Chapter 9: Shadows of Betrayal A Night That Changed Everything

Prologue

The wind whispered through the Frinklins of Gods HQ, carrying with it a heavy silence. The stars above shone faintly, as if afraid to cast their light upon the events that were about to unfold. Lukashi stood at the edge of a cliff, staring into the vast nothingness, his heart weighed down by thoughts he couldn't escape.

The game… this cursed game felt more real than reality itself.

His fingers tightened around the hilt of his sword. He had fought monsters, cleared 130 levels before the game even began, survived where others had fallen. But deep inside, a question gnawed at him—"Is this really just a game anymore?"

The Path to Master Kyuki

Lukashi and Adnan walked through the mist-covered mountains, their footsteps crunching against the stone path. Before them stood an ancient wooden door, weathered by time, yet radiating an undeniable presence.

Lukashi hesitated for a moment. "Are you sure this guy can help?"

Adnan smirked. "Master Kyuki isn't just some teacher, Lukashi. He's a legend.And why just you ask this my boy"?

Lukashi smiles and says."just I have cleared 130 levels before game even started and this man cleared 100 levels this the guy who is after me.

Adnan smirked. "Are you sure . I am also an trail user.And i have cleared 98 levels."

Lukashi chuckles. "But i did`nt even know about you before entering the real game"

Adnan angry on Lukashi But didn`t says anything. 

Before Lukashi could respond, the door creaked open. A cold gust of wind blew past them as an old man stepped out. His silver hair flowed like silk, his deep blue robes swayed gently, and his sharp eyes studied Lukashi with an unreadable expression.

"So," Master Kyuki's voice was calm yet powerful. "This is the boy who cleared 130 levels before the game even started?"

Lukashi met his gaze. "I'm here to get stronger. I need you to teach me."

Kyuki let out a short chuckle. "Strength isn't something you ask for, boy. It's something you prove. Come inside—if you can survive."

Trial of Endurance

The moment Lukashi stepped inside, his knees nearly buckled. A crushing force weighed down on him—the Void Field.

Kyuki's voice echoed through the chamber. "Survive for an hour. Then, we'll talk."

Lukashi grit his teeth. An hour? Easy.

He took a step—and instantly collapsed.

His muscles screamed, his breath caught in his throat. The weight pressing down on him was unbearable, like he was being crushed under an invisible force.

Adnan crossed his arms. "Come on, Lukashi. You've fought demons, survived death itself—don't let some stupid force break you."

Lukashi's mind spun. I have to do this. If I can't even stand here, how will I ever protect Anturo? Aiko?

He forced himself up, his arms trembling. Step by step, he pushed forward.

Time blurred. His body screamed in agony, but he refused to stop. He had to win.

And then, suddenly—the weight vanished. Lukashi collapsed, gasping for breath.

Kyuki smirked. "Not bad. But this is only the beginning."

Trial of Shadows

Kyuki circled him like a predator. "Tell me, Lukashi… What do you fear most?"

Lukashi remained silent.

Kyuki raised a single finger—and the shadows around them came alive.

Figures emerged from the darkness. Anturo, broken and bleeding. Aiko, crying out for help. Adnan, standing over Lukashi's lifeless body.

Lukashi's heart pounded.

Kyuki's voice was distant. "A warrior who cannot master his emotions is destined to fall."

The illusions attacked. Lukashi swung his sword, but no matter how many times he cut them down, they reappeared.

Anturo's voice whispered, "Why weren't you there to save me?"

Lukashi stumbled back, sweat dripping from his forehead. No. This isn't real…

Kyuki's voice boomed. "Will you let your past control you? Or will you take control?"

Lukashi clenched his fists. Enough.

A roar tore from his throat as he unleashed a storm of energy, his blade glowing with pure fury. With one final swing—the illusions shattered.

Silence.

Kyuki nodded. "Now you're ready."

Betrayal in the Shadows

That night, Lukashi sat outside the temple, staring at the sky. His body ached, but his mind was sharper than ever.

Adnan sat beside him. "You did good today."

Lukashi sighed. "I still don't feel strong enough."

Adnan chuckled. "Strength isn't about feeling ready. It's about knowing you have no other choice but to fight."

Lukashi smirked. "That's a terrible pep talk."

Before Adnan could respond, a sound echoed through the darkness.

Rustling.

Lukashi's instincts kicked in. He jumped to his feet, hand on his sword. "Who's there?"

A figure emerged from the shadows, his presence sending a chill through Lukashi's spine.

Zarotox.

His spiky black hair framed his sharp, menacing face. His purple eyes, once filled with confidence, now held something darker.

Lukashi took a hesitant step forward. "Zarotox? Where have you been?"

Zarotox smirked—but there was no warmth in it. "I should be asking you the same thing."

Lukashi's heart pounded. Something was wrong. Very wrong.

And then—Zarotox attacked.

Lukashi barely dodged in time as snakes of pure energy lashed out at him, shattering the stone where he had stood.

Adnan drew his weapon. "What the hell are you doing?!"

Zarotox's voice was calm, almost amused. "I'm doing what I was meant to do."

Lukashi's mind reeled. "You're my friend!"

Zarotox tilted his head. "Not anymore."

The words stabbed deeper than any blade.

Lukashi's breath hitched. "Tell me this is a joke."

Zarotox's expression didn't change. "The Abyssal Legion has bigger plans, Lukashi. And unfortunately for you—" he raised his hand, snakes coiling around him—"you're in the way."

Lukashi felt his world shatter.

His best friend. His brother. The one person he trusted most.

Betrayed him.

Lukashi's hands trembled. His chest felt tight. He couldn't breathe.

Why? Why? WHY?!

Adnan's voice was tense. "Lukashi… what do we do?"

Lukashi swallowed the lump in his throat. His vision blurred.

He had trained. He had endured. He had fought to become stronger…

But nothing prepared him for this.

His body shook with rage, sorrow, and heartbreak.

Zarotox. The man he once called brother.

"We fight."

To Be Continued...