildings loomed like gravestones, and the stench of charred stone filled the air. Among the ruins, a lone figure moved with calculated precision¡ªVaelin Duskbane. He wove through the wreckage, his black cloak billowing behind him, boots crunching softly against scattered debris. The city had once been a proud bastion of divine power, but now, it was nothing more than a graveyard. And at its heart, a particular building still stood, half-destroyed yet defiant against the destruction. Vaelin halted before the structure, his eyes gleaming beneath his hood. His lips curled into a faint smirk. "Ah, what a sight." His voice was quiet, almost amused. "I never imagined Abyssal energy could be this destructive." The air was thick with remnants of chaotic power, a whisper of something ancient and wrathful. He inhaled deeply, savoring the taint. "I have to thank you, Kurohane," he murmured, stepping toward the entrance. "You''ve made this so much easier for me. If not for you, entering Solara would have been such a hassle." The building''s interior was eerily untouched. Scrolls and books lined the bookshelves, pristine despite the surrounding destruction. It was unnatural. Vaelin''s gaze narrowed. "How is this possible?" He extended a hand toward a tome, fingers brushing the surface¡ªonly to meet resistance. An invisible force field crackled against his touch, barring access. "That explains it." His voice was laced with realization. "Now, how to open this barrier?" His keen eyes swept the floor. A keyhole, nearly buried beneath dust, caught his attention. Kneeling, he blew away the dust and traced its edges with his fingers. "A key¡­" he muttered. Rising, he searched the room with practiced efficiency. Minutes passed. His frustration was well-hidden, but a sharp glint in his eyes betrayed his impatience. Then, amid the rubble, something caught his attention¡ªa form trapped beneath collapsed stone. Vaelin approached, his steps unhurried, deliberate. With measured ease, he began removing the debris, revealing a battered figure beneath¡ªa god, judging by his attire. Blood streaked the divine being''s face, his breaths shallow. A golden key, glinting even in the dim light, hung loosely from a chain around his neck. The god''s eyes fluttered open. He let out a weak breath. "Thank you¡­ human," he rasped. "Is he gone?" Vaelin crouched beside him, lowering his hood. Golden eyes, piercing and unfeeling, met the god''s gaze. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "Yes," he said smoothly. "His gone." Relief flickered in the god''s eyes¡ªuntil Vaelin spoke again. "But the Shadowhand is here." The god''s breath hitched. His expression twisted into terror as realization sat in. "No¡­ impossible," he whispered. "You¡ª You can''t be alive! How could you have survived all these years? You should be¡ª" His words cut off in a wet gurgle. A thin, almost elegant slash had opened his throat. Blood spilled, pooling onto the cracked stone floor. His body shuddered once, then fell still. Vaelin''s expression remained unreadable as he put away his dagger. He reached down, unfastened the golden key from the god''s neck, and rose. Turning on his heel, he strode toward the keyhole, inserted the key, and twisted. A pulse of energy rippled outward. The force field collapsed. His movements remained smooth, but there was now a slight urgency in his actions as he scanned the scrolls. He sifted through them rapidly, his brows furrowing. Whatever he sought was of immense importance. Then¡ª A presence. Ancient. Suffocating. Dark. Vaelin''s jaw tightened. His fingers clenched around the scroll in his grasp before dropping it. He ground his teeth in frustration, then moved. Swift. Silent. Shadowed. He slipped outside, stepping into the ruined streets. The air had changed. A thick, oppressive darkness spread through the city, consuming the already bleak remains. From the void, a figure emerged. Clad in obsidian armor, its form lithe and precise, like a blade forged for war. Crimson eyes gleamed beneath its helm, piercing through the gloom. Vaelin did not flinch. "Vaelin." The figure''s voice was calm, eerily so. "Explain what happened here." Vaelin lowered his head in feigned respect. "Demon Prince Kharon," he greeted, his tone carefully measured. "A surprise to see you here." Kharon did not move, his gaze sweeping the destruction. "This¡­ was a mere skirmish among the residents," Vaelin continued smoothly. Kharon''s crimson eyes narrowed. "Are you sure?" He turned, taking in the desolate remains of Solara. A sigh escaped him, laced with something akin to disappointment. "How far we have fallen," he muttered. "The gods behave like demons. The spirits, meant to guide mortals, now aid in their slaughter. The gods, once protectors of the mortals, turn their lands into battlefields. And the Demon Realm¡­ is no better." Vaelin allowed a small nod. "A tragic sight, indeed." He crouched, picking up a handful of soil. Darkened, tainted. "The land itself suffers." He let the dirt slip through his fingers. "Just like the other four kingdoms." Kharon''s gaze remained unreadable, but his voice was steady. "This is a sign, Vaelin. We must move faster with our plans." He gestured to the ruins. "If we do not act, all realms will suffer the same fate." A beat of silence. Then¡ª "You are to cease your research on the Nexus Abyss." Vaelin''s gaze snapped to the prince. Kharon''s voice hardened. "So far, you have retrieved nothing of value. The continued slaughter of people in order to enter it¡­ disgusts me." Vaelin''s expression remained neutral. "Of course, Prince Kharon," he said, his voice carrying no hint of defiance. "I had already been considering the same course of action." Kharon regarded him for a moment longer. "Stay put. Await my instructions." Then, like a shadow dissolving into the night, the prince vanished. The moment he was gone, Vaelin''s calm mask cracked. His eyes darkened. His fists clenched. Fury simmered beneath his skin. He exhaled sharply, suppressing the rage, then turned. Retracing his steps, he re-entered the building, moving toward the bookshelf. He grasped a nearby log¡ªits tip still alight with flame. Without hesitation, he pressed it to the scrolls. Fire consumed the knowledge within moments. Pages curled, ink blackened, words lost to the hungry embers. "No one," Vaelin murmured, watching the flames rise, "should know who I truly am." His gaze flickered, a chilling glint in his golden eyes. "Especially not Prince Kharon. I need him for my grand design." The fire crackled, devouring the last remnants of history. KINGDOM NEFARIA Night was beginning to settle over Malakar, but Ryojin hardly noticed. His mind was elsewhere, replaying the events that had unfolded as if they were nothing more than a vivid dream. A battle lost. Imprisonment in the Nexus Abyss. And now¡­ this power. Power that he somehow instinctively knew how to wield. Ryojin stood atop a ruined tower, the wind whispering through the jagged remains of the structure. He flexed his fingers, watching as a black-purplish aura flickered around them like living shadows. "Let''s see¡­ inhuman speed, strength¡­" His fingers twitched as abyssal energy pulsed through them. "I have teleportation¡­ and then there''s also¡ª" His gaze shifted to the black tendrils coiling around his aura, slithering like hungry serpents. He frowned. "And these¡­" He exhaled sharply. "And the voices. Always the damn voices." They whispered ceaselessly, yet their words held no meaning. If they did, he couldn''t grasp it. All he knew was that they gnawed at his mind, an ever-present murmur lurking beneath his thoughts. "Tch. Annoying." His eyes flickered toward a nearby pillar. He recalled how he had shattered Solara''s force field with a mere command, how he had erased Darius''s attack with a single word. A thought formed. A test. Ryojin narrowed his eyes. His voice was smooth, commanding. "Collapse." The pillar instantly crumbled into ash. The realization struck him like a lightning bolt. A slow smirk spread across his face. "So, I''ve awakened this ability as well." He glanced at his katana, the dark aura writhing around its blade like a living thing. No ordinary weapon could cut through a god''s flesh. Yet, his sword had. Even with these newfound abilities, one question still gnawed at him. "That dragon¡­ what the hell was it?" His fingers clenched into a fist. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "Has it been the one feeding us Abyssal energy all this time?" He had no answer. In the past, when he and his comrades had ventured into the Nexus Abyss to imbue their weapons with abyssal energy-only the elite five imbued their bodies with abyssal energy- their eyes had been sealed shut by the great spirit, Aulaff. It was a precaution¡ªto prevent them from being consumed by the Abyss itself. Only upon emerging were their eyes allowed to open. "If the dragon is the source of Abyssal energy¡­ then why the hell is it giving it to people for free?" A shiver crawled up his spine. Ryojin was no fool. Nothing in this world came without a cost. He exhaled, pushing the thoughts aside. His current situation was more pressing. He had just made enemies of the gods, which meant they would be hunting him soon. Running a hand through his dark hair, he muttered to himself, "Less than two weeks before the Abyssal energy wears off." A sharp breath left his lips. "I need to prepare. When they come for me, I''ll end their order¡­ and then, I''ll erase every last god." His gaze swept over the ruined city beneath him. "First, I need a place to stay." With a final glance at the wreckage, Ryojin leaped from the tower, landing soundlessly on the ground below. His steps carried him forward, toward the neighboring kingdom of Nefaria. Once ranked fifth among the ten great kingdoms, Nefaria had been a proud and formidable force. Its strength had been measured through the Kingdom''s Pact Tournament¡ªa brutal competition where five Pact Bearers( woriors who formed pacts with spirits)from each kingdom clashed for dominance. But that was before the war. "I can''t walk around in this armor. Too obvious." Ryojin thought as he overlooked Nefaria- which was a couple of miles away. Dressed as he was, anyone who saw him would immediately recognize him as an Abyssal Clan member. And after everything the Abyssal Clans had done to the world, he wasn''t keen on drawing attention. His gaze swept over the near sections of the kingdom. There. A long, tattered brown cloth lay abandoned among the rubble. He strode toward it, picked it up, and sighed. "Damn it¡­ I have to wear this?" With a shake of his head, he wrapped it around himself, the fabric draping over his form, concealing both his features and his armor. "This will do¡­ for now." When Ryojin approached Nefaria, he barely recognized it. The streets were dimly lit, their once-glorious glow now a mere flicker of its former self. A suffocating silence hung in the air, broken only by the occasional shuffle of ragged figures. Mothers clutched their children close, their hollow eyes darting in fear. The scent of hunger and despair was thick, nearly tangible. His journey led him to a small, crumbling hut. A faded wooden sign swayed in the breeze, barely clinging to its hinges. The word "Restaurant" was scrawled across it in peeling paint. Ryojin''s stomach tightened. "Tch. I need food." He had no money. But what he did have was a golden ring¡ªmore than enough for a few meals. Without hesitation, he pushed open the wooden door. Silence. The moment he stepped inside, every gaze in the room snapped toward him. Unlike the starving figures outside, the patrons here were dressed in fine silks and jewelry. Their eyes bore into him, their expressions ranging from disgust to outright disdain. "Who''s that?" one woman whispered. "Look at him. Filthy." "Disgusting." The whispers slithered through the air, but Ryojin remained unfazed. He had long abandoned the need for others'' validation. How they saw him meant nothing. Without a word, he stepped further into the room. NEFARIA PACT SQUARD Ryojin approached the counter, where an old man with gnarled hands was diligently cleaning a cup. The old man, likely the owner, glanced up and asked, ¡°Would you like something, sir?¡± Ryojin cleared his throat. ¡°I would like¡­ something to eat.¡± A gentle smile spread across the old man¡¯s weathered face. ¡°Would a bowl of rice do?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Ryojin replied, placing his hand firmly on the counter. ¡°I¡¯d like you to give me seven bowls.¡± The old man frowned, his voice trembling with doubt. ¡°But sir, will you be able to afford that? Each bowl costs four silver coins.¡± Ryojin lifted his hand, revealing a gleaming gold ring. ¡°Will this do? Tell me, how many bowls can this buy?¡± At the sight of the ring, the old man¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. How could a man dressed like this possess a gold ring? Had he stolen it from the nobles? The thought chilled him¡ªif that was the case, then if the nobles found it with him they would spare him no mercy. And yet, this treasure was too valuable to ignore. ¡°Hey, old man,¡± Ryojin hissed, his tone edged with impatience. ¡°Did you not hear me?¡± The old man¡¯s gaze dropped to Ryojin¡¯s strange violet eyes peeking from beneath his cloth. ¡°More than enough, sir.¡± Nervously, he tucked the gold ring into his pocket and gestured toward an empty table in the corner. ¡°You can sit there. Your order will arrive shortly.¡± Ryojin nodded, moving toward the table, though disdainful eyes followed his every step. He settled into a wooden chair, and shortly after, a woman in a white dress¡ªserving as the waitress¡ªapproached with a large tray and placed it before him. ¡°Here is your order, sir,¡± she said softly. Ryojin¡¯s eyes scanned the tray: seven bowls of rice, two bowls of meat, and one bowl of soup. He beckoned the waitress with a slight gesture, and she lowered her head. ¡°What do you need, sir?¡± she inquired. ¡°I need some water to wash my hands,¡± he said, nodding toward the spoons on the tray. ¡°I¡¯m not comfortable using these things as they are.¡± Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. A small, knowing smile touched the waitress¡¯s lips. ¡°Sure thing, sir.¡± She departed briefly and returned with a dish of water. Ryojin washed his hands meticulously, the water turning brown as it mixed with the grime. Murmurs of disgust began to ripple through the restaurant. ¡°Yuck, I think I¡¯ve lost my appetite,¡± spat a woman. ¡°Why is that thing allowed to eat here?¡± The waitress hurried away, leaving Ryojin to focus on the food. Though he hadn¡¯t eaten properly in months or years¡ªhis time in the Nexus Abyss was different to the outside world©\the meal before him promised sustenance, albeit prepared in a manner far different from the old ways. He began eating, scooping a bowl of soup over a bowl of rice and consuming it with his bare hands. The food was even more delicious than it appeared. Yet, as he ate wildly, rice and soup spilled onto the floor and even stained the cloth he wore. Frustrated whispers spread among the remaining customers, their disapproval growing as he continued like a wild animal. Suddenly, the forceful opening of the door silenced everyone. Three figures entered, clad in blue robes adorned with a serpent emblem¡ªthe insignia of the Nefaria Pact Squad. One man, with long black hair and an air of arrogance, led the trio. Another, bold and serious, walked beside him. The third, older with a scar running across his cheek, trailed behind. As they advanced, every patron bowed their head in reverence. Ryojin recognized the symbol well; he had once fought against this squad during the unification of the ten kingdoms by the Abyssal Clans. Yet, he continued eating without a glance. ¡°Good evening, sir Gesbine,¡± the old man said, bowing his head. ¡°It¡¯s an honor to have you here.¡± ¡°I¡¯m well, Jin,¡± replied Gesbine, the eldest of the trio, his voice low and measured with age. ¡°We need some tea.¡± Jim hesitated. ¡°My apologies, sir, but the restaurant is full at the moment.¡± ¡°Come on, Jin,¡± interjected Asketh, ruffling his long black hair as he furrowed his brows. ¡°Are these people more important than us? We protect this kingdom¡ªwe deserve proper treatment.¡± His eyes swept the room until they landed on Ryojin, who remained absorbed in his meal. ¡°Look at that guy. He¡¯s filthy. We¡¯re taking his table.¡± Debav, the bold one, hissed, ¡°Asketh, why do you always cause a commotion?¡± ¡°I¡¯m merely stating the truth,¡± replied Asketh, striding toward Ryojin¡¯s table. ¡°Commoner, we¡¯re taking this table. Please stand.¡± Ryojin said nothing, continuing to eat. ¡°Hey, didn¡¯t you hear me?¡± Asketh demanded, his tone rising as he leaned down. ¡°I said get up!¡± The whispers in Ryojin¡¯s ears grew louder¡ªtaunting voices: ¡°Consume..¡± ¡° devour¡­¡± ¡° hungry.¡± He shook his head, trying to dismiss them, but they persisted. Finally, with a resigned sigh, he rose from the table and gathered the scattered bits of rice. A smirk curled on Asketh¡¯s lips. ¡°That¡¯s right, good choice. My patience was wearing thin.¡± Grabbing Ryojin¡¯s hand in a low, conspiratorial tone, he murmured, ¡°If you had not listened, I could have crippled you. And remember, always lower your head when you¡¯re in the presence of the Pact Squad¡ªthat shows respect.¡± Ryojin merely nodded, his expression indifferent. To argue with the weak was pointless. Strength dictated worth¡ªthis was the law by which he lived. A lion does not stop for the howls of starving wolves, nor does a dragon descend to entertain insects. Paying heed to every barking dog was the mark of a fool, and Ryojin had long since abandoned foolishness. A DEAL IN THE SHADOWS Ryojin walked toward the counter, lifting the tray with a calm, almost indifferent motion. He placed it down gently. ¡°Here is the tray,¡± he said, his voice even. Jin, the restaurant owner, took it with a smile. ¡°Glad to serve you,¡± he said, gratitude lacing his tone. ¡°Hope you come back next time.¡± Ryojin gave him a small nod and turned to leave, but before he could take another step, a firm grip caught his arm. He glanced back. It was Gesbine. The older man hesitated for a moment, his eyes studying Ryojin¡¯s back before he spoke. ¡°I apologize on behalf of my comrade,¡± Gesbine said, his tone even yet carrying a sense of sincerity. He cast a glance toward Asketh, who was now seated with Debav, seemingly unconcerned. ¡°He¡¯s¡­ a bit childish.¡± Ryojin remained still for a moment. ¡°It¡¯s all good,¡± he muttered, not bothering to turn back. ¡°I was about to leave either way.¡± Gesbine¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Ryojin¡¯s figure. Beneath the cloth draped over the man¡¯s back, a faint outline¡ªa sword. ¡°If I may ask,¡± Gesbine spoke again, his curiosity growing, ¡°are you from this kingdom?¡± Ryojin stiffened slightly. Did this man sense something? Did he somehow know? If Gesbine had even the slightest inkling that he was a member of the Abyssal Clans, things could get messy fast, of course for Gesbine. ¡°¡­No.¡± Ryojin¡¯s answer was short, clipped. Without another word, he stepped past Gesbine and walked out of the restaurant. Outside, the night air was crisp and cool. Ryojin exhaled slowly, his gaze drifting to the towering castle in the distance. It stood at the heart of the kingdom, its silver spires illuminated under the moonlight, a beacon of power. It was the only structure that looked to be in good condition. Yet, to him, it was meaningless. He had no place to go. With a sigh, he sat on the edge of the street opposite the restaurant, deep in thought. His moment of quiet, however, was quickly shattered. The pounding of footsteps filled the air. A flicker of tension crept into Ryojin¡¯s muscles. He turned his head slightly, listening. Someone was approaching¡ªfast. His eyes sharpened. Was someone following him? The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. He rose to his feet, walking toward the narrow alley where the footsteps echoed louder. Then, he saw them. Streams of flickering light in the distance¡ªlamps. Voices, shouting. ¡°Don¡¯t let him escape!¡± ¡°Catch him!¡± ¡°Thief!¡± Ryojin¡¯s expression remained unreadable, but his mind raced. Were they coming after him? No¡­ he hadn''t stolen anything. And then, amid the chaos, a figure in black dashed past him. The thief¡¯s face was concealed beneath a dark mask, only their eyes visible¡ªsharp, calculating. Ryojin¡¯s gaze flickered toward the crowd of angry civilians rushing toward him, their breaths heavy. A man in fine black robes stepped forward, desperation in his eyes. ¡°Where did the thief go?¡± he demanded. An idea clicked in Ryojin¡¯s mind. If he caught the thief, he would be rewarded. ¡°How much will you pay?¡± Ryojin asked, his voice calm, almost uninterested. The man¡¯s expression lit up with hope. ¡°Anything you ask for. Just bring back my jewelry!¡± That was all Ryojin needed to hear. Without another word, he turned and sprinted after the thief. The restaurant door swung open as Gesbine and his two comrades stepped outside. The sound of shouting still filled the streets. ¡°What¡¯s all the noise?¡± Gesbine muttered, his sharp eyes catching a glimpse of Ryojin running. ¡°Why is he running?¡± The man in black robes turned to him. ¡°He¡¯s chasing the thief that stole my jewelry.¡± A strange look flickered in Gesbine¡¯s eyes. And then, without hesitation, he ran after Ryojin. Despite his age, he moved with the swiftness of a seasoned warrior. Meanwhile¡­ Ryojin was already closing the distance. Yet, the moment he was out of sight from the crowd, his feet barely touched the ground. With inhuman speed, he vanished. In an instant, he cut off the thief¡¯s escape, appearing right in front of them. The thief skidded to a halt, their breathing heavy, eyes wide with shock. ¡°You¡¯re coming with me,¡± Ryojin said simply, stepping forward. ¡°Give it up. You can¡¯t outrun me.¡± The thief whirled around¡ªbut the moment they turned, Ryojin was already standing in front of them. A sharp intake of breath. They tried again¡ªrunning in the opposite direction¡ªonly to find Ryojin there too. Left. Right. Each time, the thief found themselves blocked by the same man. A deep sigh left their lips. ¡°¡­Come on, man,¡± the thief said, their voice carrying a hint of frustration. ¡°Can¡¯t we talk this out?¡± Ryojin narrowed his eyes. A woman¡¯s voice. She took a step back, then raised her hands. ¡°If you want,¡± she continued, ¡°we can split the items. Eighty to twenty ratio.¡± Ryojin didn¡¯t respond immediately. He hesitated. A woman. Capturing her would mean forcing her into submission, perhaps even hurting her¡ªand that went against everything Ryojin stood for. No matter the circumstances, he never raised a hand against a woman. It wasn¡¯t just a rule he followed; it was an unshakable conviction buried deep within him. But¡­ he also needed money. Before he could decide, a familiar presence was approaching ¡ªfast. Gesbine. Ryojin¡¯s eyes flashed. He was almost here. With no time to think, Ryojin grabbed the thief and vanished into the night with speed. A few moments later¡­ Gesbine stopped in the narrow street, his sharp gaze scanning the area. Nothing. Only the silence of empty alleyways. ¡°¡­I could¡¯ve sworn I saw them here,¡± he muttered, rubbing his forehead. Am I getting old? With a sigh, he turned and walked away. A rooftop, overlooking the city. Ryojin stood there, his arms still holding the thief. From this distance, he could clearly see Gesbine heading back. Odd. His vision had never been this sharp before. ¡°¡­Hey.¡± The voice pulled him from his thoughts. Ryojin looked down at the thief, still in his arms. ¡°Mind putting me down?¡± she asked, raising an eyebrow. Without a word, he set her down gently. She stretched her arms and let out a sigh. ¡°Thanks for the save. I was pretty sure I was gonna get caught.¡± She glanced at him. ¡°Damn. You¡¯re fast.¡± She took off her mask, revealing a beautiful young woman with long, flowing black hair. Ryojin blinked. She smirked. ¡°So? Who are you? And why did you help me?¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯m a traveler,¡± he replied, his voice low. ¡°I need a place to stay. Three or four days.¡± To his surprise, she agreed without hesitation. ¡°Alright.¡± Just like that. Ryojin frowned slightly. Why was she so quick to trust him? ¡°Come on,¡± she waved at him. ¡°We should get moving.¡± She turned and began walking. Ryojin watched her for a moment. Then, without a word, he followed. A STRANGERS WELCOME The moonlight cast a faint glow over the two figures walking side by side. The narrow passage was darker, with no lanterns lighting the way and no signs of life in the streets. A heavy silence hung in the air. Ryojin found it strange how easily this girl had accepted his deal. Trust, to him, was not something given freely. Yet here she was, walking beside him with a casual ease, even humming softly as if they had known each other for years. "So, you''re the quiet type," she teased, glancing at him. "That''s fine. I know what you''re thinking¡ªwhy did I accept your deal without hesitation, despite not knowing you at all?" She paused, her voice dropping slightly. "To be honest, I don''t trust you. But what can I do?" She let out a small sigh. "It''s obvious that you''ve formed a pact with a powerful spirit. The way you ran while carrying me¡ªit was unreal. Your strength and speed aren''t normal. So I wouldn''t dare try any tricks. I know when I''m at someone''s mercy." Ryojin considered her words, finding an undeniable truth within them. Resistance was meaningless when one stood at a clear disadvantage. It was a lesson he had learned long ago¡ªthe strong dictated fate, and the weak could only adapt or be crushed beneath the weight of their defiance. Though he did not voice his thoughts, her simple statement revealed much about her nature. She was not the type to fight battles she could not win. Instead, she recognized her limitations, acknowledged reality, and moved accordingly. It was a rare trait¡ªone that separated survivors from fools. Many would have resisted, clung to pride, or attempted deception, but she understood the futility of such actions. That alone made her different. Pragmatic. Cautious. Perhaps even dangerous in her own way. Still, Ryojin had no reason to harm her. He sought only a temporary place to stay. "You don''t need to be afraid of me," he finally said, his voice low and steady. "I only need a place to stay for a while." "Okay," she replied, though her tone still held doubt. "I''m Kina. And you are?" "Rio," he answered after a brief hesitation. Giving his real name was too risky. "Rio, huh? That''s an odd name for someone with your build," Kina said, eyeing him. Though his body was concealed beneath a cloth, his presence alone gave off an air of intimidation. "I was expecting something more¡­ threatening." "Are we close to the place?" Ryojin asked, changing the subject. His tone carried a hint of impatience. "We''ve been walking for a while. It''s getting late." If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "Relax, we''re almost there," Kina assured him. "I told you, I''m not leading you into a trap." Her confidence made it difficult to argue, so Ryojin simply nodded and followed her. At the end of the passage, a large wooden building came into view. Beams of light seeped through tiny gaps in the walls, hinting at life inside. "We''ve arrived," Kina announced, gesturing toward the structure. Ryojin studied the building. It was massive. He didn''t recall seeing it the last time he was in this kingdom, but then again, he hadn''t been paying much attention to buildings when he and his comrades had invaded. "Let''s go," Kina urged, noticing he had drifted into thought. As they approached, the muffled sounds of children playing echoed from within. Kina stepped up to the wooden door and knocked lightly. The door creaked open, and within seconds, a group of children rushed forward, wrapping their arms around Kina. "Kina, you''re back!" a young boy exclaimed, clinging to her. "Yes, I am," she replied, a smile tugging at her lips. However, the moment one of the children¡ªa small girl¡ªspotted Ryojin, she let out a startled scream. The other children turned to him, their faces a mixture of fear and uncertainty. "Hey, that''s just my friend, Rio," Kina reassured them, placing a hand on the little girl''s shoulder. "Hey, Rio, can you take off that cloak?" Ryojin hesitated. If he was going to stay here, they would see his face eventually. With a slight nod, he pulled back the cloth slightly revealing his face. The rest of his body, still clad in armor, remained hidden beneath the fabric. Kina''s eyes widened slightly as she took in his appearance. He wasn''t what she had expected. "You look¡­ different," she admitted, running a hand through her hair. "You''re younger than I thought. Late twenties, maybe?" Before Ryojin could respond, a small girl in a white dress, no older than eight, suddenly ran up to him and hugged him tightly. "It''s nice to meet you, Rio!" she chirped excitedly. "I''m Trina!" Ryojin stiffened, completely caught off guard. His body tensed, his mind struggling to process what was happening. The other children giggled at his awkward reaction. "Your friend is funny, Kina!" a boy laughed. "Yeah, Rio, you''re acting like you''ve never been hugged before," Kina added, amusement dancing in her eyes. Ryojin forced a small, stiff smile. If only she knew the truth. She was right. He had never been hugged authentically before. Warmth, kindness, affection¡ªthese were not merely foreign to him; they were myths, distant echoes of a world he had never been part of. His existence had been forged in the crucible of suffering, his every step now shadowed by betrayal. Trust was a lie, a fragile thing that shattered the moment it was placed in another''s hands. And yet, here they were¡ªchildren, fragile and naive, looking upon him not with fear anymore, not with suspicion, but with an innocence that defied the harsh reality he had come to accept. Their small hands reached out without hesitation, their laughter carrying none of the malice, none of the cruelty he had come to expect from the world. It was absurd. Unthinkable. He had seen kingdoms rise and fall, had stood upon mountains of corpses, had watched the light fade from the eyes of countless warriors. He had torn through battlefields like a storm, left gods and monsters alike in ruin. He now wielded abyssal energy the specter of death itself. And yet, in this moment, in the embrace of a child who knew nothing of his sins, something deep within him trembled. A whisper in the void. A crack in the armor he had spent a lifetime forging. For the first time in what felt like eternity, something long buried stirred within him. Something unknown. Something dangerous. Something that felt disturbingly close to hope. A PLACE OF SHELTER Ryojin stepped into the wooden building, the warmth of lamplight illuminating the interior. The scent of rice filled the air, and his gaze swept over the long wooden table at the center, where plates of food were neatly arranged. Several doors lined the walls, hinting at the number of rooms within. Trina, still holding his hand, beamed with excitement. "Come on in, Ryojin!" She tugged him forward before turning toward an older man carrying a tray of tea. "Hey, Mister Kenny, come see who Kina brought home!" As the light fully revealed Ryojin''s face, Trina''s eyes widened. "Wow¡­ your eyes are different," she said, stepping closer. "Let me see!" Kina chimed in, stepping in front of him. "You''re right! They''re violet!" The other children quickly gathered around, their small faces filled with curiosity. Some pointed, others whispered in awe. Ryojin felt a bit overwhelmed but managed a small, shy smile. "Come now, children, give the young man some space," the older man¡ªMister Kenny¡ªsaid with a chuckle. His gray, messy curls framed his face, and he wore a loose-fitting shirt and shorts, giving him a relaxed appearance. He set the tray down on the table and gestured to the food. "Eat up, it''s getting late." The children quickly returned to their stools, digging into their meals. Trina glanced back at Ryojin. "Aren''t you going to join us?" Ryojin shook his head slightly. "No, I''m fine," he said in a low voice. Trina hesitated but returned to her seat. Mister Kenny approached him, his eyes scanning Ryojin from head to toe. It was a simple, silent assessment, but something about it made Ryojin feel¡­ unsettled. He averted his gaze, unsure why he felt so self-conscious. Finally, the man smiled, running a hand through his hair. "Kina, mind introducing our guest properly?" "Ah! Right!" Kina straightened up. "This is Rio, a traveler from the kingdom of Hidu." Mister Kenny raised an eyebrow. "Hidu?" His voice held a hint of skepticism. "And what brings him all the way here?" "I came to find a friend," Ryojin answered, keeping his tone neutral. "Yeah, but it¡¯s gotten late," Kina added quickly, shifting slightly. "So I thought¡­ maybe he could stay here for a while, just until he finds them." Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. A long pause followed. Mister Kenny studied both of them, his expression unreadable. Then, to Ryojin''s surprise, he simply nodded. "Hope you find your friend," he said, turning away. "Kina, show him to a spare room." Ryojin blinked. No questions, no warnings¡ªjust quiet acceptance. That was strange. Any rational person would be wary of a stranger, especially one dressed like him. And yet, Mister Kenny hadn''t pressed the issue. Was he na?ve? Or simply¡­ different? Regardless, it was clear these people were fortunate that he had no ill intentions. "Come on," Kina said, her voice calmer now. She led him down a dimly lit passage. As they walked, Trina suddenly hopped off her stool and waved at him. Ryojin hesitated, then offered a small wave in return before continuing on. The passage was lined with doors on either side, lanterns casting a warm glow over the wooden walls. "What is this place, exactly?" Ryojin finally asked. Kina let out a soft chuckle. "You¡¯re funny. Isn¡¯t it obvious? This is an orphanage." Ryojin''s steps slowed. "An orphanage?" he repeated under his breath. "Yeah. After the war between the Abyssal Clan and the Celestial Order, a lot of parents were killed," she said, her voice quiet. "This building¡ªand the others outside¡ªare for the kids left behind." A heavy silence followed. Ryojin lowered his head slightly, guilt settling in his chest. The war¡­he was part of ¡­ had left behind more than just destruction. Four kingdoms had fallen. The remaining six barely survived. And now, here he was¡ªstanding in a place built for the children whose lives had been shattered by the very conflict he and his comrades had taken part in. It was as if fate was reminding him of his sins. Eventually, they reached the end of the passage, where a wooden door stood, its hinges covered in cobwebs. "This is your room," Kina said, gesturing toward it. She turned to leave, but Ryojin instinctively caught her wrist. "Thank you," he said, his voice unusually soft. "And¡­ don¡¯t worry. I mean no harm." Kina looked at him for a moment before nodding. "I hope so." Then, with a small sigh, Ryojin released her. Just as she started walking away, he hesitated. "One more thing," he added. "Could you¡­ bring me some fresh clothes? And some water? I need a bath." Kina gave a short laugh. "Alright. I¡¯ll be back soon." Ryojin watched her disappear down the hallway before pushing open the door. The room was small, dust swirling in the air as he stepped inside. A thin mattress lay on the floor, and old tools cluttered the corners. "Damn, this place is dusty," he muttered, coughing as he waved away the air. Not long after, Kina returned, carrying a bundle of clothes. "Sorry about the dust," she said as she entered. "No one really uses this room." "It¡¯s fine," Ryojin replied. She handed him the clothes. "And about bathing¡ªcome with me. I¡¯ll show you where to wash up." He followed her to another room, where a large dish of water sat on the ground. "Here you go," she said, pointing to it. "Though, uh¡­ it¡¯s cold." "That¡¯s fine," Ryojin answered his voice low and steady Kina hesitated. Then, shifting slightly, she gave him a small smile. "Alright¡­ I guess I¡¯ll see you tomorrow then." Ryojin simply nodded,he watched Kina walked away, her footsteps growing quieter until they disappeared. He stood there for a moment, staring at the empty hallway, feeling the weight of the day settle on him. With a deep breath, he turned and stepped inside. The door creaked as it closed behind him, leaving him alone in the dimly lit room. He let out a quiet sigh, running a hand through his hair. For now, at least, he would rest. THE WARRIOR鈥橲 MARK AND THE GODS FEAR Ryojin placed the bundle of clothes on top of the door and pulled off the cloth hiding his armor. A deep sigh escaped his lips. "Finally, a bath," he muttered, unbuckling his armor piece by piece and placing his katana gently on the floor. He reached for the basin of water and poured it over himself, feeling the cool sensation against his skin. "Man, that¡¯s good," he said as he rubbed the water over his body. But something caught his eye. His gaze shifted to the places where he had been wounded during the battle in Solara. The injuries were gone¡ªcompletely healed¡ªbut in their place were dark, vein-like markings stretching over the affected areas. "What the hell?" he hissed, running his fingers over the black marks. He scrubbed at them, poured more water, but they wouldn¡¯t fade. His brows furrowed. ¡° Do I have healing abilities?¡± He flexed his fingers, trying to sense any energy from the markings, but felt nothing unusual. "Maybe it¡¯s just a side effect of the healing," he muttered. Deciding not to dwell on it, he finished washing up and grabbed the bundle of clothes Kina had given him. He examined them under the dim light¡ªfour long-sleeved shirts in red, orange, pink, and white, along with three pairs of black trousers. "Oh no¡­ these colors are awful," he groaned, holding up the pink shirt. "I have no choice, do I?" He picked the white shirt, pulling it over his torso. It fit snugly, emphasizing his athletic build. He then slipped into one of the loose black trousers, letting out a sigh as he adjusted them. Gathering his armor and katana, he wrapped them beneath the cloth and quickly stepped out of the room. His footsteps were light, cautious, as he moved down the dimly lit corridor toward his sleeping quarters. He entered, shut the door behind him, and exhaled. "Now, where do I hide this?" he murmured, scanning the room. His eyes landed on a large wooden box in the corner, dust gathering at its edges. Perfect. He knelt, lifted the lid, and carefully placed his katana and armor inside. To ensure it stayed hidden, he stacked various tools and old blankets on top before stepping back to inspect his work. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. "That should do it," he whispered. With his armor hidden, he turned to the mattress on the floor and sat down. The exhaustion of the past days weighed on him. Lying back, he let out one final sigh and closed his eyes. Meanwhile, in the Realm of the Gods¡­ Seraphiel walked through the golden corridors of Astrea, his steps slow and deliberate. His mind replayed the ominous warning from the Norns. Astrea, the capital of the Celestial Realm, was one of six divine cities¡ªNova, Remonas, Typia, Clonola, and Fetila. It was home to the Celestial Supreme and his two sons, the royal family who ruled over gods and mortals alike. The Celestial Order, a powerful force of divine warriors, battle priests, and sentinels( humans granted with divine energy by the celestial Supreme) was responsible for protecting this realm. And Seraphiel was their leader. But at this moment, he was burdened. The Norns had spoken of a god who posed an unimaginable threat¡ªone that even fate could no longer weave into its design. But if a god was the danger¡­ then who? He reached his chamber and sat at his desk, unrolling a scroll. His eyes skimmed the words, but his mind was elsewhere. "Should I leave Ryojin alone and focus on finding the god the Norns spoke of?¡± His fingers brushed over the golden thread tied around his wrist¡ªthe one the Norns had given him to reveal the hidden threat. A sharp knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. "Enter," he commanded, his voice deep and steady. The door opened, revealing Commander Lysara, a high-ranking officer of the Celestial Order. She stepped forward, her expression firm. "Sir, we¡¯ve come up with a plan to take down Ryojin," she announced. Seraphiel¡¯s gaze darkened. "And what is that plan?" She hesitated before speaking. "We plan to trap him in a domain where time flows differently. By the time we open it¡ªor if he somehow breaks free¡ªhis abyssal energy should be depleted." Seraphiel considered her words carefully. It was a sound strategy. But if Ryojin had truly become something beyond the grasp of fate, could a mere time prison hold him? "Sir?" Lysara pressed, noticing his silence. "Should we move forward with the plan?" After a moment, Seraphiel gave a slow nod. "Proceed." Lysara turned to leave, but he called her back. "Wait, Commander. Step closer." She hesitated but obeyed, approaching his desk. Seraphiel watched her closely, then glanced at the golden thread on his wrist. It remained dull¡ªno glow, no reaction. She is not the god in question. He exhaled silently. "That will be all. You may go." Lysara gave him a puzzled look but nodded before exiting the chamber. Once alone, Seraphiel leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temple. The Norns¡¯ warning haunted him. If Lysara wasn¡¯t the god they spoke of¡­ then who was? And more importantly¡ªcould Seraphiel stop the god before it was too late? A STRANGE PRESENCE The sound of children laughing and playing echoed through the building, pulling Ryojin from his sleep. Their excited chatter seeped through the thin walls, filling the room with life. He blinked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as the morning light slipped through the cracks in the wooden boards. "Oh my... it''s already morning," he muttered, his voice hollow as he sat up on the worn-out mattress. His muscles ached slightly from yesterday''s events. Stretching his arms, he let out a slow exhale. "Guess I overslept." His mind, however, refused to rest. His enemies, the gods, would not sit idly by. They would come for him. He knew that much. He preferred being the hunter rather than the hunted, yet he had no choice. He had no clue where the godly realm was, let alone how to reach it. And even if he did, it wasn''t guaranteed that he could take them all on. Darius had unknowingly saved him from walking straight into his own death. Still, that didn''t mean he could just sit around and wait. "I need to train," he thought aloud, tapping his chin. "Every time I fight, I awaken new abilities¡ªones I don''t even know I have. If I learn to control them before battle, I won''t have to rely on instinct alone." Abilities awakened through exposure to abyssal energy were unpredictable. Unlike those gained through spirit pacts, abyssal abilities were unique, far more powerful, and varied from person to person. If he could master his, he would stand a better chance against the gods. A faint knock at the door snapped him from his thoughts. "Rio, it''s breakfast time!" A cheerful voice called from the other side. "Everyone''s waiting for you." Ryojin hesitated before standing up. He hadn''t expected them to care whether he ate or not. He figured he would have to fend for himself, yet here they were, including him in their routine. It was... strange. When he opened the door, Trina stood there with a bright smile. "Morning, Rio!" she greeted him, eyes scanning his frame. "Wow, you''re really muscular!" "Morning, Trina," he replied softly, slightly caught off guard. "You said they''re waiting for me?" This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "Yep!" She grabbed his hand without hesitation. "Come on!" She led him to the living room, where the other children sat around a wooden table, preparing to eat. Mister Kenny and Kina were already seated. As soon as Ryojin entered, all eyes turned to him. A fifteen-year-old boy in a wheelchair gasped. "Whoa! Rio is so muscular!" "Yeah! Look at those arms!" another boy added. "Not just muscular, but handsome too!" "His violet eyes make him look even cooler!" Ryojin sat stiffly as their words echoed in his head. Compliments like these... he wasn''t used to them. "Come on, kids," Mister Kenny chuckled. "Let the young man eat in peace. Have a seat, Rio." "Thank you, sir," Ryojin said, taking a seat beside Trina. Across from him, Kina remained silent, her lips curled into a small, unreadable smile. "Since everyone''s here," Mister Kenny said, "let''s give thanks to the Lord." The children reached for each other''s hands in preparation to pray. Ryojin hesitated, then reluctantly joined in. "Kina, it''s time to pray," a boy next to her nudged her gently. But Kina didn''t react. She was still staring at Ryojin, lost in thought. A girl on her other side giggled. "Hey Rio, mind sitting somewhere else? Kina can''t seem to focus when you''re in front of her." "Ah! No¡ªno!" Kina stammered, her face flushing red. "I was just... just recalling something!" The other kids burst into laughter. "Alright, children, let''s pray," Mister Kenny said with a warm smile. The room fell silent as everyone bowed their heads and closed their eyes. Everyone except Ryojin. He only lowered his head to prevent drawing unnecessary attention. Praying to the very beings he despised was absurd. The gods had the power to change humanity for the better, yet they chose to rule over them, dictating their fate. Why should he pray to them? Then, suddenly, his body tensed. A strange presense approached the building. The air grew heavier. It wasn''t the energy of the gods, but something different. His gaze shot toward the door as it creaked open slowly. "What is this energy...?" he thought, eyes narrowing. "Amen," the children said in unison, signaling the end of the prayer. But Ryojin''s eyes remained locked on the doorway. A group of seven kids entered, chatting amongst themselves. Ryojin exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "It was just them...?" He thought. "But what is this energy I feel... it is suffocating." "Ryojin, are you okay?" Trina asked, her voice laced with concern. "You look like you''ve seen a ghost." "No, I''m fine," he replied, his voice lower than usual. "Are you sure?" Kina asked, studying him closely. "Yeah," he muttered, stealing another glance at the children as they walked past him into the corridor. "They also stay here," Mister Kenny explained as he turned to the kids. "Have you all eaten?" "Yes, Mister Kenny!" one of the kids responded with a big smile. "It was delicious. Thanks, Kina!" "Glad you liked it!" Kina beamed, waving at them. Then, just as suddenly as it had appeared, the strange energy vanished. Ryojin clenched his fists under the table. "What the hell was that...?" He let the thought slip away for now and focused on eating. But deep down, he knew something was off.