The Arcane Chronicles: Unveiling the Lost Secrets

Chapter 5: The Shadow Vanguard

Aiden

With a sensation of anxiety, we exchanged glances as the knock on the door reverberated. I suspected that the guest was someone Kael knew, but why was I suspicious? Was it just another bounty, looking to take advantage of his skills, or was there a Path Slayer there bringing serious news that would alter all we had previously believed?

"Hide yourself" he commanded. I quickly stand and chant a spell.

"Invisus Status"

The surroundings appear to shimmer briefly as the spell takes effect, hiding their form and presence from everyone who looks in their direction. In addition to providing visual camouflage, this spell dulls others' consciousness so they are unaware of the caster's actions. It provides a tactical edge in any scenario where stealth is critical, making it perfect for anybody trying to avoid harm or covertly gather intelligence. Nakatayo lamang ako malapit sa pintuan ng kwarto'y kanina ko lang tinutulugan.

Kael moved to the door and opened it, only to find no one there—just darkness outside.

However, I believed that would be it, he would close the door and go back to thinking. With a sudden sharpness, his voice broke the stillness.

“It’s more than just a knock. It’s a warning.” He leaned closer to the door, listening intently. “If it’s who I think it is, they’re not here for a friendly visit" he added.

A second later, the room was overrun by an enormous flow of blackness, which melded into an uncanny authority figure. It spoke with power over the shadows, its voice reverberating through the ether like a distant thunderclap. The room gradually darkened, and I noticed Kael standing motionless, as if welcoming this black presence with a familiar attitude. As the shadows approached, I sensed a curious difference, I understood that someone had entered without my awareness and was moving in such a stealthy manner that the untrained eye could not detect it.

"As I suspect, we all have the same target" A woman had come into view as a strong and alluring voice broke through the thick layer of darkness. She was tall, just as tall as Kael, and she had such poise and confidence. Her icy blue eyes gleamed with a brilliance that spoke so much, their steely depth promising everything and betraying nothing. Her voice seemed to grow stronger with every word she spoke, reverberating throughout the space and enveloping me in a spell of shock and amusement. "And what's with this letter?"

I was startled to realize I hadn’t secured the letter, by the time I noticed, she was already holding it.

“Viraesca? You’re referring to the Viraesca Moonshadow from The Coven of Wyrd?” Kael leaned forward, intrigue mingling with suspicion. “What does this letter mean for us, Little Kael?” The woman stepped out of the shadows, her icy blue eyes reflecting the weight of the parchment. “It means you’re not as forgotten as you think, and the Coven has an interest in your future.” She then crumpled the paper and threw it somewhere.

"It seems like our Little Kael is making a move on his own." Another voice rose from the dark, it was a man.

"The Coven of Wyrd? They strike an interest in you? How curious" Unexpectedly, a voice chimed in, light and airy, as if a little girl were speaking..

"But the plot twist is surprisingly a lone witch is our target, a bountry higher than we expect. I fear that the other Path Slayers are coming after that witch." Another voice of a woman emerged. "I never knew that we could target a witch." she added.

"So am I.... The letter implies he didn’t actually come from Luminara, which raises questions about his true origins.'' Kael observed. I stood there listening, knowing the spell shielded me from detection, but the sheer number of them made me uneasy.

"This city appears to be well-known beyond its bounds, despite the fact that it is not. Until today, I had never heard of Luminara. Lyrosia appears blissfully unaware of the existence of the other kingdoms. Outside of the Seven Keeps, I doubt anyone is aware of this area's existence." another male voice spoke. He was standing close to where I hid, leaning against the wall near the door.

"Clisandro, I thought you won't come." said the first woman, revealing the man’s name.

"I’ve been following you for a while, Mira.'' Clisandro replied. "And Kael, please accept my condolences.''

I’m not really surprised. The person he witnessed dying must have been someone he was close to.

"Elara described The Angels' battle with The Fireborn Zealots as an epic, fierce battle. I hadn't known how powerful the Angels were. They guard the gods with a devotion that suggests they get something in return, almost as if it boosts their power." Clisandro told everyone.. Here I am, patiently waiting for them to get out. "What is it Alaric?" I saw the man who called Kael, Little Kael raise his hand.

"So, if death is his punishment, then maybe it’s not as serious as we’ve been led to believe?" Alaric said. Kael's intense glare was locked onto Alaric, and it was clear that he was offended by the question. His expression was tight, filled with silent resentment, as if daring Alaric to explain himself further.

Alaric, on the other hand, was obviously making fun of Kael and taking pleasure in it as he stuck his tongue out at him. Although his face was lighthearted, there was a hint of sarcasm, as though he enjoyed picking on Kael.

"How insensitive of you to ask it Darkspike." The voice of a little girl spoke again. With her twin swords pulled and her gaze narrowing, the little girl tensed and advanced at Alaric. With a sly grin, Alaric raised his dark spear to deliver a blow, his words lingering in the air, cutting a bit closer than he meant to. The little girl shouted, her voice low but menacing, "You dare mock him?" Tension was in the air.

But before anybody could move, Kael lifted his hand and put an end to the altercation with a single motion. With a frigid "Not here," Kael's voice filled the room with unsettling silence. "I believe it's obvious that he faced consequences other than death. His demise was probably accompanied by something else, something even more agonizing." Kael said.

"Clisandro, I already set the fire. We're ready to listen to the lords of the 7 keeps." The other woman spoke. I didn't notice she was already setting something.

"Thank you, Valeria." Clisandro thanked the woman named Valeria. As she walked, she suddenly stopped and turned her gaze directly toward me. It was as if she could see straight through the shadows hiding me. Then, without a word, she smiled and moved to stand beside Mira.

"It was simply a projection, a well prepared message from the Seven Keeps. They wanted us to hear their remarks loud and clear, so that none of us could avoid the weight of what was being said." Mira explained.

All of a sudden, the flames swirled and combined to form the face of an odd-looking guy. Deep wrinkles carved into his face gave him an elderly appearance, and it was obvious he was ready to convey a message of great importance.

To those who are still walking the threads of fate, hear us now, since the equilibrium of the realms is shifting. Dark tides rise, and tragic news must be delivered. The 9th Path Slayer, also known as the Soul Reaper, has fallen. His demise creates a hole in the ranks that cannot be readily filled. Let it serve as a message to those who reject the 7 Keeps' will, no one, not even a Path Slayer, is immune to the power of destiny.

In addition, Aiden Blake Carter has become a new target. And now all the Path Slayers have marked him. Their chase will follow him everywhere he goes. We cannot let him elude fate because his presence jeopardizes the equilibrium we maintain.

Once strong and unflinching, the Abyssia Kingdoms are now perilously close to collapse. If nothing happens quickly, it appears that they will eventually fail, but maybe it's already too late. Keep a watchful eye on things because their collapse could cause instability to spread throughout the entire region.

This ambiguity is further compounded by the discovery of a mysterious, unidentifiable realm from a distance. None of us are aware of its name or function. We caution you, for what is within its bounds might be the key to the future, or it might be a sign of impending disaster.

Finally, we will talk about Luminara City presently. It is a location that was not intended to last. It is an anomaly, a disgrace to this world. Luminara City must be demolished, according to a decision issued by the 7 Keeps. Its persistence endangers the delicate order that we have devoted our lives to preserving.

Heed these words, for they are not merely warnings, but the echoes of the future unraveling before us.

Then, like a flame snuffed by the wind, the man’s face vanished.

"New realm, huh?" Alaric said.

"This Aiden Blake Carter is something.'' Valeria turned her gaze in my direction, making me uneasy. Could she see me?

"What should we do?" Mira asked everyone. "Voidborn, you have always been a part of this city, where the spirit of connection and hope allowed your ambitions to soar. But now that the horizon is filled with shadows, the threat of devastation is getting closer. If Lucian found out that his beloved city is in danger of collapsing, he would be overcome with fury and grief. Although, he's already dead, but still. " Mira explained to Kael.

"Can you not keep reminding me that Lucian is dead?" Kael snapped, visibly upset. Mira merely sighed, unshaken by his outburst. "I know he's gone! But stop repeating it like it’ll change anything!''

They all grew silent, and their looks turned to sympathy for Kael. Even though I was well aware that they were unaware that I was listening in on their talk, I was unable to get rid of the anxiety that was rising within me.

"Well, that’s all for now. The hunt for that witch in this city will be... fun.'' Mira announced. They all vanished in an instant, leaving only Kael behind. He quickly closed and locked the door.

"I'm sorry" I spoke. Stepping out from the shadows, I revealed my presence, making my way toward him to offer my sympathy. It felt important to acknowledge his pain, to let him know he wasn’t alone in this moment.

"That's the reason why I need your help." He told me. I wanted to ask him more, but I held back since I knew how serious his situation was. Given that he had kept me hidden from the other Path Slayers and never revealed my whereabouts, I was more eager to assist him. I owed everything to him. "I'm proud to be a member of the Shadow Vanguard because of its unquestionable strength. I am the only person in Lyrosia with this unique gift of mastery of the Anti-Mage force. I readily accept that I am ranked 35th despite this. There isn't much brotherhood among the Path Slayers, the 7 Keeps held this gathering as a token effort to keep things in order, but they don't care as we hunt each other down in the name of recognition." He told me.

"I imagine they will be dispersed across Luminara, looking for me nonstop. They are all driven by a combination of desperation and resolve, and they will all stop at nothing to complete their mission. Their battlegrounds will be the vast landscapes, from dark forests to dangerous mountains, where they try to find me. It's only a matter of time until the whispers of fate lead their paths to collide. Their pursuit will become even more fervent as a result of my absence, strengthening their commitment." I told him. "This city and I are not safe." I added.

"I'm not gonna protect you. You can do it on your own, but this city, I'll do everything to protect this." He said. I chuckled and went back inside the room.

I started to comprehend after Mira brought up Viraesca Moonshadow a while back. Though Nana Babaylan never thought it necessary to give her name away, I now understand that she is entwined with the Coven of the Wyrd.

''Viraesca Moonshadow, who are you?''