Sai walked through the darkness.
He couldn't tell how much time had passed. Every second, every step dissolved into the infinite void. The darkness enveloped him from all sides, consuming thought and the very sensation of his own existence. But in this abyss, in the absolute blackness, he had found a purpose—he was no longer a helpless body abandoned by demons. He was someone who could reclaim power over his own destiny.
His first realization was of loss—the revolver, his link to the world, no longer existed in its familiar form. But Sai was no longer an ordinary human. His consciousness had begun to work differently, connecting his inner strength with the darkness awakening within him. He concentrated, feeling the flow of energy that filled him, cold and dense, ready to obey his will.
He began to form a new weapon essence directly within the darkness. Step by step, with every breath, with every wave of pain and concentration, the energy gathered into a dense core, heavy and black as pitch, shot through with shades of shadow. He could see the force taking shape: the contours of the familiar revolver, but altered, having gained new capabilities.
Sai's movements were slow, every sensation in his body met with resistance. He twisted, bent, concentrated the darkness in his hands. A multitude of thoughts intertwined in his head—fear, rage, despair—but they all submitted to a single goal. He was forging a new revolver.
Within the darkness, he felt his body, new and strange. The clothing forming around him from energy was dark and functional: a long, multi-layered coat with a high collar covering his neck, deep dark sleeves, and dense fabric protecting his chest and back. His head was crowned by an intricate horned mask, from which only a narrow slit for the eyes allowed him to see his surroundings. Sai's eyes glowed in this darkness, reflecting his inner strength, resolve, and readiness for action.
He finished shaping the weapon. Two revolvers, identical in form, settled into his hands like an extension of his own essence. Their metal was dark, almost black, but inlays of light reflected along the edges, hinting at the incredible power contained within.
Sai took his final step in the darkness. He felt a flow of air, a coolness, a light touch of wind. Ahead, a faint beam of light appeared. At first, it seemed tiny, barely noticeable, but with each step, it grew brighter.
As he approached, the darkness receded. He emerged into a forest. Before his eyes stretched a scene so contrasting to what he had endured: dense, dark trees with the grim silhouettes of spruces on either side, misty light piercing the spaces between the trunks. In the background, the gothic towers and spires of an ancient city were visible, as if frozen in time. The sky was overcast and foggy, the dawn slowly coloring the horizon with pale shades of light, creating a contrast with the dark silhouettes of the foreground.
Fog enveloped the ground, giving the scene a feeling of cold, mystery, and solitude. Sai took a step forward, feeling the weight of his new body, the heaviness of the coat, the strength of the weapon that was now a part of him. He was ready for action. His fingers tightened around the revolver grips, and his glowing eyes scanned the space, noting every shadow, every spark of movement.
He stopped, listening. This forest held not just air, but a silence filled with hidden threat. Suddenly, a slight movement—and Sai turned. The darkness around him stirred slightly, as if the very environment was reacting to his presence. He raised the revolvers, feeling how each was ready to fire, how the energy within trembled and awaited his command.
Sai inhaled, feeling the cold of the forest and the strength of the darkness that was now an integral part of him. He looked around and mentally told himself:
"Never again will I be a victim. No one will ever have power over me again."
---
Sai walked through the forest, each step echoing with the weight of his new body and the familiar, yet still alien, energy of darkness. His hands gripped the two revolvers, their cold metallic surfaces almost invisible in the muted light of the foggy dawn. His coat billowed behind him like something alive—a multi-layered, dark, functional garment with a high collar that covered his neck, emphasizing his mystery. The mask hid his face, leaving only a narrow slit for his eyes, through which two shimmering points of light glowed, signaling his inner power.
The wind rustled the lower branches of the spruces, the fog swirled at ground level and curled around the trees, giving the forest an alien, sinister atmosphere. Sai walked calmly, as if he no longer felt the former fear or panic—everything from before was left somewhere in the past. He was cold and focused.
Suddenly, ahead, between the trees, his gaze caught the silhouette of a castle. High gothic towers, pointed spires, and grim outlines of walls stood out against the gray sky. Fog enveloped the base of the structure, as if hiding something important. Instinct told him this place was not accidental. The castle seemed empty, but the air carried a force, old and cold, as if the very land around it knew of its inhabitants.
Sai took a step forward, assessing the area. "Hm... interesting," he thought. "It seems someone is here." He didn't expect to find people, but it didn't concern him—his attention was fully focused on the power emanating from the castle.
He approached the massive arch of the main entrance, leaning slightly to examine the double doors with their heavy iron hinges. Pushing one door open, he stepped inside. The interior of the castle was filled with dark air, smelling of damp wood, old stone, and something sharper, almost metallic. Light from the high windows barely penetrated the thick dark curtains, leaving shadows in the corners.
His footsteps echoed through the long corridors. Ahead, figures appeared—a tall, slender woman with sharp features, her eyes glowing red, and beside her several men and women with similar traits. Their skin was pale, almost like marble, and every gaze was filled with cold interest.
"You... are not human," one of the men said in a low, even voice. "You resemble a monster more."
Sai stopped, holding the revolvers ready but without tension. He calmly examined those present and said:
"I see you are... vampires? Listen, I'm not looking for trouble. But if you plan to act aggressively—don't be surprised."
The woman with red eyes stepped forward, assessing him carefully. "You have changed. I sense it. Your energy... it is cold and calm. You have become completely different."
Sai simply shrugged. "Yes, I am... different. I don't care about most things anymore. In the world that surrounds us, much is meaningless. I simply do what is necessary." His voice was even, calm, even slightly dangerous. "You can call me whatever you want—a tyrant, a monster—I don't care."
The woman, apparently the head of the clan, frowned, but a flicker of interest crossed her eyes. "Perhaps... your strength will be useful. But be warned: we do not tolerate the weak. If you show even a drop of weakness—the consequences will be terrible."
Sai nodded. "I understand. I will not be weak anymore." He took a step forward, slowly, without panic, studying every corner of the room.
Inside the castle, he had time to notice many details: paintings depicting the clan's ancestors, ancient chests with locks, books that seemed to hold the history of centuries, and magical symbols carved into stone and wood. All of them exuded power and knowledge, and Sai realized this place held ancient secrets.
"Your energy... is unusual," the woman said, moving closer. "You are not human, but not a demon either. You are... what?"
Sai looked at her calmly, without hesitation. "I am myself. Name and form no longer matter. If that frightens you—you should get used to it." His voice sounded confident, without fear or doubt. He felt that nothing and no one could surprise or stop him anymore.
Her gaze grew colder, but a measure of respect flashed within it. "Your words are sharp, but there is strength in them. Perhaps you truly are the one we have been waiting for."
Sai slowly looked over everyone present and finally said:
"I came here to understand. To assess your strength and learn what this world still has to offer."
At that moment, he stepped towards the window, the light from which slightly illuminated his dark attire. He looked out at the forest and the city below, feeling the strength and calm that had come with his new form. Inside, there was no panic, fear, or thirst for blood—only cold determination and absolute self-confidence.
"So... what's next?" he asked quietly, looking at the castle.
And deep within his consciousness, Nox whispered:
"We are here, Master. And now you are ready. They do not know who they are dealing with."
Sai took a deep breath.