A DECISION

A new day broke gently over Lumisgrave, the sky washed in soft oranges and golds, as if the city itself had briefly forgotten the weight it carried. The birds circled lazily over the distant towers, and warm sunlight poured through the high window of the Mythic Base.

Inside the dormitories, Arslan stood shirtless in his modest bathing space, splashing cold water across his face. Steam rose around him, mingling with the quiet hum of the morning. His black hair clung to his skin, and his thoughts were calm—for once.

He stepped out, dried himself quickly, and dressed in his usual dark hoodie and loose pants. As he exited, he passed a few Mythic members in the hallway, trading nods and faint smirks.

Soon, he reached the courtyard where breakfast was being served under the open sky. Today's menu was simple: bread rolls, soup, and herbal tea. Arslan sat beside Nirela Quen, Ravik Durn, and Tharion Vale, who were already chatting about yesterday's drills.

> "Your footwork's improved," Ravik said with a grin, tearing into his bread.

"That's because I don't carry a mountain like you," Arslan smirked.

Nirela giggled lightly. "Ravik, take it as compliment.Your mountain rocking style makes you stronger"

Tharion said"We will grow strong as a team and leave behind Zeniths".

For a brief moment, the atmosphere was lighthearted—no demons, no devils, no darkness looming.

After the meal, the Mythic team made their way to the training ground, spending the late morning in physical drills, combat stances, and energy control routines. Arslan focused especially on precision drills with his weapons—shaping the Dark Shield instantly, controlling the radius of his Shadow Vein Channeling, and quick-casting Phantom Rift with minimal breath.

By noon, their bodies ached, and the group returned to the base drenched in sweat, but satisfied.

---

The moment Arslan closed the door behind him and dropped onto the edge of his bed, a chill filled the room.

Kar'Thæl's presence emerged—like a dark wisp forming into silhouette, glowing red eyes watching from the corner of the room.

> "Arslan," he said with a rare quiet tone, "I think the time has come."

Arslan blinked, wiping sweat from his face. "Time? Time for what?"

Kar'Thæl stepped closer, his shadow bleeding into the floor. His voice was firmer now.

> "Time to show our identity."

Arslan jolted up, his voice almost a whisper. "What?? You mean… show them you're inside me?"

> "Not to everyone," Kar'Thæl clarified calmly. "Just to the King. And to Julius."

Arslan's expression darkened. "That's dangerous."

> "It is," Kar'Thæl agreed. "But it's necessary."

He moved across the room, standing at the window, gazing at the faint sunlight dancing on the glass.

> "Right now, the King believes our only enemy is the demon realm… But I am still an unknown entity. To many, I'm a myth. A threat. A cursed name in the old books."

> "You were a threat," Arslan said firmly. "Now, you're…"

> "Now I'm your ally," Kar'Thæl finished, voice softer.

There was silence between them.

> "But why now?" Arslan asked after a pause. "Why risk it?"

Kar'Thæl turned back toward him, shadows wrapping around his limbs like a mantle. "Because this world needs allies. Powerful ones. If I remain in hiding, they'll never trust our strength. If they learn now—on our terms—then when the true storm arrives, they might stand with us."

> "And if they don't trust us?" Arslan's voice was flat, eyes burning.

Kar'Thæl gave a faint smirk. "Then we'll make them. We'll insist."

Arslan crossed his arms, pacing a little. His heart thudded in his chest—not from fear, but responsibility.

> "You're not doing this to be a hero," Arslan said. "You're doing it because it's smart."

> "That's why I need you," Kar'Thæl said. "You are the bridge. You carry me. You've trained with them. Fought beside them. If they trust anyone… it's you."

Arslan was quiet for a long moment, then slowly nodded.

> "Alright," he said. "Then I'll speak to the King and Julius. I'll tell them about you… But only enough. They don't need to know everything."

Kar'Thæl chuckled. "That's the spirit."

Arslan gave a tired sigh and sat back down.

> "I'm only doing this because you've trained me day and night like a lunatic," he muttered with a half-smile.

> "I take that as a compliment," Kar'Thæl replied with a teasing bow.

> "You're not a bad guy, Kar'Thæl," Arslan added quietly. "Not anymore."

> "And you," Kar'Thæl said, placing a shadowed hand on his shoulder, "are the only one who's ever believed that."

There was a rare pause between them. A pause not of tension, but of growing brotherhood—something neither of them had thought possible when this story began