Shadows in the Night

The campfire crackled softly as night settled over the dense forest. The trio, still recovering from their battle with the mysterious sorceress, huddled around the fire. Tenzai leaned against a tree, his sword balanced across his lap as he sharpened its edge. Kaida sat cross-legged, cradling the crystal, which now emitted a faint, comforting glow. Rai held the nameless sword across his knees, running his fingers over its intricate patterns, his thoughts a swirl of determination and uncertainty.

"We can't keep fighting like this," Tenzai broke the silence, his voice low. "We were barely holding our ground back there."

Kaida nodded. "The sorceress was powerful, but I don't think she's the strongest Abyss has to offer." She glanced at the crystal. "If we're going to win, we need more allies. More strength."

Rai stayed quiet, his gaze fixed on the sword. Its glow had dimmed since the battle, as though it was resting, just like its wielder. "We need to move," he said finally. "Staying in one place too long makes us an easy target."

Just as he spoke, a rustling sound came from the undergrowth. Tenzai immediately drew his sword, and Kaida raised her crystal, its light intensifying. Rai stood, gripping his blade tightly, ready for whatever might emerge.

From the shadows, a figure stumbled into the firelight. It was a young man, his clothes torn and stained with blood. His dark hair was matted, and a jagged scar ran down his cheek. He raised his hands weakly, his voice hoarse.

"Please… I'm not with Abyss," he said before collapsing to the ground.

A New Ally

Kaida rushed to the man's side, using the crystal's energy to stabilize his breathing. Tenzai remained alert, his eyes scanning the surrounding forest for any signs of an ambush.

"He's injured but stable," Kaida said after a moment. "We need to let him rest."

Rai knelt beside the man, studying his face. "Who are you?" he asked softly.

The man groaned, his eyes fluttering open. "Kellan," he managed. "I'm... I'm a hunter. Or at least, I used to be."

"Used to be?" Tenzai asked, his tone skeptical.

Kellan nodded weakly. "Abyss destroyed my village. I tried to fight back, but… they were too strong." His voice cracked with emotion. "I've been on the run ever since."

Rai exchanged a glance with Kaida. There was pain in Kellan's voice, a pain they all understood too well.

"Rest for now," Rai said. "We'll talk more when you've recovered."

Training and Shadows

The next morning, Kellan sat by the fire, his strength slowly returning. He watched as Rai practiced with his sword, the blade moving with an almost hypnotic fluidity.

"That's some weapon you've got there," Kellan said, breaking the silence.

"It's not just a weapon," Rai replied, pausing mid-swing. "It's... different. Like it has a will of its own."

Kellan tilted his head. "Mind if I join you? I might not have a fancy blade, but I know my way around a bow."

Tenzai chuckled. "Another bowman? Let's hope you're better than Rai was when we first met him."

Rai shot him a glare but couldn't suppress a small smirk. "We'll see."

Kellan retrieved a bow from his pack, its string frayed but still functional. He demonstrated his skill, hitting targets Rai set up with remarkable accuracy.

"Not bad," Rai admitted, impressed.

Kellan grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment."

As the day progressed, Kellan revealed more about himself. He had been a tracker, skilled in navigating forests and reading signs others would miss. His knowledge of Abyss's tactics and patrols proved invaluable, giving the group a strategic advantage.

Abyss Strikes Again

That night, as they prepared to rest, the air grew unnaturally cold. The fire flickered, and a low, guttural growl echoed through the trees.

"They've found us," Kellan whispered, drawing his bow.

From the darkness, a pack of Abyss wolf-men emerged, their eyes glowing an eerie red. At their head was a hulking figure, larger and more menacing than the others. Its claws glinted in the firelight, and its snarl revealed rows of jagged teeth.

"Stay together!" Rai shouted, gripping his sword.

The pack charged, and chaos erupted. Tenzai met the first wave head-on, his sword cutting through fur and flesh with brutal efficiency. Kaida unleashed a barrier of light, pushing back several attackers and giving Kellan a clear line of sight.

Rai faced the alpha, their movements a deadly dance. The wolf-man's speed was overwhelming, but the nameless sword seemed to anticipate its strikes, guiding Rai's hand.

Kellan, perched on a rock, provided covering fire, his arrows finding their marks with precision. "Rai, keep him busy!" he called out. "I've got a shot!"

Rai nodded, dodging a swipe from the alpha's claws and countering with a slash that left a glowing wound across its chest. Kellan loosed an arrow, and it struck the alpha's eye, causing the beast to howl in pain.

Seizing the opportunity, Rai delivered the final blow, plunging his sword into the alpha's heart. The beast let out a deafening roar before collapsing to the ground.

A Moment of Respite

As the remaining wolf-men fled, the group regrouped around the fire. Kellan wiped the sweat from his brow, his grin triumphant.

"Not bad for a 'used-to-be' hunter, huh?" he said.

Rai chuckled, sheathing his sword. "Not bad at all."

Kaida looked at Kellan, her expression thoughtful. "You've proven yourself tonight. If you're willing, we could use someone like you."

Kellan's grin faded, replaced by a look of determination. "I've got nowhere else to go. If it means fighting back against Abyss, I'm in."

Tenzai clapped him on the back. "Welcome to the team, then."

As the fire crackled and the night settled once more, the group knew the road ahead would only grow more perilous. But with Kellan by their side, their chances of surviving and striking back against Abyss had just gotten stronger.