Kael's legs burned as he sprinted through the outskirts of Eldoria, Liora struggling to keep pace beside him. Smoke curled into the sky, thick and black, painting the peaceful morning with terror.
"They're coming from the northern gate!" Liora shouted, pointing toward twisted shadows that moved unnaturally fast. Kael's heart pounded. These weren't ordinary bandits; the demons had returned, drawn by something only the Mark of Origin could attract.
Suddenly, a figure stepped from the shadows—a young warrior with dark hair and amber eyes. His gaze was cold, calculating.
"You must be the Marked One," the stranger said smoothly. "I've been waiting for you."
Kael tightened his grip on his sword, instinctively stepping in front of Liora. "Who… are you?"
The stranger smirked. "A friend? Perhaps. A rival? Definitely." Before Kael could respond, a dozen smaller shadow demons lunged from the trees. The stranger moved with incredible speed, slicing through the creatures with precise strikes. Kael watched, awe mixed with fear.
"You have potential," the stranger said, vanishing into the smoke. "But raw potential alone won't save you."
Kael and Liora reached the Human Kingdom's city walls. Guards scrambled, shouting warnings, but even their trained eyes couldn't match the terror spreading across the streets.
Kael's hand tingled; the Mark of Origin flared faintly. The whisper returned: "Choose wisely. Your journey begins now."
And from the city's tallest tower, a shadowy figure observed, eyes gleaming. Kael's adventure had only just begun.
—To be continued—