Chapter 14 — Shifting Shadows
Morning light filled Ashveil Town, warm and calm, but Rhaizen felt something off the moment he stepped outside. The town looked normal—shops opening, children running, merchants haggling—but beneath the noise was tension. People spoke in low voices, eyes drifting to the gates, watching the roads.
Three days had passed since he arrived. Rest, food, and quiet nights had brought his strength back, but now the town's uneasiness felt sharper than before.
The supply shop's owner noticed his packed bag and raised an eyebrow.
"Leaving already?" she asked.
"That was the plan," Rhaizen said.
She shook her head slowly. "With the Crimson Fang marking territory? I wouldn't travel alone. Roads aren't safe."
Rhaizen didn't answer, but he understood. Every rumor he gathered pointed one way: The Crimson Fang was growing bolder.
He left the shop and continued down the street—then stopped.
A group of Crimson Fang bandits walked openly through town, pushing through the crowd like they owned it. Five men, armed and confident. Their leader wore a crimson scarf over his face, his eyes sharp and mocking.
They stopped at a fruit stall.
The merchant bowed slightly. "Sirs… what do you need?"
One bandit grabbed a handful of apples.
"What we need is respect. This is our territory now."
The leader smirked and slammed his hand on the counter.
"You want to keep your shop standing? Then pay tribute. Crimson Fang protects you now."
Fear rippled through nearby people. Guards didn't move. No one spoke.
Rhaizen felt heat rise in his chest.
Again… people helpless. Again… no one stepping forward.
He walked toward them.
"That's enough," Rhaizen said.
The bandits turned. The leader looked him up and down.
"Oh, look. A brave little hero." He stepped closer. "You think you can stop us alone?"
"I'll try," Rhaizen answered.
The leader scoffed. "Try dying."
The bandits began surrounding him—when another presence cut through the scene like cold wind.
A man stepped from the crowd, wrapped in a black cloak that seemed to swallow light. His steps made no sound. His face was hidden behind a hood, and his voice was calm but chilling.
"Crimson Fang," he said. "Leave."
The leader frowned. "And who the hell are you?"
"We are the Shadow Veins," the cloaked man replied. "This town must remain undisturbed. Do not interfere."
The words were polite… but the threat curled beneath them like poison.
Rhaizen felt a strange energy leaking from the man's body—heavy, unfamiliar, dark.
The leader hesitated.
"You think we're scared of—"
"You should be," the cloaked figure whispered.
A pressure filled the air—silent, crushing. The bandits backed away even before realizing it.
"Tch," the leader spat. "This isn't over, boy."
They retreated, disappearing into the crowd.
Silence followed.
The cloaked figure turned to Rhaizen. "You have talent. Do not waste it by standing in the wrong place."
"What are the Shadow Veins planning?" Rhaizen asked.
The figure chuckled softly. "Plans are for those who survive long enough to see them."
He vanished into the crowd as if he had never been there.
Rhaizen stood alone again, the fruit seller staring at him with wide, grateful eyes. The whispers around him grew—fear, confusion, curiosity.
Crimson Fang vs. Shadow Veins.
Ashveil wasn't just unlucky—it was becoming a battlefield.
---
That Night
Rhaizen sat in his room at the inn, map and supplies laid out on the table. His body was calm, Qi steady, but his mind busy.
If I stay… I'll be dragged into whatever is happening here.
If I leave… they'll suffer.
He stared at his hands.
He remembered flames. Screams. The fall of the Silent Veil Clan.
I won't run again.
A knock came at the door.
"Who is it?"
"It's Elder Jonas."
Rhaizen opened the door. The old man looked tired, worry weighing on his expression.
"I saw what happened at the market," the elder said softly. "You protected our people. Thank you."
"I just couldn't ignore it," Rhaizen replied.
The elder nodded. "The Crimson Fang is dangerous… but the Shadow Veins are worse. People have vanished. Objects have been taken. They move like ghosts."
"What do they want?" Rhaizen asked.
"We don't know. But they are not here for trade or simple crimes. Their purpose is deeper."
The elder bowed his head slightly.
"I want you to stay. Help us protect Ashveil."
Rhaizen hesitated. The road ahead called to him. Training, strength, revenge—all were waiting beyond this town.
But the elder's voice trembled.
"You are the only one here strong enough to fight back."
Silence stretched between them.
Finally, Rhaizen answered:
"…I'll help."
Relief washed over the elder's face. "Meet me at the town hall tomorrow. I'll gather everything we know. Together, we'll find the truth."
He left, closing the door quietly.
---
Resolve
Rhaizen looked out the window, watching torchlight flicker across quiet streets. Guards walked their routes, hands tight on their weapons. The town tried to sleep peacefully—pretending nothing approached.
But Rhaizen could feel it.
Something big is coming.
He rested his hand over his heart, feeling the faint pulse of red-black Qi.
"I'll protect this place," he whispered. "Not because I have to… but because I couldn't save the last one."
He sat, breathed slowly, and let sleep take him.
Tomorrow, the shadows would move again.
And he would be ready.