The wind howled through the ancient valley as Kai followed Kiera through the jagged terrain just beyond the Forbidden Land. Ting had stayed behind after a tense goodbye, promising to look after Kai's family and wait for his return. Even now, his friend's words echoed in his heart.
Kai… don't lose yourself in the shadows.
Kiera walked in silence, her steps precise and almost weightless. Her black cloak fluttered behind her like a second skin, and despite the rough path, her footing never faltered. She was clearly someone used to operating in darkness—both literally and metaphorically.
Kai, however, had a thousand questions simmering inside. He was finally stepping into the hidden world that had always eluded ordinary people. But it didn't feel like he was entering something grand or heroic. It felt like crossing a line that could never be uncrossed.
After nearly an hour of trekking, they reached a narrow crevice in the rocky cliffside. Kiera placed her palm against the wall, and with a hum of Qi, the rock shimmered and split apart, revealing a hidden passage. Inside was a spiraling staircase descending into dim violet light.
"What is this place?" Kai asked as they stepped into the gloom.
"The Veilguard's outpost," Kiera replied. "One of many. We operate in the shadows, just like the monsters we fight. To keep this world safe, we must remain unseen."
The stairway seemed to go on forever. It wasn't until Kai felt the shift in air pressure and heard the low thrum of Qi-infused machines that he realized they had stepped into a hidden sanctuary—carved deep into the mountain itself.
Inside, the outpost was a blend of ancient stonework and futuristic design. Veins of glowing minerals pulsed through the walls like artificial meridians. Floating lanterns hovered in the air, casting cool, blue light. Strange weapons lined the racks, and cultivation manuals were embedded in crystal spheres, glowing faintly.
Several figures moved in silence through the corridors—masked, disciplined, and powerful. Every single one of them radiated the aura of someone who had faced death more than once.
Kai felt small. Not weak—but definitely small. Like a spark drifting into a storm.
"You've probably realized it by now," Kiera said as they passed a large, sealed chamber. "This world is layered. The surface belongs to mortals. But beneath it, in the folds of space and Qi, lies a hidden dimension. That's where the monsters dwell."
Kai nodded slowly. "And only some people can see them."
"Exactly," she said. "Most people live blind. Their spiritual perception was never strong enough to pierce the Veil. But you… your awakening changed that."
Kai paused. "Why me?"
Kiera didn't answer immediately. Instead, she led him into a meditation chamber. The room was circular, with energy flowing through the floor like a glowing river. She gestured for him to sit in the center.
"There are two types of cultivators," she said. "The ones who train, and the ones who are chosen. You fall into the second group. The Shadow Affinity isn't something you just learn. It bonds to your soul. You've been marked."
Kai sat, uneasily. "Marked by what?"
"The Abyss."
That word hit like a hammer. Kai's eyes flicked to hers, searching for answers.
"The Abyss isn't a place," she continued. "It's a will. A presence beyond dimensions, born from the collapse of an ancient realm. Some believe it to be the source of the monsters. Others think it's alive. What we do know… is that those who can wield Shadow Affinity are either saviors—or destroyers."
Kai's mouth went dry. "You think I'm one of them?"
"I know you are," Kiera said calmly. "But whether you become a savior or a destroyer… that's still your choice."
Silence settled like fog.
Kai took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He could feel the swirling mass of energy within him—the same energy that had lashed out during the fight, that had reacted to danger like a wild beast. It wasn't just power. It was something alive.
He focused.
The energy moved. Not violently, not rebelliously. It responded to his intent. Shadows danced behind his closed eyelids, and for a moment, he felt like he was floating in the space between worlds. Whispers echoed—unintelligible, but familiar. The more he listened, the more they sounded like… memories. Pain. Death. Rebirth.
Suddenly, the energy surged. A vision slammed into his mind.
A battlefield. Cities burning under a sky cracked by lightning. A lone figure stood at the center, his entire body cloaked in shadow. Around him, monsters and humans alike fell in waves. And in his hand was a blade of pure black, pulsing like a heart.
Kai gasped and snapped back to reality, eyes wide with shock.
"What… was that?" he whispered.
Kiera was watching him carefully. "Your future. Or someone else's. Or perhaps… a glimpse of the Abyss showing you your potential."
Kai shook his head. "No… that wasn't me."
"You'd be surprised," she said. "Shadow doesn't lie. It shows you the truth, even when you want to run from it."
Kai stood, his legs shaking slightly. "What do I do now?"
Kiera finally smiled, but it was a sad, knowing smile. "Now? You train. You learn how to control your affinity before it controls you. And more importantly… you prepare for the war that's already begun."
A low alarm echoed through the outpost—a deep, resonant gong that made the air tremble.
Kiera's eyes narrowed. "They've found us."
Kai looked at her, confused. "Who?"
She turned sharply, cloak whipping around her. "Cultivators from the Obsidian Path. Rogue users of Shadow who gave in to the Abyss. And if they're here, that means they're after you."