The Calm Before the Storm — The Ansha's Gaze
The air trembled as the figure slowly advanced toward Xiao Yan. Each step was deliberate, measured, and impossibly calm. Despite the chaos that had erupted just moments ago, the Ansha moved like a force of nature, untouched by fear or haste.
Xiao Yan's heart raced. Every instinct screamed at him to run, to hide, to escape the weight of that terrifying presence. Yet, he found his legs rooted to the ground, trembling under the sheer aura radiating from the blue-robed figure. He drew in a shuddering breath, attempting to summon courage, though every nerve in his body screamed otherwise.
Am I the first to die? he wondered, the thought sharp and cold. Does he even recognize me?
The Ansha's eyes, calm and piercing, fixed on him. Then, as if amused by the storm of fear and courage within the boy, a slow smile curved his lips. "You are such a weakling," he said, his voice carrying a strange blend of mockery and amusement.
Xiao Yan's mind froze for a fraction of a second. How could a demon—one so feared across the legends—be so calm… and even handsome?
"You… would you join me?" the Ansha asked, his gaze unyielding.
"Never!" Xiao Yan's voice rang out, steadier than he felt. "If you are here to kill me… then just do it!"
The Ansha laughed, a low, wicked sound that carried across the wind, chilling and electric. "Why? You think you can stand against me?"
"Yes!" Xiao Yan's reply was almost instinctive, though a tremor betrayed the fear he still felt.
The Ansha's grin widened. "Fine. Let's watch."
And then, in the blink of an eye, he vanished.
Xiao Yan staggered backward, gasping for breath. The world seemed to tilt, and he pressed a hand against the wall for support. Nem approached quietly, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Everything will be fine," Nem said firmly, though Xiao Yan could see the tension in his eyes.
But for Xiao Yan, nothing felt fine.