The dust of the fallen beast still hung in the air, shimmering like fireflies. Kaito stood there, sword in hand, heart pounding.
Was this real?
His reflection shimmered in the blade—his face, but not quite. His eyes, now gold. His hair, a little longer. There was power thrumming through his veins, ancient and unshakable.
Then, the ground trembled.
Something was coming.
Kaito turned, sword ready, when a cloaked figure stepped from the shadows. Unlike the wolf-beast, this one walked with grace and spoke with a voice as smooth as wind over water.
"You drew the Nightcleaver," the man said. "So it's true. Kael Varenth has returned."
Kaito tensed. "Who are you?"
The figure pulled back his hood, revealing sharp silver eyes and tattoos glowing faintly under his skin. "I am Riven, a Soul Hunter of the Ash Pact. I once served you. Or… the man you used to be."
Kaito lowered his sword slightly. "Then explain. What's going on? I was just a student. I died—now I'm... this."
Riven stepped closer. "You didn't just die. You were chosen. The Empire of Hollow Light, the same kingdom you once ruled, has fallen. Your enemies have returned. The pact we made before your death has been fulfilled. Your soul has reincarnated—to finish what was started."
"The enemies?"
"They call themselves the Veilborn now. Creatures twisted by dark magic. They erased entire cities overnight. The gods don't answer. Heroes are dead. You were our last hope—so we summoned you back."
Kaito gripped the sword tighter. "I don't remember enough."
"You will," Riven said. "But time is short."
Suddenly, three more Veilborn emerged from the fog, hissing and shifting, claws like daggers. Riven didn't flinch.
"I'll handle two," he said. "The third is yours."
Kaito stepped forward. His body moved before thought, instincts buried deep flaring to life. The beast leaped—Kaito ducked, spun, slashed. One hit. The creature roared.
He dashed again, this time faster, lighter—like he knew how.
Slash. Spin. Final blow.
The Veilborn burst into black ash.
Riven smiled faintly. "You're awakening faster than expected."
Kaito was panting. "What if I don't want this? This... war?"
"You already are part of it. The moment you touched the sword, the world changed again."
Lightning flashed.
From behind the clouds, an enormous floating citadel drifted into view, black as obsidian, humming with dark energy.
Riven looked up grimly.
"The Veil Citadel. They know you've returned. They'll come faster now."
Kaito looked at the horizon, the citadel's glow pulsing like a heartbeat.
"Then we don't wait," he said.
Riven turned to him, surprised. "You're ready?"
Kaito raised the sword.
"No," he said. "But I will be.".