The deeper tunnels smelled of damp stone and old earth, but my senses didn't care.
I could feel the faint vibrations of life above me—footsteps, the subtle shimmer of mana, the rhythm of human breathing.
Finally.
Humans.
Not that I planned to attack… yet. Observation came first. Knowledge was power. Plus, I couldn't resist the little perks of being faceless, intangible, and terrifying.
"Step carefully, Sora,"
I told myself.
"These humans might die fast, but at least they'll make a good show. And maybe… bonus points for accidental fanservice."
From a shadowed alcove, I saw them.
Three adventurers: a trio of misfortune and charm.
The first was a female mage, clumsy and adorable, robes slightly too short, hair messy from the trek. She muttered to herself, tripping over a jagged rock.
The wind lifted her skirt just enough to make me freeze—half in horror, half in grudging admiration.
"Focus,"
I scolded myself mentally.
"You're a Shadow Sovereign, not a pervy office worker. …Well, maybe a little pervy. Just a little."
Next came a muscular warrior, broad shoulders, shining armor, chest puffed out as if daring the world to challenge him. Behind him scuttled a rogue, eyes darting nervously, dagger in hand, ready to stab first and ask questions later.
I shifted, letting my form ripple like smoke, spreading wider to test my reach. With a thought, I moved a few rocks across the tunnel floor. They clattered into each other. The adventurers froze.
"What the—? Did you see that?"
the rogue whispered.
The mage's cheeks flushed.
"I… I think… it's a spirit?"
Perfect. Fear plus awe. A tiny thrill zipped through me.
I extended a shadowy tendril, just enough to brush a loose boulder near the mage. She jumped, stumbled, and her robes clung to her more tightly where they shouldn't.
"Not that I planned it… but wow, the reactions are priceless,"
I thought, trying to keep a straight face.
"Shadow Sovereign life has perks."
They huddled together, whispering frantic theories. I let them stew, materializing a humanoid silhouette—tall, faceless, and impossibly dark. The mage gasped, the rogue's dagger wavered, and the warrior's bravado faltered.
I whispered through the shadows, low and resonant,
"Leave… now."
My voice was felt more than heard, vibrating in their bones.
The mage froze completely, then shivered as a shadow tendril lightly wrapped around her arm—not harmful, just cold and unnervingly intimate.
"Curious," I mused internally. "
Fear… plus fascination… exactly what I want.
" I could get used to this."
I decided it was time to retreat—study, learn, and plan.
Following them, I slithered silently through the shadows, absorbing their movements, words, and faint magic patterns. I learned how humans moved, thought, and panicked.
Their hierarchy, guild ranks, and combat styles became clear.
"So… honor and bravery, mixed with a dash of stupidity. Classic humans,"
I snickered inwardly.
As we progressed deeper into the cavern system, I felt something else—a pulse, stronger than the adventurers' combined.
Something lurking nearby, older and more dangerous than anything I had faced.
"Oh, this is going to be fun,"
I thought, feeling the familiar thrill in my core.
"The humans are appetizers. The real meal is waiting."
I melted back into the shadows, following silently. The adventurers were blissfully unaware that the Nameless Shadow Sovereign had already claimed their path as his hunting ground.
And as I trailed them, I couldn't help the low chuckle that rumbled through the darkness.
"Okay lets see what will happen"