The Stranger at Dusk
Chapter 10: The Stranger at Dusk
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Two months had passed since Elira became the new Sun Goddess. Inside Velmox's hidden laboratory in the Crimson Zone, training had become intense.
During the day, Elira practiced her powers with meditation and focus. She slowly learned to summon heat waves, create blinding flares, and even control small solar flares from her palms. Velmox watched her closely, giving advice when needed. He never praised too much, but his eyes showed approval.
At night, Tatsuo trained alone. Moonlight poured through the windows as he struggled to control the raw, chaotic power inside him. Whenever he lost control, icy winds and darkness erupted from him like a storm.
One night, as his body trembled with uncontrolled energy, Velmox stepped forward and punched him hard in the stomach.
"You need to control it," he said calmly, catching Tatsuo as he collapsed. "Or it will control you."
Every day became harder. But after two months, both Elira and Tatsuo had learned to harness their divine gifts.
One morning, Velmox gathered them in his lab. He wore a new device—mounted in the center of his mask—a small glowing crystal.
"This," Velmox said, pointing to it, "is the Truth Speaker. It sends signals directly to the brain's control center. If I ask someone a question, they will speak only the truth. But... it works only on normal humans. People like you two? Too strong."
Tatsuo smirked. "Too bad. I was hoping to expose Elira's secrets."
Elira rolled her eyes. "Keep dreaming."
Velmox continued, "It's time. The Crimson Zone is ruled by a powerful leader: Zaraotheis. He's dangerous. He was once connected to Solari and Noctira. I've been waiting to confront him... but I needed allies. Now, with both of you, we might have a chance."
"So," Tatsuo said, "what's the plan?"
"We sneak into his palace. Carefully. And we survive."
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Meanwhile, in Velmora Village...
Cairo and his soldiers were locked in battle against monstrous creatures—giant spiders, lizards, and serpents that had been attacking the village for two months straight.
"Cut the legs!" Cairo shouted, leaping toward a spider. He slashed its legs, dodged venomous fangs, and drove his sword deep into its head.
A guard ran to him. "Lord Cairo, we've lost twenty percent of our soldiers! These beasts don't stop!"
A serpent burst from the ground and spat a green gas. Cairo climbed its back, avoided the gas, and stabbed its eyes. It screeched and died—but not before releasing another cloud.
"Retreat!" Cairo ordered. "Fall back to the inner walls!"
They fled into the village. Barriers were raised. The gates sealed.
Cairo leaned against a wall, panting. "I don't know where they're coming from. But we must protect the village. No matter what."
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Later that night, Cairo tried to rest. But he woke suddenly to the sound of screams.
"What now?!"
He grabbed his sword and rushed outside.
Standing in the moonlight was a tall man. His body shimmered with ice, and around him lay the frozen bodies of six villagers.
"Cairo," the man said, his voice dark and amused. "The proud young leader. I've heard of you."
Cairo narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"
Before the man could answer, Lysendra ran out behind Cairo.
"Uncle?!"
Cairo looked at her. "You know him?"
She nodded slowly. "Yes. This is my uncle. My mother's brother... Risgao."
Risgao smirked. "Nice to see you again, Lysendra. And Cairo... you took my niece. You became leader. And now, I want what you have. This village. These powers. All of it."
Cairo stepped forward. "Why are you doing this?"
"Because your precious Sarina never told you the truth," Risgao said. "Ask her. Ask her what she did to me."
Cairo turned to Lysendra. "Go. Stay with your mother. I'll handle this."
"But Cairo—"
"Go. This isn't just your uncle. He's a threat to the whole village."
Lysendra ran.
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Back inside, she told everything to Sarina.
Sarina, pale and weak, closed her eyes. "Risgao... I feared this day would come."
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Far away in the Crimson Zone, the palace of Zaraotheis stood like a temple made of black crystal.
Inside, the ruler sat on a throne. He was calm. Gentle. Almost... kind.
A poor old man approached him, bowing. "Please, my daughter... she is dying. Help her."
Zaraotheis smiled. "Give me your hand."
The old man obeyed.
A glowing energy passed from the old man to Zaraotheis. The ruler nodded. "She will live another year."
The old man turned to leave. But he collapsed, dead.
A servant stepped forward. "He died... Lord Zaraotheis."
"He was old. Take his body to his family."
Another man entered. A mask covered his face. Two children stood behind him.
"Please, help us too."
Zaraotheis stood. "Come closer."
As he reached out to touch the man's hand, the mask was removed.
It was Velmox.
His face—for the first time—was seen. Sharp features, piercing eyes. Handsome and calm.
Behind him stood Elira and Tatsuo.
Velmox smiled. "Truth Speaker: Activate."
And the palace doors slammed shut.
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End of Chapter 10: The Stranger at Dusk