The greenish light of the dome pulsed like a nervous heart, reflecting on the black mirror of the underground lake.
Kevin's breathing was the only living sound—short, tense, heavy.
The air smelled of iron, damp dust… and something far too ancient to explain.
He leaned over the still surface.
The reflection blinked, distorted.
KEVIN (thinking):
"There's something down there… and it's not small."
The daggers spun between his fingers; a metallic click echoed through the cavern.
The green aura ignited across the blades and reflected on the sweat sliding down his forehead.
Behind him, inside the restoring dome, the four survivors trembled like leaves.
Then—
Plop.
A bubble.
Then another.
Then dozens.
Something huge rose from the bottom of the lake, twisting the light—as if the water itself wanted to run away.
Translucent shadows emerged slowly, with warped faces and smiles stretched far too wide to be human.
One… five… dozens.
KEVIN (cold):
— Alright… this will be quick.
In a breath, he vanished.
Reappeared behind the first creature, crossing the daggers in a glowing X.
The shadow exploded into mist.
Kevin advanced like an armed ghost—every strike precise, elegant, almost silent.
Five shadows fell before any of them realized he had moved.
One tried grabbing him from behind.
Kevin spun, stabbed the blade into its chest, and detonated it in a burst of green light.
KEVIN (thinking):
"They're too slow…"
Then the bubbling turned violent—like boiling water.
The entire lake darkened into a bottomless pit.
From the depths, a horde surged at once, forming a living vortex of darkness.
KEVIN (surprised):
— Oh… now this is more like it.
He attacked—but this time, the shadows were faster.
Black claws tore his arm, forcing out a dry grunt.
Kevin retreated, teeth clenched.
He leapt onto a rock, threw one dagger—and teleported to that exact point.
He appeared spinning in the air, slicing through two creatures at once.
But they didn't stop.
It looked like a portal opened straight into chaos.
---
The shadows slammed against the barrier, trying to devour anyone inside.
Others advanced on Kevin in waves.
KEVIN (shouting, spinning midair):
— Stay where you are!
He ran up the cavern wall, using the shadows themselves as steps.
Each cut illuminated the darkness with a trail of green.
The thrown dagger hit the ground in front of the dome.
Kevin instantly appeared there, breathing hard, eyes wide.
KEVIN (thinking):
"This won't stop…
If the dome breaks, it's over."
A shadow struck from behind.
He blocked, but the claw ripped his jacket open like paper—blood hit the floor.
His aura reacted.
It exploded around him, coating the daggers in a fierce glow—healing turned into destruction.
KEVIN (low, serious):
— No time… something worse is coming.
He lunged forward.
The ground cracked under his feet.
He jumped—and midair turned into golden dust, reappearing above the swarm.
His right dagger dissolved.
In his palm, a green sphere grew, pulsing like a compressed sun.
Kevin hurled it.
The explosion shredded the shadows like fragile glass.
The lake quieted.
---
Ash.
Steam.
Silence.
Kevin dropped to his knees, panting, hands trembling.
KEVIN:
— Aura attacks… always drain everything…
A scream echoed—desperate.
SURVIVOR:
— Look ahead!!!
Kevin turned slowly.
Four blades cut through the air like strokes of ink.
The dome was pierced.
And the survivors' heads flew like torn dolls.
Kevin froze.
The dome dissolved.
Silence devoured everything.
---
At the edge of the lake stood a man.
Broad shoulders.
Tense body.
A short sword dripping a dark liquid that evaporated on the ground.
His aura didn't shine.
It compressed the world.
Kevin trembled.
KEVIN (stunned):
— I… I've seen you before…
The man raised his head.
Empty eyes.
A crooked smile—far too wrong.
???
— Don't remember?
It's me, Kevin.
Your uncle Richard.
Kevin stepped back, dagger steady in hand, heart racing.
KEVIN (whispering):
— It really is you… uncle? But why…?
Richard walked calmly, dragging the sword, sparks flying.
RICHARD:
— Why am I alive? Because I refused to die before killing the one who nearly took my life…
and killed your father.
And I don't mind destroying the kingdom I once protected.
Kevin pulled up his hood. Half his face vanished into shadow.
KEVIN:
— Then I have no choice.
I'll fight you, uncle.
Richard's smile stretched into something insane.
RICHARD:
— The Hagan awakens… interesting.
---
Kevin struck in an X.
Richard dodged with a microscopic movement and neutralized the entire blow by touching two fingers to Kevin's elbow.
Then tapped his chest—precisely.
Kevin was thrown across the room.
RICHARD (like an instructor):
— Your center of balance is terrible.
Kevin teleported with the falling dagger.
Reappeared behind him.
Richard was already turned.
The punch came like a hammer.
Kevin crashed into the floor.
Hits rained down:
• elbow to the chin
• spinning kick to the ribs
• palm to the abdomen
• knee to the clavicle
• wrist pull
• dry punch to the diaphragm
Kevin staggered, dizzy.
KEVIN (thinking):
"He reacts before I even think…"
It was like fighting someone who read the future.
---
Kevin stepped back, breathing blood.
A flash appeared behind him.
Four green chains tore open the air.
Animals emerged: wolf, owl, elephant, two snakes, and an eagle.
Richard watched with mild interest.
RICHARD:
— Teleports… heals… summons…
You really did grow.
Kevin kneeled.
A colossal alligator rose from the ground, roaring.
Richard lifted his sword.
The animals charged together.
Richard needed only two slashes to turn them into dust.
But the alligator bit him.
Richard yelled—annoyed.
He killed the beast with one strike to the head.
When he turned—
FOUR CHAINS pierced through his chest.
Kevin smirked, spitting blood.
KEVIN:
— Thought you were overrated.
Richard grabbed the chains.
They darkened—turned black.
Kevin's eyes widened.
How?! He's controlling my aura.
The chains turned against him, impaling and pinning him to the wall.
Richard walked toward him.
RICHARD:
— You are strong.
My son must be monstrous, then.
A wound opened on Kevin's cheek.
And from it, a mouth appeared.
MELISSA:
— I'd recommend running, idiot. This guy's about five levels above you.
KEVIN (muttering):
— Screw that… I'm winning this.
The mouth vanished.
Richard raised an eyebrow.
RICHARD:
— Hosting an entity now, are we?
Kevin grinned, still bleeding.
KEVIN:
— Maybe.
---
Richard advanced.
But the ground shook.
A huge bear appeared before him.
Richard killed it in four cuts.
When he looked up—
Kevin was floating.
Green and blue aura burned around him.
Veins glowing purple.
Hair now white.
Richard noticed the change, but already knew the outcome.
A massive green aura sphere came straight at him.
The explosion swallowed everything.
The cavern screamed.
---
The dust settled.
Kevin landed on his feet, still breathing hard.
KEVIN:
— See, Melissa? I told you I'd win.
RICHARD:
— Win against who, boy?
Richard stood there, unharmed.
Kevin looked up—shocked.
KEVIN (trembling):
— How…? Uncle… why are we fighting?
RICHARD:
— I'll answer when I'm done.
But honestly?
You're way too weak.
Richard dashed forward.
Struck.
Kevin blocked with his arms and summoned the daggers.
Richard's sword slid from his back—
And the fight turned into a blur of pure speed.
Only the slashes were visible.
When they stopped, Kevin fell to his knees, spitting blood.
Richard didn't let up:
A flurry of short, fast, precise punches hit his face, ribs, stomach, throat, and shoulder.
Kevin flew and hit the wall.
Blood dripped everywhere.
KEVIN:
— I… need to get out of here…
Three wolves rose from the ground.
Two owls appeared behind him.
The owls flew to create an opening.
The wolves attacked.
Richard tore the three in half with his bare hands.
His sword flew—
And killed both owls with a single strike.
Kevin let out a tired sigh—half relief, half defeat.
Richard walked toward him.
Kevin tried to move.
Nothing.
KEVIN (thinking):
Why… can't I move my body?
Richard grabbed him by the collar, took one of the daggers, and stabbed him with his own weapon.
Kevin collapsed, bleeding fast.
RICHARD:
— I expected less.
With your healer essence, you did well enough.
Evolving into aura… that surprised me.
KEVIN (barely):
— Doesn't… matter…
What… did you do… these twelve years…?
Richard sighed.
RICHARD:
— Believe it or not, your father and I died.
Not by monsters.
By our allies.
By order of the king.
We'd become too strong… and he was afraid.
Kevin's eyes widened.
KEVIN:
— They who…?
RICHARD:
— Find out.
I'll only say this:
The kingdom you swore to protect…
can it protect itself?
He pointed to the exit.
RICHARD:
— Leave.
Before I kill you for real.
Kevin smiled—a sad smile—and tears fell.
KEVIN (shaky voice):
— Bless me, uncle…
RICHARD:
— God bless you, my nephew.
May He guide your path.
Kevin's body turned into golden dust and vanished.
---
In the hallway, Julian and Augusto ran, following the green wolves—until they stopped.
JULIAN:
— What happened?
One wolf dissolved, revealing Kevin—wrecked, bloody… and with white hair.
The wolves faded into dust.
AUGUSTO:
— I see you're… fine.
And that white hair?
KEVIN:
— Depends on what you call "fine."
JULIAN:
— Who did you fight?
And your backpack?
Kevin lifted his gaze.
His eyes burned.
Something in him had changed forever.
Everything darkened suddenly.
The sounds, the voices, even the floor beneath him… all disappeared as if swallowed by an abyss.
Kevin blinked, confused—and realized his friends were gone, consumed by the suffocating darkness.
But then, the absolute blackness began to shine, faintly—like the night opening its eyes.
Light formed a massive field below him. Kevin realized he was floating, translucent, like a spirit lost between worlds.
— Am I a ghost? — he murmured, staring at his hands. — Did I die?
Down below, ten warriors talked around an improvised camp. Torn tents, dirty armor, and the scent of burnt earth painted the scene.
Kevin descended until his feet touched the ground, desperate to talk to someone—
but no one reacted.
He was invisible.
And then hell began.
From the horizon, around fifty monsters advanced in formation. Huge creatures—ancient reptiles with thick skin and glowing eyes, roaring with fury. Some had dragon heads, others bone tails or rows of teeth like living saws. They spat fire, ice, cutting wind—everything at once.
Among the ten warriors, Kevin recognized two.
— Father… uncle Richard… — his voice trembled.
They fought differently from the others.
No spells.
No holy weapons.
Just brute force, precise strikes, and the ferocity of men who had faced death too many times.
Just the two of them took down thirty-eight creatures.
The field turned into a monster graveyard.
The vision vanished.
When the light returned, Kevin was in the mission-report chamber.
His father and Richard were there, covered in dried blood, delivering their report. As soon as they left, the scribes and the king exchanged looks of hatred—cold eyes, watching a threat too dangerous to leave alive.
The scene shattered again.
— What the hell is this!? — Kevin's voice echoed. — What's happening to me!?
He reappeared in another battlefield. Much worse.
Everything was destruction—craters, smoke, torn armor, mutilated monster and human corpses. A rotten stench of death filled the air.
This time, his father and uncle were at their limit, bleeding, barely recognizable.
They fought warriors in black coats, accompanied by even more grotesque creatures: beings with multiple twisted arms, mouths on their stomachs, shredded wings, eyes leaking a tar-like liquid.
It was a massacre.
Richard and his brother finally fell, bodies destroyed.
The black-coated warriors removed their hoods—revealing the insignia of the Kingdom of Hestia.
Kevin felt his heart freeze.
Richard's voice echoed softly in his mind:
"The strong are always seen as threats by kings.
If you can topple a tyrant… then you're a problem.
That's why they killed us."
Darkness swallowed everything again.
When the light returned, Richard was standing before him.
— Woke up fast, — his uncle said, as if this were a casual talk.
Kevin's eyes widened.
He was now pinned to the wall by his own essence chains. His body was wrecked—deep cuts, bleeding everywhere, ragged breaths.
— What was that!? And where are my friends!? — Kevin shouted, struggling.
— Just an illusion, — Richard replied, tired. — A memory… mine. Now you understand at least part of what happened?
— Not really, — Kevin panted. — And how the hell are you alive!?
Richard looked away.
— The people you tried to protect… the ones you found dead…
they sacrificed their own ally.
All to summon a beast strong enough to destroy the kingdom.
Kevin went numb.
— Why would anyone destroy their own home? That makes no sense…
Richard dropped a card on the floor, at Kevin's feet.
— Give this to my son.
And relax.
With time… you'll understand.
He turned and walked away slowly. Each step felt heavy, as if the air thickened around him.
Kevin stayed there, trapped, boiling in pain and confusion.
His aura burst out on its own—pulsing green light erupting through his wounds, closing cuts, rebuilding muscle.
He breathed deeply, sensing Augusto and the others somewhere nearby.
"They're here… I can feel them."
When his pupils normalized, Kevin noticed his hair stayed black—not white like when he lost control.
He was still conscious.
Kevin closed his eyes for a moment—and was swallowed by another memory.
This time, not ancient or mythical.
Recent.
Very recent.
The vision formed like a cracked painting: a damp cave lit by trembling torches. Ten men were there. Kevin recognized four immediately—the ones he had tried to protect hours earlier.
But in that memory, all looked different.
Dark.
Nervous.
Desperate.
In the center, one of the ten—the youngest, likely a teenager—was thrown to the ground and tied like an animal ready for sacrifice. The other nine positioned around him, forming a perfectly measured circle of salt.
Ancient scrolls were opened.
Voices whispered.
Then chanted.
Then screamed an enchantment far too old to exist.
The boy levitated, rigid as stone.
His skin turned yellow—almost golden—then suddenly dropped, hitting the floor with a dull thud.
Silence.
— Something went wrong, — one man said, annoyed. — The kid's body didn't turn into the beast we needed.
— Then who's here? — asked another, fear in his voice.
The answer came as a fist.
The boy's body rose abruptly, like pulled by invisible strings, and punched through the nearest man's chest—killing him instantly.
The being turned its head slowly.
Its eyes were no longer human.
Its body pulsed with absurd strength—dense muscles, animalistic aura, predatory posture.
It wasn't the boy anymore.
It was a grown man.
Strong.
Feral.
Hungry for blood.
Chaos erupted.
Screams.
Blood splattering on the walls.
Bodies flying into rocks.
One by one, the monster crushed most of them.
The last four—the same ones Kevin had found dead—fled the cave in desperation.
And everything went dark.
---
Kevin gasped awake, breathing deeply like he had surfaced from underwater.
He was lying in a bed, in a room too white, too clean—like an improvised hospital. Smooth walls reflected the light in an uncomfortable, almost artificial way.
He sat on the edge, dizzy, and noticed a small figure in the corner.
Someone sitting on the floor, asleep… but guarding him.
— Luna? — he called, voice rough.
She woke with a jolt, then instinctively stepped back, trying to pretend she wasn't startled.
She brushed her hair aside, masking the reaction.
— Hey, kid — she said, with that confident tone that irritated and reassured him at the same time. — You good?
Come on, get up. You've got a lot to deal with.