Black Lanterns and Shadow Blades

The night was thick as smoke. The wind whispered through the alleys of Nocturnia, carrying the echo of muffled laughter and screams. Kael followed the trail of the Black Lanterns, floating globes that glowed like wraiths along the darkest streets of the lower city.

Tonight he would find out who was looking for him.

But he had a feeling he wouldn't like the answer.

Arriving at the Raven's Den

The lanterns led him to a dilapidated-looking building. The rotten wood of the door was ajar, like an ominous invitation.

Kael took a deep breath. Was it a trap?

BZZZT.

A flash of energy crackled through the air.

BOOM!

An explosion erupted from nowhere, devouring the ground beneath his feet. Kael reacted instinctively, raising his hand.

"Guardian's Seal!"

A golden wave formed around him, forming a shield of pure energy. The shockwave swept over him, knocking him backward, but his shield absorbed much of the damage.

"Hoh... not bad."

A figure emerged from the darkness of the door.

A tall man with an eye patch and a long black cloak trimmed with raven feathers.

Veyron.

His voice was deep and sharp as a knife.

"I underestimated you. But that's okay... I like to test my future allies."

Kael stood up, clenching his fists. Future allies?

"I don't work for anyone."

Veyron chuckled. It was an unsettling sound.

"Then let's see if you survive tonight."

Blood Ambush

Suddenly, the shadows came to life.

Ten hooded figures emerged from the darkness, moving silently. Blades flashed in the moonlight.

Assassins.

Kael leapt back just as a dagger grazed his chest.

CLANG!

Another blade struck the stone where he had been a moment before.

"Fast… but not fast enough."

Kael didn't respond. There was no time to speak.

He made a quick motion with his fingers. The sigils around him glowed.

"Sigil of the Storm: Lightning Chains!"

ZAAAAP!

Lightning lashed out from the sky like a whip of pure destruction. The chains of electricity wrapped around two assassins, making them scream in pain before slamming them to the ground, their bodies smoking.

But the other eight were already upon him.

One of them leaped from above, blade aimed at his throat.

Kael spun around, letting the blade graze his shoulder. With his free hand, he drew another seal in the air.

"Impetuity Seal: Shockwave!"

BOOM!

A blast of pure force rippled in all directions, throwing the assassins back like rag dolls. Three of them hit the walls with a sickening sound of bone breaking.

But that wasn't the end of it.

One of the assassins appeared behind him, faster than the others. His blade came down with the precision of a predator.

Kael didn't have time to turn.

SHIING!

A flash of red light.

The assassin stopped, his eyes wide. A clean cut appeared on his chest.

He fell to his knees, blood dripping onto the floor.

Kael looked up.

Veyron was still in his place, but now he was smiling.

And beside him… a new figure had appeared.

A man dressed in black and gold, with an aura that made the air around him vibrate.

"Pretty spectacular," the man said. "But are you ready for the real game?"

Kael immediately realized something.

The real enemy… had not yet entered the fray.