The Last Survivor Of East

The Betrayal Unveiled

BEFORE THE BATTLE WITH HENDRICK..

Kayden sat on a fallen log, staring into the flames of the campfire. The warmth did little to comfort him; the memories of Kethril's destruction haunted his thoughts. Across from him, Revil watched silently, his dark eyes reflecting the fire's flicker.

"You're strong, Kayden," Revil finally said, breaking the silence. "Stronger than most would be in your position."

Kayden looked up, a mixture of sorrow and determination in his gaze. "I have to be. For my mother, for Kethril... for everyone I lost."

Revil nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. "Your mother must have been a remarkable woman. That necklace you wear, it's from her, isn't it?"

Kayden's hand instinctively touched the Ethernum pendant around his neck. "Yes. She gave it to me before... before everything happened."

Revil leaned forward, his voice softening, almost empathetic. "It's more than just a keepsake, isn't it? I've sensed its power. It's a relic of immense potential."

Kayden's eyes widened slightly, surprise and curiosity mixing in his expression. "How do you know about the Ethernum?"

Revil smiled faintly, the firelight casting shadows across his face. "I've encountered such artifacts in my travels. They are rare and powerful, often tied to the very essence of the people who possess them."

Kayden looked down at the pendant, the weight of it suddenly feeling heavier. "I... I don't fully understand its power. My mother said it was important, but she never explained why."

Revil's gaze intensified, his tone becoming more persuasive. "The Ethernum is a reservoir of pure mana, Kayden. It can amplify your abilities, make you stronger than you ever imagined. But it needs to be fully charged to reach its true potential."

Kayden's brow furrowed. "Fully charged? How?"

Revil leaned back, his expression carefully composed. "It requires the pure mana of its wielder. Only someone from Kethril can complete its charge. That's why it's so valuable—and why it's so dangerous."

Kayden's grip tightened on the pendant. "Dangerous?"

Revil nodded solemnly. "There are those who would do anything to possess such power. They would stop at nothing to take it from you. But with the Ethernum fully charged, you could protect yourself. You could avenge Kethril."

Kayden's eyes hardened with resolve. "I want that. I want to avenge my home, my family. But how do I charge it?"

Revil's smile returned, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. "You need guidance, training. Let me help you, Kayden. Together, we can unlock the Ethernum's true power. We can ensure that what happened to Kethril never happens again."

Kayden felt a surge of hope mingled with his grief. "You would do that? Help me?"

Revil stood and placed a hand on Kayden's shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. "I will. But you must trust me, Kayden. The path ahead is fraught with danger, but with the Ethernum's power and your determination, we can prevail."

Kayden nodded, determination filling his heart. "I trust you, Revil. I won't let Kethril's memory fade. I'll become strong enough to protect it—and to avenge it."

As Revil smiled, his eyes gleamed with a hidden satisfaction. The first step of his plan had succeeded. He would guide Kayden, manipulate him, and ultimately take the Ethernum for himself. All he needed was patience—and Kayden's unwavering trust.