~Laws of deceit ~

1

Chapter One: The Day of Selection

Kaida stood on the training grounds, her heart racing with anticipation. Today was the day she had been preparing for – the day of selection. Alongside her were a handful of other students, each with their own unique abilities and strengths.

The training grounds were a vast, open area, surrounded by towering trees and filled with various obstacles and challenges. In the center, a large stone pedestal stood, adorned with the emblem of the Realm Masters – a symbol of power and prestige.

Kaida eyes fixed on the pedestal, her mind focused on the opportunity that lay ahead. She had spent years honing her skills, perfecting her magic, and studying the ancient arts. This was her chance to join a Realm Master group, to learn from the best and become a master in her own right.

As the sun reached its peak, a figure emerged from the trees. Master Orion, a renowned warrior and leader, approached the pedestal. His piercing gaze swept across the students, his voice booming through the grounds.

"Today, you will be chosen to join a Realm Master group. Each of you has shown potential, but only a select few will be chosen. The realms are not for the faint of heart. You must be prepared to face challenges, to push your limits, and to prove your worth."

Kaida heart raced faster, her determination burning brighter. She was ready. She was prepared. She would not be overlooked.

Master Orion raised his hand, and a small, glowing orb appeared above the pedestal. The orb began to glow brighter, and a low hum filled the air.

"The selection has begun," Master Orion declared. "Let the realms choose their worthy candidates."

The orb started to move, floating above the students, as if searching for something. Sophia felt a strange sensation, as if the orb was probing her, testing her abilities and her will.

Suddenly, the orb stopped above her, its glow intensifying. Sophia felt a surge of energy, and a voice whispered in her mind.

"Kaida, you have been chosen by the Shadow Realm. You will join the Tenebris group, led by Master Arcturus."

Kaida’s heart soared, her dreams finally within reach. She was one step closer to achieving her goal – to become a powerful Realm Master and uncover the truth about her father's death

Kaida felt a mix of emotions: excitement, pride, and a hint of fear. The Shadow Realm was known for its mysterious and often dangerous magic. She took a deep breath, accepting the challenge.

As she walked towards Master Orion, the other students congratulated her with nods and smiles. Some looked envious, while others seemed relieved that they weren't chosen for the Shadow Realm.

Master Orion handed Sophia a small, intricately carved box. "This contains your invitation to the Tenebris group. Report to the Shadow Realm's stronghold at sundown tomorrow. Be prepared for your journey."

Kaida took the box, feeling a strange energy emanating from it. She opened it, revealing a small crystal orb with a dark, swirling mist inside. The orb began to glow, and a low whispering started, echoing in her mind.

"Welcome, kaida. We await your arrival. The shadows will guide you."

The whispering stopped, and the orb went dark. Kaida felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew that her journey was about to begin, and she was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

The selection process continued, with other students being chosen by different Realm Masters. Some were overjoyed, while others looked disappointed or even frightened.

As the day drew to a close, kaida left the training grounds, her mind racing with thoughts of the Shadow Realm and the mysteries that lay within. She knew that she would face challenges, but she was determined.

As Kaida walked out of the training grounds, she noticed a figure watching her from the shadows. The figure stepped forward, revealing a young woman with piercing emerald eyes and raven-black hair. She wore a flowing white robe, and a silver crescent moon pendant adorned her neck.

"Greetings, kaida," the woman said, her voice melodic and mysterious. "I am Lyra, the newest member of the Tenebris group. We will be traveling to the Shadow Realm together."

Kaida’s eyes widened in surprise. "Welcome, Lyra! I didn't expect another member to join us so soon."

Lyra's gaze seemed to bore into Kaida’s soul. "I have been chosen for a specific purpose. Our journey will be... enlightening."

Kaida felt a shiver run down her spine but tried to brush it off. "Let's get to know each other, then! We have a long journey ahead."

Lyra's expression remained enigmatic. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, Kaida, but I must prepare myself for the road ahead. Excuse me."

Without another word, Lyra turned and walked away, leaving Kaida feeling puzzled and slightly rejected.

Kaida watched Lyra disappear into the crowd, wondering what had just happened. She shrugged it off, focusing on her own preparations for the journey. Little did she know, Lyra's mysterious behavior was only the beginning of a complex and intriguing dynamic between them.

Kaida spent the day gathering her thoughts and packing her belongings. She knew the journey ahead would be challenging, but she was determined to face whatever lay in store.

As she packed her bag, Kaida's mind wandered to Lyra, the mysterious new member of the Tenebris group. She wondered what secrets Lyra held and what their dynamic would be like on their journey.

With a deep breath, Kaida focused on the task at hand. She had to be prepared for the unknown dangers and magical challenges of the Shadow Realm.

As the sun began to set, Kaida made her way to the designated meeting point, a ancient oak tree on the outskirts of the village. Lyra was already there, her eyes fixed on Kaida with an intensity that made Kaida's skin prickle.

"Let us begin our journey, Kaida," Lyra said, her voice low and mysterious. "The Shadow Realm awaits."

~~~

Kaida and Lyra set out on their journey, traveling through dense forests and over rugged hills. The landscape was breathtaking, but the tension between them was palpable. They barely spoke, each lost in their own thoughts.

After a day of walking, they arrived at a secluded clearing, surrounded by towering trees and a babbling brook. The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow over the scene.

"Let's rest here for the night," Lyra said, her voice breaking the silence. "We need to gather our strength for the challenges ahead."

Kaida nodded, relieved to finally rest her weary legs. They sat down on a blanket, and Lyra pulled out a small pouch of food and water. As they ate, the silence between them was almost companionable.

But just as they were finishing their meal, a sudden rustling in the bushes caught their attention. Kaida's heart raced as a group of shadowy figures emerged, their eyes glowing with an otherworldly light.

"Lyra, what's going on?" Kaida whispered, her hand instinctively reaching for her dagger.

"It seems we have unwanted company," Lyra replied, her voice eerily calm. "Prepare yourself, Kaida. This will be a fight unlike any you've ever known."

The figures closed in, their forms shifting and morphing into grotesque creatures with razor-sharp claws and teeth. Kaida and Lyra stood back-to-back, ready to face the unknown threat.