A cold wind rushed through the underground passage, blowing out two of the blue crystals near the entrance.
Lira grabbed Kael's arm tightly.
"Kael… someone's really coming."
Kael stepped in front of her, eyes fixed on the dark tunnel.
The Seer raised one hand, forming a thin wind barrier across the passage.
"It won't stop him," the Seer said quietly, "but it will slow him for a moment."
Kael frowned.
"How strong is this hunter?"
The Seer didn't answer immediately.
Finally, he said:
"He is the only person in the Empire who refused a royal title… because he did not need one."
Lira's breath caught.
"He refused… a title?"
"Yes," the Seer continued.
"He serves under the heir only because he wants to. Not because he must."
Kael tightened his grip on his sword.
"Tell me his name."
Before the Seer could speak
A sharp, heavy footstep echoed through the tunnel.
Then another.
Then silence.
Lira whispered, her voice shaking:
"He's already here…"
A tall figure stepped into the chamber, ducking slightly to pass through the tunnel.
He wore black armor, but not like the knights outside.
His armor was smooth, sharp, and carried no crest only dark markings like scars.
His hair was silver-white, tied loosely behind him.
His eyes were cold and focused, like someone who had already decided the fate of everything he saw.
Kael's breath grew tight.
The Seer spoke softly:
"This is Arkan Vale… the Hunter of the Empire."
Arkan's gaze moved over the chamber calmly, taking in every detail.
When his eyes landed on Lira, he paused.
Then shifted to Kael.
He didn't draw his weapon.
He didn't rush.
He simply spoke in a low, steady voice:
"You're the ones causing trouble."
Kael took a step forward, placing himself between Arkan and Lira.
"Stay away from her."
Arkan didn't react to the threat.
Instead, he tilted his head slightly.
"You're young. Both of you. And yet the heir considers you a priority."
Lira shivered.
The Hunter continued:
"I am here for two things your bond… and your surrender."
Kael pointed his sword at him.
"You're not getting either."
Arkan sighed as if he expected that answer.
"Then this will be short."
He stepped forward once
and the ground cracked beneath his foot.
Lira gasped.
"Kael… his aura… it's crushing the air…"
Kael felt it too.
A heavy force pressed against his chest like a weight trying to push him down.
The Seer stepped between them.
"Arkan Vale. You have no right to be here."
Arkan didn't even look at him.
"I am here because I choose to be."
The Seer's barrier cracked with a soft snap.
Arkan finally drew his weapon
a long, black blade that hummed with power.
He pointed it at Kael.
"You. Shadow user. Step forward."
Kael didn't move.
Arkan continued:
"If you don't, I will take the girl first."
Lira grabbed Kael's sleeve.
"No Kael, don't"
Kael gently moved her behind him.
"It's okay," he whispered. "I'm here."
Arkan lowered his stance.
"Defend yourself."
Kael raised his sword.
The Seer shouted:
"Kael don't fight him head-on! He's"
But before he could finish
Arkan vanished.
Not disappeared
he moved so fast it looked like he blinked out of existence.
Kael barely saw the blur before Arkan appeared right in front of him.
Lira screamed,
"KAEL!"
Kael swung his sword instinctively
Steel clashed.
The impact sent Kael flying backwards.
He hit the ground hard, sliding across the stone.
"Kael!!" Lira ran toward him.
Arkan didn't chase.
He simply watched Kael get up, slow but determined.
Kael wiped the blood from his lip.
"You're fast…"
Arkan nodded once.
"You're alive after the first strike. Impressive."
Kael stepped forward again.
"I'm not done."
Lira grabbed his arm.
"Kael… please don't do this alone…"
Kael gently cupped her cheek.
"I'm fighting to protect you. I won't back down."
Arkan raised his sword.
"Come, then. Show me why the heir fears you."
Kael's shadows rose behind him.
Lira's silver light flickered in her chest.
Their bond pulsed
as if ready to join the fight too.
The next moment
Arkan charged.
And the real battle began.