Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s eyes fluttered open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He lay on a cot, the coarse blankets rough against his skin. The familiar scent of leather, canvas, and faint iron filled the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blinking against the dim light, he realized he was in the barracks at Zorim Fields. The world was solid, real\u2026 and alarmingly quiet after the void\u2019s roar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hovering above him, Brynda\u2019s expression wavered between relief and lingering fear. \u201cThank Saint Leanore! You have woken,\u201d she said, her voice tight with concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9 shifted slightly, feeling the obsidian shard in his hand pulse faintly, a heartbeat echoing the visions he had just endured. Even here, the void\u2019s weight lingered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brynda leaned closer, her green eyes shadowed with worry. She had sat by Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s side since the battle, never leaving. \u201cHow do you feel?\u201d she asked softly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9 rubbed his temples, still feeling the echo of the void in his chest. \u201cHow long have I been unconscious?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFar too long,\u201d Brynda said, her voice tight with concern. \u201cThree days.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThree days?\u201d Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brynda\u2019s voice was quiet but firm. \u201cAfter your battle with the lich, you tore that crystal from its forehead\u2026 then you collapsed. We couldn\u2019t get it out of your hands.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s gaze fell to the black shard in his palm. Its faint pulse echoed the visions he had endured, a heartbeat of shadow and power. Slowly, he tucked it into his chest pocket, as if carrying both a burden and a reminder of what had passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9 sat up slightly, voice steady but wary. \u201cWhat of the army of the undead?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brynda shook her head. \u201cAfter you defeated the lich, the undead could no longer resurrect. They were mindless. The Geldanos Army eradicated them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9 exhaled, a hint of relief in his voice. \u201cThat\u2019s\u2026 good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brynda\u2019s eyes widened, disbelief mixing with admiration. \u201cGood?\u2026 Good? You are a hero, Alvinnu\u00e9!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s shoulders stiffened, and he looked down, avoiding Brynda\u2019s eyes. Praise was unfamiliar, almost uncomfortable. He had fought for duty, for survival\u2014not for glory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2026 I did what needed to be done,\u201d he murmured, voice quiet, almost brushing off her words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brynda huffed softly, frustration and affection mingling in her expression. \u201cBrushing it off again, I see. You always do this\u2026 never giving yourself the credit you deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brynda leaned closer, concern softening her features. \u201cCan you stand?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9 pushed himself upright on the cot, wincing slightly. \u201cI think so.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Geldanos Army is preparing to march back,\u201d she said. \u201cThe last thing to do is a prayer to Saint Leanore for remembrance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s gaze dropped, voice quiet. \u201cHow many of our people died?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brynda\u2019s hand went to a lock of her red hair, twisting it nervously \u2014 a small gesture betraying the weight of her grief. \u201cOver half of our army.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9 swallowed hard, his chest tightening. \u201cI see.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A heavy silence hung between them, both mourning in their own way. Slowly, with Brynda\u2019s steadying hand, he rose to his feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Together, they exited the barracks, stepping into the somber light of Zorim Fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The command tent of the Geldanos Army was alive with quiet tension. Around the large map of Zorim Fields stood General Maric, Adjutant Eldric, Baroness Yenn, Count Tomas, Duke Marmo, Duke Varno, and Aelric, each focused on the lines and markers charting the battlefield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
General Maric\u2019s brow furrowed. \u201cHow is the effort on healing the wounded?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adjutant Eldric stepped forward. \u201cThe healers have mended most of the soldiers. However, the heavily wounded will need to be transported back to the castle for further aid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maric\u2019s concern deepened, his fingers tracing a route on the map. \u201cHave them transported ahead of the army with an elite detachment. They cannot wait.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eldric nodded solemnly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maric\u2019s gaze swept the others. \u201cAny signs of a further advance by the undead?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Baroness Yenn shook her head. \u201cNo signs. Our scouts have not seen any undead crossing from the Unclaimed Lands. A messenger from Zariyaz also confirms their borders are secure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood,\u201d Maric said, exhaling a sharp breath. \u201cThank the Gods.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd the enemy dead?\u201d he asked, scanning the faces around the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Count Tomas replied, \u201cAll burned.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Duke Varno added, \u201c\u2026and our fallen comrades have been laid to rest in graves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maric nodded approvingly. \u201cWell done.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aelric stepped forward, hesitation in his stance. \u201cAbout the volunteer army, General\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey will be well compensated by the castle,\u201d General Maric replied firmly, eyes sweeping the tent. \u201cAlive and dead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aelric\u2019s gaze shifted, concern lingering. \u201cAnd Grimgurgh, and the Half-Giants?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maric\u2019s expression softened with conviction. \u201cI will personally speak with the King\u2014your father\u2014about granting them the territory of the Darminian Gap. Gods know they deserve it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A quiet murmur of agreement passed through the gathered officers, each acknowledging the sacrifices made and the justice promised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The flaps of the command tent whipped open, and a soldier stumbled in, breathless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Phantom of Zorim\u2026 Alvinnu\u00e9,\u201d he panted. \u201cHe has awoken from his slumber.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A collective sigh of relief swept through the barracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
General Maric\u2019s stern features softened into a rare smile. \u201cThe planning is adjourned. Let us greet Alvinnu\u00e9!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
General Maric and the officers stepped out of the tent, the morning light falling across Zorim Fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His gaze swept over the rows of graves stretching far into the distance, each marker a silent reminder of the fallen. The sheer scale of it weighed heavily on his heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He thought of what might have been, of the devastation that could have consumed them all had Alvinnu\u00e9 not defeated the lich. A grim mix of relief and sorrow settled over him, the cost of victory etched into the very land beneath his feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9 and Brynda stepped out of the tent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The soldiers froze mid-motion, tools and weapons forgotten, heads snapping toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the Phantom! The Phantom of Zorim!\u201d someone shouted, and the cry spread like wildfire across the ranks. \u201cLet\u2019s take the fields!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s eyes widened. The attention, the shouting, the sheer admiration\u2014it was overwhelming. He shifted uncomfortably, shoulders tensing, clearly unused to such praise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite his unease, the soldiers surged forward, gathering around him. Their faces were lit with excitement and relief, a mix of reverence and joy at seeing the one who had turned the tide of battle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9 took a slow breath, trying to ground himself as the reality of their adulation pressed in from all sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A booming voice cut across the field. \u201cAlvinnu\u00e9!!! Haha!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s eyes widened as Gorimund and the massive Half-Giant, Grimgurgh, came charging toward him, boots pounding the earth in unison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gorimund grinned widely as he reached him. \u201cAh, lad! Awake from your beauty sleep?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s tension eased, a smile breaking across his face. \u201cGorimund! I\u2019m relieved to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gorimund\u2019s eyes twinkled. \u201cNot nearly as much as I am to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grimgurgh\u2019s deep, rumbling laugh rolled across the field, and even Alvinnu\u00e9 felt a flicker of warmth break through the lingering weight of the battle\u2019s aftermath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s eyes widened as he took in the massive Half-Giant. \u201cGrimgurgh\u2026 what are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grimgurgh thumped his enormous bone chestplate with a reverberating clap. \u201cI came to fight an ancient enemy! We Gurghs have kept them at bay!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a careful bend of his towering frame, Grimgurgh reached down and handed Alvinnu\u00e9 an object.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9 looked at it, taking in the small totem carved with the likeness of a Half-Giant carrying a stag over its shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s\u2026 the Half-Giant\u2019s promise,\u201d he murmured, awe in his voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grimgurgh\u2019s deep, rumbling tone carried pride. \u201cYes. When Aelric came and showed us this, we knew we had to come to your aid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s hand closed over the totem, a quiet warmth spreading through him. \u201cThank you, Grimgurgh.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The totem felt heavier than its size suggested, a symbol of trust, alliance, and the weight of promises kept in the face of ancient enemies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
General Maric and the officers arrived, moving across the field with measured steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aelric was the first to break from the group, running toward Alvinnu\u00e9 with a wide grin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been waiting for you to wake up, little brother,\u201d he called, breathless from the sprint. \u201cWhat a way to keep me in suspense!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s lips twitched into a small, reluctant smile, still unused to all the attention but warmed by Aelric\u2019s familiar presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
General Maric\u2019s voice boomed across the field. \u201cAlvinnu\u00e9!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sheer presence of the general made Alvinnu\u00e9 pause, his chest tightening under the weight of respect and authority. He tried to return a salute, but it came awkward, faltering\u2014an imperfect mirror of his own unease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maric\u2019s stern features softened into an amused smile. \u201cNo need to worry about the formality, lad,\u201d he said, his deep voice carrying both warmth and gravitas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He stepped closer, placing a hand on Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWhen you came to the Geldanos Camp to volunteer, no one could have imagined the impact you would have. The King foresaw your importance in the battle, yes, but none of us could have known the scale of what you accomplished.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9 listened quietly, the magnitude of the words settling over him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Geldanos Kingdom owes you a debt that cannot be measured,\u201d Maric continued, eyes sweeping across the field and the soldiers gathered. \u201cYou have turned the tide of this war, and for that, we are eternally grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s jaw tightened. Praise was foreign to him, and yet he felt the weight of responsibility grow heavier in the same moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
General Maric\u2019s gaze lingered on Alvinnu\u00e9 for a long, measured moment, the weight of respect and admiration clear in his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTomorrow, we return to the castle!\u201d he announced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The soldiers erupted in cheer, voices thundering across Zorim Fields. They began to chant, loud and unified: \u201cPhantom of Zorim! Phantom of Zorim!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9 stiffened, overwhelmed by the attention. Brynda stepped closer, patting his shoulder gently, a quiet gesture to ease his discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the back, a soldier\u2019s voice rang out. \u201cThe Angel of the Battlefield!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The chant swelled, mixing titles with fervor. \u201cPhantom of Zorim! Angel of the Battlefield! Phantom of Zorim! Angel of the Battlefield!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brynda\u2019s cheeks flushed, a mix of embarrassment and amusement at the soldiers\u2019 enthusiasm. Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s eyes flicked to her, sharing a brief, unspoken moment amidst the roar of celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Darkness had fallen over Zorim Fields. The air was still, the sky clear, and the twin moons cast pale light over the countless grave markers of the fallen soldiers. Smoke from the torches lining the camp\u2019s perimeter swirled lazily, carrying the faint scent of burning wood across the quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alvinnu\u00e9 moved silently along the edge of the camp, scanning the perimeter with careful, practiced eyes. He had volunteered to scout that night, despite the protests of everyone around him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He needed the solitude, the quiet. The adoration, the chants, the constant attention\u2014it had been too much. Out here, under the moons\u2019 silver light, he could breathe. He could think. He could try to clear his mind of the battles fought, the shard\u2019s pulse in his chest, and the titles thrust upon him: Phantom of Zorim<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alvinnu\u00e9 climbed atop a jagged rock cropping, settling himself as he activated his Shadowsight. The field stretched below him, silent and empty. No undead, no enemies\u2014only the quiet rustle of the night breeze through the tall grass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He activated Shadowsprint, dashing across the field with inhuman speed, scanning every nook and cranny. Still, nothing stirred. His senses caught only the familiar hum of moonlight on stone and the distant crackle of the camp\u2019s torches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the edge of the field, he found a wooded area. Slumping to the ground, he drew the black crystal from his chest pocket, holding it in the pale moonlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He studied it closely, tracing the intricate patterns pulsing faintly with void energy. \u201cThis is a Shard of the Void God?\u201d he murmured to himself. \u201cAnd I am supposed to find the other four?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Memories of the Voice in the Void surfaced\u2014their cryptic words echoing in his mind. How would he find the path? The Voice had said he would see it, but the meaning remained elusive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After a while, Alvinnu\u00e9 slipped the black crystal back into his pocket and rose to his feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The air around him seemed to thicken, and the Voice of the Void stirred within his mind, echoing with quiet authority:<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The Void knows the emptiness, yet has felt all things\u2014past, present, and yet to come. To understand nothing is to touch everything.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n “Voidsense!”<\/em> the Voice commanded, sharp and insistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A strange sensation welled up from his eyes. Void energy gathered, and the whites of his eyes darkened, blacker than any shadow. Panic surged through him, and he clutched his face, forcing himself to blink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then he opened his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The world had changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Auras radiated from every living thing\u2014the trees, the grass, the animals nearby. Each pulse of life glowed in spectral colors only he could perceive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is\u2026 the Void\u2019s power?\u201d Alvinnu\u00e9 whispered, awe and fear mingling in his voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alvinnu\u00e9 stepped forward, his eyes still darkened by the void, attuned to the currents of life around him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He approached a towering tree and watched in awe as its energy flowed from the roots buried deep in the earth, spiraling upward through the trunk, and unfurling in the leaves above. Each pulse was rhythmic, steady, a quiet heartbeat of the forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A deer emerged from the underbrush. Its muscles rippled as life coursed through its veins, each breath glowing faintly with the subtle luminescence of vitality. Alvinnu\u00e9 could trace the flow of energy like rivers of light moving beneath its skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rocks nearby hummed faintly, as though holding memories of the earth itself. Water in a small stream shimmered with currents he could not fully name, an energy unlike life but no less alive in its own way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alvinnu\u00e9 exhaled slowly, his mind racing to comprehend it all. The world had layers he had never imagined, and the shard in his pocket seemed to pulse in resonance, as if urging him to understand its language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s gaze swept over the forest encircling the field, his senses sharpened by Voidsense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then he saw them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three figures, their bodies glowing with dark energy, moving silently through the trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instinctively, Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s hand went to the Doth-\u00c9amon Short Sword, but he gripped his throwing knives instead. With Voidsense, he could see their positions with perfect clarity\u2014every subtle motion, every shift in posture, revealed to him as if the world had slowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He hurled the knives in rapid succession. One toward the figure perched in the forest canopy, one at the figure near the boulders, and one at the figure by the stream\u2019s edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The knives met resistance. Each figure deflected the blades effortlessly, their dark energy forming shimmering barriers that sent the metal ricocheting harmlessly into the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s heart quickened. These were no ordinary foes\u2014each exuded a presence of power and malice unlike anything he had faced before. The forest seemed to close in around him, the shadows thickening as the figures advanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In an instant, the three figures vanished, only to reappear surrounding him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One figure swung a blade down toward his head. Voidsense flared in his mind, tracing the trajectory with perfect clarity. Alvinnu\u00e9 shifted just in time, letting the blade whistle past harmlessly. He couldn\u2019t help but feel a surge of awe at the precision Voidsense granted him, predicting the enemy\u2019s movements before they even struck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He countered immediately with Inyyudian Sword Strike<\/em>, a Shadow Skill from the Inyyu clan, aiming for the enemy\u2019s vitals. The strike was deflected effortlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The figure to his right loosed an arrow. Again, Voidsense mapped its path, and Alvinnu\u00e9 slipped aside, the projectile grazing past him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He responded with Inyyudian Swift Sword<\/em>, a flurry of precise, shadow-guided strikes. The figures behind him attempted their own assault, but Shadowvoid extended his awareness, letting him sense every incoming attack peripherally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All three foes launched a simultaneous strike. Voidsense flowed through him, and Alvinnu\u00e9 countered each one with fluid ease, his short sword dancing like a shadow through the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After a tense moment, all four stood still, the air vibrating with residual energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the figures\u2019 voices rang out, calm but firm. \u201cAlvinnu\u00e9, that is enough!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alvinnu\u00e9 relaxed, disengaging Voidsense. The world snapped back to normal. The forest, the field, the moonlight\u2014everything returned to its quiet, still state, leaving only the lingering pulse of tension in its wake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The figure in front stepped forward, his movements deliberate, the dark energy still faintly shimmering around him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAlvinnu\u00e9, Anong Ginawa\u2019mo?\u201d he said, his voice sharp yet tinged with concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alvinnu\u00e9 froze, disbelief written across his face. The words were in Shanda-Woldn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2026 you\u2019re Shanda-Woldn?\u201d he asked, his voice barely a whisper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The figure lowered his hood, revealing familiar features. \u201cYes\u2026 that we are,\u201d he said, calm and steady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s eyes widened as recognition struck him. \u201cManoj\u2026 Kuya!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Kuya, in Shanda-Woldn, means older brother.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Emotion surged through him\u2014a mix of relief, shock, and unspoken questions. The dark night, the eerie presence of the figures, the Void\u2019s power\u2014all of it suddenly converged on this moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The other two figures lowered their hoods, revealing familiar faces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s breath caught. \u201cDarna\u2026 Ateh\u2026 Jun\u2026 Kuya\u2026 What are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Ateh, in Shanda-Woldn, means big sister.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Darna stepped forward, slipping her bow aside. A red sash wrapped around her waist caught the moonlight\u2014a symbol of the Inyyu Clan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI will ask the questions here, little brother,\u201d she said, voice firm and commanding. \u201cHow in the gods did you find us? We had Shadowblend activated!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s eyes darted between them, the weight of the moment settling on him. The forest seemed impossibly still, as if even the trees were holding their breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alvinnu\u00e9 hesitated, debating whether to reveal the truth about Voidsense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2026 I was just lucky,\u201d he said finally, keeping his voice casual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darna\u2019s sharp gaze lingered on him for a moment, then she let it slide. \u201cIs that so?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Manoj and Jun sheathed their weapons, tucking them neatly behind their red sashes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darna turned back to him, arms crossed. \u201cBack to your question\u2014why we are here. I don\u2019t know if I should answer it! We nearly died!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jun\u2019s expression softened, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. \u201cYour skills have grown, little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Manoj\u2019s tone was calm but firm. \u201cIt is the duty of full-fledged Shadow Warriors to watch over initiates during their Ritual of Proving.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alvinnu\u00e9 froze, eyes wide. \u201cWait\u2026 you\u2019ve been observing me all this time?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The forest around them was quiet, the only sound the soft rustle of leaves. Alvinnu\u00e9 could feel the weight of their scrutiny, even now, and the unspoken pride behind it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darna\u2019s eyes flashed with exasperation. \u201cYes! We observed you from the moment you arrived in Tarmynia\u2014your training in the Black Forest, how you rescued a Zariyazene soldier from Mount Kan-Alon, your duel with the half-giant\u2026 and how you VOLUNTEERED in a war of another nation! Alvinnu\u00e9! What were you thinking?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Manoj\u2019s voice was calm but carried weight. \u201cAll of it has been reported to the elders. And they are\u2026 not pleased.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jun\u2019s gaze softened, but his words were firm. \u201cLittle brother, the ritual was meant to be secretive\u2026 yet you went in the complete opposite direction.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darna\u2019s irritation was palpable. \u201cAlvinnu\u00e9, we Shanda-Woldn must remain detached from outsiders. You know that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2026 I know,\u201d Alvinnu\u00e9 replied quietly, \u201cbut people needed help\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a moment, Darna, Manoj, and Jun stood in silence, the forest around them hushed as if listening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darna stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on his head. \u201cI know\u2026 you always have been a good child.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jun\u2019s tone was gentler now, though still insistent. \u201cAlvinnu\u00e9, I know how you are. But you have to THINK!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alvinnu\u00e9 lowered his head, contemplation and the weight of their words settling over him like the night itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darna crossed her arms, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. \u201cWell, since we are here talking, the elders are calling you back to Lies\u00fc.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alvinnu\u00e9 blinked in surprise. \u201cBack to Shada-Wold? Back to the capital?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes,\u201d Darna confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alvinnu\u00e9 hesitated. \u201cBut the Ritual of Provi\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darna cut him off mid-sentence, her tone firm but teasing. \u201cYou have just defeated the Army of the Undead and saved Geldanos, Zariyaz, and gods know what else across the continent. Please go back before you get in deeper trouble!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alvinnu\u00e9 nodded. \u201cI will return.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGood,\u201d Darna said, her eyes glinting. \u201cAnd try not to garner any more attention, Phantom of Zorim.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alvinnu\u00e9 flushed lightly, unable to hide his discomfort at the title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Darna, Manoj, and Jun stepped closer, each placing a hand lightly on Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s shoulders in silent farewell. Their presence carried the weight of both family and duty, a reminder of the bond they shared despite the shadows that always surrounded them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Without a word, they activated Shadowblend. Their forms shimmered, edges dissolving into darkness, and in an instant, they vanished into the night, leaving Alvinnu\u00e9 alone under the twin moons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The forest seemed quieter for their absence, yet Alvinnu\u00e9 could still feel the lingering warmth of their presence\u2014a reminder that even in solitude, he was not without guidance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Alvinnu\u00e9\u2019s eyes fluttered open. He lay on a cot, the coarse blankets rough against his<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3514","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3514","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3514"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3514\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3537,"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3514\/revisions\/3537"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3514"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3514"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jsantos.net\/_blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3514"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}