The morning mist shrouded the dense forest as Zero and Kyren walked silently. The remnants of the Abyss Devourer's footprints led them deeper into the unknown, each broken branch and claw a warning of the danger that lay ahead.
Kyren whispered, "It should be close. Always be on the alert — the Abyss Devourer doesn't leave its mark easily."
Zero's hand rested on the hilt of his sword. "I'm ready. Let's move."
Hours passed in tense silence. The forest thickened, the atmosphere gripping and filled with a stinging aura. Every rustle, every broken twig, sent a surge of anticipation through Zero. Kyren, calm as ever, scanned the surroundings with practiced ease. His calmness was a stark contrast to the anxiety gripping Zero.
Finally, they reached a clearing, revealing Division 3's basecamp. Torches flickered, casting long shadows over tents and makeshift barriers. The sound of laughter, clanging metal, and drums echoed throughout the camp. Soldiers celebrated by a massive bonfire, roasting meat over open flames, tossing mugs of frothy ale.
Kyren nudged Zero. "We need to see if things are going well before we move. Who's in charge, and how vigilant are they?"
Zero crouched low, shadow energy swirling around him, blending him into the darkness. "Don't give me orders...you stay back while I use my aura waves swept the surroundings, searching for anomalies....don't do anything stupid."
Inside the camp, the soldiers cheered loudly.
"Another successful hunt! Drinks for everyone!" shouted a young soldier, raising a tank.
"Captain form division 1 (Dravos) has been kill by Abyss Devorer!" cried another, laughter spilling into the night.
Kyren moved closer. "See the patrol? there was a dark area between the sections of the corner patrol team . Shadows from there will hide you, but be prepared."
Zero melted further into the darkness, merging with the shadows. His Dark Elemental fragments flickered faintly, responding to his focus. Every step, every breath was controlled; every movement silent.
The soldiers, caught up in their revelry, laughed and joked. One tripped, spilling wine on the other, causing the two to engage in mock combat. Kyren smiled thinly. "Even the enemy has its moments of peace. But it won't last."
Zero's eyes scanned the outside of the laughter, picking out the subtle movements, the faint glow of power from the chosen individuals. Then… he felt it.
A presence, calm, his aura suffocating, yet barely visible. Someone was watching.
Zero froze in mid-step. His silhouette was tense, shards of Dark Elemental energy piercing his skin.
Kyren's gaze followed him. "What is it?"
Zero whispered, his teeth clenched in frustration.. "Someone… powerful. Too strong to be relax. Something doesn't feel right."
Minutes passed, the camp alive with sound and celebration. Then, deep within the encampment, Division 3 Commander — Voltraz — subtly raised his hand. His meditative focus seemed to extend across the distance, searching the shadows themselves.
Zero could feel it — an invisible pressure, sharp, intelligent, and searching.
Kyren's eyes widened. "You feel that?"
Zero nodded, sweat beading at his temples. "Myby is comander division 3… he's aware. Something's off. We can't stay."
Voltraz muttered under his breath, almost inaudibly, but the words carried weight across the shadow currents:
"There… someone hiding… someone who shouldn't be here…"
Zero's pulse beating fast. "Kyren, now! We move!"
Kyren grabbed his arm, guiding him along a hidden path known only to her. They ran, branches scratching their faces, roots threatening to trip them, but every step was calculated, deliberate. Zero glanced back; the sensation of being observed never left.
Once hidden in a small clearing, Zero slowed, catching his breath. "I… I haven't felt that in years. Not even in the hardest battles. That presence… it sees everything."
Kyren's eyes met his. "Voltraz isn't someone to take lightly. His perception… it's beyond normal."
Zero clenched his fists, rage and determination hardening his chest. Zero makes a decision — to wipe out General Demon's forces, to ensure no innocent people are ever threatened again. "I was stronger than this... stronger than anything. I can't let this happen. I will make them pay, every last one."
Kyren gave a small nod. "Then we move forward. Together."
Zero's gaze hardened. "Together?… but I will stay alert. i hope no mistakes from you."
As the forest swallowed them, shadows deepened. Torches from the camp flickered in the distance, laughter fading into the night. The air held its breath, heavy with unseen eyes and unspoken threats. Voltraz' presence lingered somewhere behind, silent, calculating, unstoppable.
Zero didn't look back. He had a path, a mission, and a promise. The shadows would be his ally, his resolve his weapon. And when the time came… no one would escape his wrath.