Chapter 5: The Return of the Shadow King

Scene 1: The Silent Shadow in the Moonlight

A blood-red moon hung in the dark sky, casting an eerie glow over the ruined battlefield. The chilling winds whispered forgotten tales of fallen warriors. Amidst the silence, a lone figure stood on the edge of a cliff, his long black cloak fluttering like the wings of a raven. His violet eyes gleamed dangerously under the crimson sky.

Lukashi

A name feared by monsters and respected by warriors. A ghost that walked unseen. A shadow that no one could catch.

Below him, a massive Infernal Beast roared, its molten claws slashing through the air as it sensed an intruder. Its monstrous eyes locked onto Lukashi, hunger burning within them.

But Lukashi didn't flinch. Didn't blink. Didn't move.

The beast lunged forward, aiming to tear him apart in one deadly strike—

But the moment its claws reached him—

SWOOSH!

Lukashi vanished.

The beast stumbled forward, confused, but before it could react, a whisper of black lightning crackled behind it.

"Shadow Step: Phantom Slash."

A black flash. A gust of wind.

Lukashi reappeared behind the beast, his twin katanas dripping with crimson. The monster's body stood frozen for a moment… then collapsed into glowing pixelated fragments.

Victory. Yet, there was no applause. No audience. No one to witness the legend in action.

Lukashi sheathed his blades, gazing at the distant city—Orion Town.

It had been one year since the game had trapped them inside. Level 25 was cleared, but Lukashi had never walked the path of others. He moved like a shadow, unseen, unknown, unstoppable.

Tonight, however, something pulled him toward Orion Town.

A whisper in the wind. A name from the past.

Anturo.

Scene 2: Orion Town – The Arrival of the Frinklins of God

The streets of Orion Town buzzed with life. Merchants shouted, warriors laughed, and bounty hunters boasted about their kills. The scent of roasted meat mixed with the steel of sharpened blades.

Lukashi moved silently, keeping his hood low, avoiding attention. But then—

"Move aside! The Vice Commander of the Frinklins of God, Reomen King, is arriving!"

Lukashi's steps halted.

Anturo?

His heart pounded for a moment. He turned toward the commotion, eyes narrowing.

Through the bustling crowd, he saw him—Anturo Sakinama.

Walking like a leader, his black Reomen katana strapped to his back, his golden eyes scanning the area with confidence. Warriors and merchants alike bowed their heads in respect as he passed.

Lukashi smirked. "Vice Commander, huh? Not bad, Anturo."

As if sensing his presence, Anturo's sharp golden eyes locked onto Lukashi's hooded figure.

For a moment, time stood still.

Then—

"LUKASHI?!"

Anturo's voice carried through the street.

Lukashi sighed. So much for staying in the shadows.

Scene 3: The Reunion – Aiko's Warmth

Before Lukashi could react, a voice even more familiar than Anturo's echoed.

"Where do you think you're going, Lukifo?"

His breath hitched. That voice—

Turning around, he saw her.

Aiko Tsukino.

Dressed in crimson armor, her silver hair flowing like moonlight. Her amber eyes held something he hadn't seen in a long time—relief.

Then—before he could say a word—

She ran forward and hugged him.

Lukashi froze.

Warmth. After so long in the shadows, he had forgotten what it felt like.

"Where have you been all this time, you idiot?" she whispered, her voice breaking slightly.

Lukashi didn't respond. He just… held her.

From the side, Anturo crossed his arms, a smirk forming.

"Well, well… are you two starting your own romantic drama?"

Lukashi pulled away, clearing his throat. "Shut up, Anturo."

Anturo smirked. "You serious? People think you're a legend, bro. Your disappearance created a ton of speculation. Be honest, are you the 'King of Shadow Speed' or not?"

Lukashi's expression darkened. He wasn't ready for that conversation.

Scene 4: Celestial Inn – Hidden Tensions

Inside Celestial Inn, the three sat around a table. Candles flickered as the air filled with unspoken words.

Anturo leaned forward. "Lukashi, tell me the truth. Why did you leave us?"

Lukashi exhaled. "Some battles need to be fought alone, Anturo."

"Cut the bullshit!" Anturo slammed the table. "We've been trapped in this world for a year! And you disappeared without saying a word? This isn't a game anymore, bro!"

Lukashi didn't answer. Instead, he glanced at Aiko.

She reached out, grabbing his hand. "Do you really want to stay away from us, Lukashi?"

His heartbeat quickened. But before he could answer—

Scene 5: The Silent Watcher – Zarotox's Warning

A shadow moved in the corner.

A pair of piercing purple eyes glowed in the darkness.

Zarotox.

A man in a deep blue suit, snakes slithering along his back.

Lukashi sensed him instantly. He vanished from his seat and reappeared in front of Zarotox in a blink.

Aiko and Anturo's eyes widened.

"What are you doing here?" Lukashi's voice was sharp.

Zarotox's lips curled into a smirk. "I came to deliver a message."

Lukashi's eyes narrowed. "What message?"

Zarotox's voice turned serious. "I spotted an Abyssal Legion spy watching you. When I tried to eliminate him, he teleported away."

[Abysaal Legion is the Guild that is in the Dark city named as Demons Valley of this Game the all Evil players are become like Monsters and they have made an powerful Guild Named as Abyssal Legion]

Lukashi's grip on his sword tightened. "I understand. Leave for now."

Zarotox simply smiled and vanished into the night.

Lukashi returned to Aiko and Anturo.

Aiko frowned. "Where did you go?"

Lukashi smirked. "Bathroom break."

The trio burst into laughter.

Scene 6: The Abyssal Legion's Next Move

Inside the dark fortress of Demon's Valley…

A massive obsidian table stood at the center, surrounded by hooded figures. At the head sat Mecking, leader of the Abyssal Legion. His golden eyes burned with hunger.

"Anturo possesses a rare ability—Reomen Style. I want it."

A warrior knelt before him. "We have sent a spy, Lord Mecking. Soon, we will know all of Anturo's weaknesses."

Mecking smirked. "And Lukashi?"

The warrior hesitated. "He is unpredictable, sir. His abilities…"

Mecking's smile widened.

"No matter. Break Anturo first. Lukashi will follow."

The room echoed with his chilling laughter.

To Be Continued… 🚀🔥