Chapter 36: Echoes of the Past

The group continued their journey through the crumbling ruins of an ancient city, the silence broken only by the crunch of their footsteps. Kael's thoughts lingered on the sword strapped to his back and the strange aura it emitted. It whispered faintly to him, unintelligible yet insistent, a reminder of the weight it carried.

As they approached a broken-down stone tower, a flickering light inside caught their attention. Cautiously, they entered, weapons drawn, ready for anything.

Inside, they found an elderly man sitting by a small fire. His hair was long and white, his robes tattered but clean. He turned to them with a gentle smile that seemed to radiate peace despite the grim surroundings.

"I've been expecting you," the old man said, his voice deep and calm.

Kael frowned, stepping forward. "Who are you?"

The man gestured to the fire, inviting them to sit. "I am merely a keeper of memories, a watcher of history. But you, Kael… you are the son of a man who reshaped the world. Sit, and I will tell you what you wish to know."

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The Tale of Kael's Father

Once settled around the fire, the old man began his tale. His voice was steady, weaving a story of courage and tragedy.

"Your father, Kael, was known as the Lord of the World. A man of unparalleled strength and will, he fought to protect this land from the Abyss and its servants. But his greatest battle was against a man unlike any other—the one you now know as the master of Rhylen."

Kael leaned forward, his eyes locked on the old man. "What happened?"

The old man's expression grew grim. "Their battle was cataclysmic. The earth shook, the skies tore open, and the very fabric of reality seemed to tremble at their clash. Your father, wielding the power of the elements, struck with the fury of a thousand storms. But his enemy was relentless, wielding the darkness of the Abyss itself."

He paused, his gaze distant as if reliving the memory. "Your father delivered a blow that would have felled any other being. But the Abyss does not die easily. In return, he was struck by a curse—a wound that would never heal, a mark that bound him to his enemy forever."

"Why did he leave me?" Kael asked, his voice filled with pain.

"To protect you," the old man said softly. "He knew the Abyss would come for you if they discovered your power. So, he hid you away, hoping you would live a life free from their shadow. But fate… fate had other plans."

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The Interruption

As Kael opened his mouth to ask more, the fire flickered violently, and a cold wind swept through the tower. The old man stiffened, his eyes widening in fear.

"No…" he whispered. "He's here."

Kael's blood ran cold as a familiar presence filled the room. Shadows pooled in the corners, and from them stepped Rhylen, his mask gleaming in the firelight, the single red eye glowing ominously.

"Ah, Kael," Rhylen said, his voice smooth and mocking. "It seems you've found someone to tell you bedtime stories."

Kael shot to his feet, drawing the legendary sword. "Stay back, Rhylen."

The masked man tilted his head, his amusement evident. "So hostile. I'm not here for you. Not yet."

Before Kael could react, Rhylen moved. His blade appeared in his hand, dark and jagged, and in one swift motion, he struck.

The old man's head hit the ground before anyone could stop him. Blood pooled around the body as Kael stood frozen, rage and disbelief warring within him.

"We meet again," Rhylen said, turning his glowing eye to Kael.

Kael's shadows flared violently around him as he stepped forward, the legendary sword humming with energy. "You didn't have to kill him!"

Rhylen shrugged, unfazed. "He served his purpose. History belongs to the living, Kael. Don't waste your anger on the dead."

"You'll pay for this," Kael snarled, lunging at Rhylen.

Their blades clashed, the force of their strikes sending shockwaves through the tower. Rhylen's movements were precise and calculated, his mocking smile never leaving his face.

Elara and Aidan moved to help, but Rhylen raised his free hand, sending a wave of dark energy that threw them back. "Stay out of this," he said coldly.

Kael pushed harder, his rage fueling his strikes, but Rhylen blocked each one with ease. Finally, he parried Kael's attack and stepped back, his red eye glowing brighter.

"This is just the beginning, Kael," Rhylen said, his tone dripping with mockery. "You're playing a game you don't even understand. But don't worry—I'll make sure you learn. The hard way."

With that, he vanished into the shadows, leaving Kael standing amidst the chaos, his sword trembling in his grip.

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Aftermath

Kael dropped to his knees beside the old man's body, his fists clenched in anger. "Why? Why does he keep taking everything from me?"

Elara placed a hand on his shoulder, her expression filled with sorrow. "We'll stop him, Kael. No matter what it takes."

Aidan nodded, his jaw set. "This isn't over. Not by a long shot."

Kael looked down at the legendary sword, its blade shimmering faintly in the firelight. Somewhere in the distance, he could still feel Rhylen's presence, mocking him.

"I'll find him," Kael said, his voice low and determined. "And I'll end this."

As they left the ruined tower, Kael's resolve hardened. The path ahead was dark, but he would face it head-on. For the first time, he felt the weight of his father's legacy—and the fire within him burned brighter than ever.