The Shadow in the Stands

Kael's heart pounded in his chest. The hooded man in the stands didn't move, but his presence was oppressive. Even with the arena cheering, with cheers and applause all around him, Kael felt a visceral cold run down his spine.

Who was this stranger?

The man's eyes glowed an unnatural black, like bottomless wells. For a moment, Kael felt a shiver in the air, a wave of mana bending as if something immense had just awakened.

Then, in the blink of an eye… the man was gone.

No visible magic. No seals. As if he had never existed.

Kael knew one thing: this was no ordinary person.

And he had just noticed.

Zareth's Interest

"Impressive."

Kael whirled. Zareth, the organizer of the Nocturnia arena matches, had appeared beside him. His white hair stood out in the torchlight, and his dark cloak moved lightly as he stepped down from the stands with a satisfied expression.

"I didn't think you'd take down the hibrak so quickly."

Kael didn't fall for the flattery. He knew Zareth never spoke without ulterior motives.

"I had two choices: win or die."

Zareth smiled. "And you chose well. But I can't help but wonder… where did you learn to use those seals?"

Kael stiffened. It was a dangerous question.

The world was full of mages, but the Arcane Seals he wielded were a lost art, a power that should no longer exist.

Knowing how to use them meant having a secret to protect.

A Tempting Offering

Zareth leaned closer, his voice lowering.

"Listen to me, boy. You are strong, stronger than I thought. Nocturnia is not a place for the weak… but it might be the perfect place for the ambitious."

Kael stared at him, waiting for the point.

"There is someone who wants to see you."

His breathing caught for a moment.

Who?

"Someone… important," Zareth continued, a sharp smile on his lips. "One who really pulls the strings of this world. He saw your fight and decided that… you might be useful."

Kael remained silent.

First the hooded man. Now this.

Nocturnia was a dangerous city. But now… it had attracted attention it could not ignore.

And he knew one thing: if they wanted to use him, he would find a way to use them.

"Where and when?" he finally asked.

Zareth smiled. "Tonight. Follow the black lanterns into the lower city… and you will find the answer."