Julian_Rupil

Leonhardt Eisenhart, a young man who lost his life on Earth, is reborn in a fantasy world into a noble family of blacksmiths. Although his destiny seems tied to metal and fire, an unexpected discovery in a secret library leads him to unlock his true potential as a magician. Between masterfully forged swords and spells hidden in ancient grimoires, Leonhardt embarks on a journey to discover the mysteries of his new existence and forge his own destiny in a world full of magic, legendary creatures, and epic challenges.

Forging a new destiny

The fragment of black crystal pulsed faintly in Leonhardt's palm. Although the battle against the Infernal Lupus was over, an unsettling feeling lingered in the air.

"This crystal… it holds a dark energy unlike anything I've seen before," he murmured, a chill running down his spine.

Evelyn crossed her arms, still recovering from the fight.

"If someone created it on purpose, that means there's a powerful mage behind this."

Seraphina frowned as she examined the fragment.

"We should take it to someone who understands dark magic better. We can't just ignore this."

"Agreed. Let's finish our mission, then we'll investigate this in the capital."

Despite their exhaustion, the group pressed forward. But something in the forest felt different. The trees seemed to whisper, and the night grew darker with every step.

As they advanced, Leonhardt sensed a strange presence following them. His Eye of Destiny activated involuntarily, allowing him to detect a being hidden in the underbrush.

"Someone's watching us…" he whispered.

Evelyn and Seraphina immediately went on guard.

Leonhardt fixed his gaze on a point among the trees.

The moment he pointed, the shadow moved swiftly. Seraphina fired an arrow without hesitation, but the figure dodged it with supernatural agility.

"Show yourself!" Leonhardt commanded.

A tense silence filled the air. Then, a soft laugh echoed through the trees.

"Well, well… looks like you're not as clueless as I thought."

From the darkness emerged a female figure draped in a black cloak. Her silver hair shimmered under the moonlight, and her golden eyes glowed with an enigmatic light.

Leonhardt felt his body tense at the sight of her.

"Who are you?" Evelyn asked, sword at the ready.

"My name is Nymeria. And I've come to warn you."

Nymeria stepped forward calmly, showing no signs of hostility.

"You've slain a creature you should not have touched."

"The Infernal Lupus? Did you create it?"

"No, but I was watching it. That beast was part of something much greater."

"And what exactly does that mean?"

Nymeria sighed and looked at them seriously.

"There is someone manipulating dark magic in this kingdom. Not just any sorcerer… but someone who has broken the world's very rules."

A chill ran down Leonhardt's spine.

Nymeria hesitated for a moment before answering.

"I don't know his true name yet, but they call him The Architect of Ruin."

Silence fell over the group like a heavy stone.

"That's because he works in the shadows. But his influence is already corrupting the kingdom. If you don't act… there will be nothing left but ashes."

"Then tell me… how do we stop him?"

Nymeria studied him with interest.

"You're brave. But you're still weak. You need more power."

"If you know so much, why don't you fight him yourself?"

"Because my role is different. I am only here to warn you. The decision is yours."

Before they could respond, Nymeria took a step back and vanished into the forest's shadows, as if she had never been there.

The group remained silent for a moment.

"This is way too strange," Seraphina finally said. "I don't know if we can trust her."

Leonhardt looked at the dark crystal in his hand.

"But she's right about one thing… we need more power."

"Then, when we reach the capital, we'll start looking for answers."

With a new goal in mind, the group continued their journey—unaware that the shadows of fate were already in motion.

Chapter 22 - Echoes of Darkness