Shu combed through the forest, every step heavier. His disciple had been gone too long.
"Damn it, Shen… where are you!?" His voice cracked, teeth gritted.
---
Shen's Transformation
Shen sat on a log, idly picking his teeth with a twig, wolf bones scattered at his feet. The metallic tang of blood still clung to his tongue.
A sharp beep rang in his ear.
[Body acclimation engaged. Sample integrated: Lower Mortal Wolf Behemoth. Commencing transformation.]
Light erupted from Shen's skin, his body glowing like molten steel. He gasped as muscles twitched and stretched, bones shifting, nerves sparking. The light grew blinding, until at last—
[Body acclimation complete. Host is now: Lower Mortal Type.]
Shen staggered to his feet, chest heaving. His arms were thicker, muscles defined. He stood a little taller. The power thrumming through him was undeniable.
Then came the voice again:
[Accessing wolf memory… Skill found: Water Blade. Rank: Lower Water Type.]
Shen's eyes widened. "A… spell skill? Just like that?!"
[Explanation: Wolf encountered skill within its lifetime. Memory extraction successful.]
Shen laughed, a wild sound echoing in the woods. "Finally… finally I've got a skill!"
But before the joy could settle, another line cut through:
[Insufficient energy to unlock skill. Requirement: higher energy intake.]
Shen's grin faltered. "Are you f*cking serious!?" His fist clenched. "More energy?!"
A rustling in the brush made him whirl, rock raised in his hand.
"Shen, you idiot! I've been looking everywhere for you—"
Shu's words froze on his lips as his eyes darted between the shredded wolf carcass and Shen's hardened gaze.
"…Did you… kill that?"
Shen smirked, pride swelling. "Yeah. I killed it."
Shu's mind reeled. How can a lowest mortal… kill a lower mortal wolf? And why does he look… stronger? He shook his head. Not important right now.
"Shen, listen. We have to evacuate. The Kingdom of Luthor has fallen to Igniculus." His voice was tight with urgency. "We return to the temple, gather what we can, then head north to our allies."
Shen swallowed hard. He knew little of these enemies, but Shu's tone alone chilled him. If Shu was afraid… they should all be afraid.
"Understood."
---
The Shadow's Return
The two made their way quickly through the trees, but a voice slithered out of the darkness:
"Did you think you could hide forever, old friend?"
Every drop of color drained from Shu's face.
"…Run. NOW!"
Flames erupted at his command, the forest igniting in a blazing wall. He seized Shen's hand and pulled him forward at breakneck speed.
The mocking voice boomed behind them.
"You can run, Shu Ken… but you cannot hide."
---
Ashes of the Temple
They burst through the treeline at the base of the temple. Shen collapsed, gasping.
"KEEP MOVING!" Shu barked, dragging him up the stairs.
With a sharp gesture, Shu cast his spell.
Flames roared up, circling the entire temple grounds in a towering inferno. It would not hold forever, but it bought them time.
Inside, silence. The temple stood empty. Every disciple had fled.
Shu staggered, knees buckling. "All my work… gone…" His hands trembled as tears burned his eyes.
A warm hand touched his shoulder. Shen. His voice was steady, eyes shining with conviction.
"What you built will never be forgotten. I'll make sure of it."
For the first time in years, Shu allowed himself a small, broken smile. "…Thank you, Shen."
---
The Four
At the mountain's base, four silhouettes waited beyond the flames. Their forms blurred by fire, but their killing intent spread for miles, suffocating.
"Kill," one word echoed, dripping with malice.
---
Last Goodbye
Back at Shu's home, he moved quickly, preparing satchels. Shen followed close, voice trembling.
"Who is it? Who's attacking us?"
Shu didn't turn. "The Four Great Sages."
Shen froze. "…The Four Great Sages!?" His mind reeled. They were legends — high masters of the elements, the only ones spoken of in the same breath as Shu himself.
"But… why are they after you?"
"No time to explain." Shu thrust a wooden box into Shen's hands. Inside lay the twin crimson blades. "Keep these. At all times."
He pulled out a single scroll, glowing faintly. "There's only one left. Take it."
"No." Shen shook his head, voice fierce. "I'm not leaving you behind."
"Shen, please! There's no time!"
"I don't care! I'd rather die than abandon you!"
Shu's jaw clenched. He knew Shen's stubbornness. He could not win this argument.
His eyes flicked toward the gate. The flames outside flickered, weakening. "The fire… it's almost gone."
The temple doors shuddered. BAM! They burst open under an unseen blow. Shadows spilled into the courtyard.
Shu turned, pressing the scroll against Shen's chest. The magic flared, swallowing him in light.
Shen's eyes widened in horror. "No! Shu—!"
Shu forced a smile, though his eyes brimmed with sorrow. "…Remember me."
The last thing Shen saw was Shu, standing tall, as a shadowed figure raised a blade behind him.
"Goodbye, Shen."
And then the light consumed him.