The Arc Of darkness

Chapter 2.1: The birth of a new warrior

For over twelve centuries, the world has been haunted by the appearance of Vortex—mysterious portals that can materialize anywhere and at any time. These swirling gateways, pulsing with energy, serve as a bridge to a realm teeming with terrors: the Phantoms. Each Vortex is a volatile entry point, and what lies within varies from the weak to the formidable, ranking from E to S. The intensity of the Phantoms inside correlates directly with the Vortex's color, an ominous guide for those brave enough to confront their depths.

E Rank Vortexes shimmer in a light gray hue, signaling a relatively safe yet still perilous entry point. D Rank, marked by a vivid yellow, poses a greater threat, hinting at the lurking dangers beyond. The deeper one ventures into the spectrum, the greater the risks: the haunting green of C Rank, the eerie purple of B Rank, the foreboding blue of A Rank, and the terrifying crimson of S Rank. In these higher-tiered Vortexes, the strongest Phantoms lie in wait—creatures that could dismantle entire armies with a mere flick of their claw.

When a Vortex opens, it remains accessible for just one hour. Within that time, anyone caught within its grasp must find a way to escape, or they risk becoming trapped. Those who fail may find themselves imprisoned for days, weeks, or even years, struggling for survival against the relentless Phantoms. The terror of being lost within a Vortex is as real as the creatures that roam its depths, as its very nature is a chaotic dance of fate and fury.

The Vortex isn’t merely a source of danger; it also holds treasures, three rare crystals that offer humanity a fighting chance against the encroaching darkness. The Abyssal Crystal, forged from the very essence of the Vortex, is a prized resource for crafting weapons and armor, fortifying humanity’s defenses. The rarer Celestial Crystal, found predominantly in the higher-ranked Vortexes, brims with magical energy. Artisans use it to imbue their creations with enchantments, enhancing their effectiveness in battle.

Lastly, the Phantom Crystal, a grim trophy harvested from the remains of slain Phantoms, holds immense magical power. Its potency varies according to the rank of the Phantom it comes from, making it a coveted prize among warriors and mages alike.

As the Vortex continues to open across the land, the interplay between peril and potential becomes a relentless cycle, drawing in the brave, the foolish, and those seeking to harness the magic of the unknown. In this world, the line between hero and monster blurs, and the true cost of power awaits those who dare to confront the abyss.   

The Chinese International Eternals headquarters stood tall against the skyline, its sleek architecture a symbol of strength and resilience. Inside, the air was charged with urgency. In the central command room, dimly lit by screens displaying fluctuating data, Wei Chen, the current head of the organization, leaned over the table, his expression grave.

“What was the issue you mentioned, Kai?” Wei Chen asked, directing his attention to Kai Rui, his trusted assistant.

“Yes, sir,” Kai Rui replied, straightening his posture. “We’ve seen a troubling rise in incidents related to Vortex breaks recently.”

Wei Chen’s brow furrowed. “Vortex breaks, huh? Have you detected any unusual energy signatures?”

Kai Rui shook his head, frustration creeping into his voice. “We have, sir, but there seems to be no suspicious energy—just the breaks themselves.”

“How many have occurred in the past week?”

Wei Chen’s tone was sharp, each word deliberate.

“According to our calculations, approximately seven, sir. Normally, we’d expect one to four per month, so seven in just a week is highly concerning.”

Wei Chen’s mind raced as he processed the information. “Which rank of the Vortex is primarily affected?”

“Lower rank, sir,” Kai Rui replied, a hint of worry threading through his voice.

Wei Chen leaned back, crossing his arms. “Any strange activities from the phantoms?”

Kai Rui hesitated, then continued, “About that, sir—they appear to be fleeing from something.”

A wave of unease washed over the room. Yu Yan, seated nearby, looked between her superior and Kai Rui, her brow knitted in confusion. “Fleeing? From what?”

Kai Rui’s expression was serious. “We’re still trying to pinpoint the cause, but it’s clear that something is driving them away.”

Wei Chen’s eyes narrowed. “We cannot let this situation reach the media. If it does, it could incite panic among the public and attract unwanted attention from the Eternals.”

Kai Rui nodded, his face set in determination. “As it stands, 15 Eternals were injured, and 6 have been killed.”

The weight of those numbers hung heavily in the air. Wei Chen clenched his fists. “This is a critical situation. We can’t afford to lose any more Eternals. We need to uncover the root of these disturbances, and we need to act swiftly.”

“Yes, sir.” Kai Rui straightened, his resolve evident as he turned to leave the room, determined to find answers.

As the door closed behind him, Wei Chen glanced at the window, he was still processing the gravity of their situation. The shadows of the Vortex loomed larger than ever, and time was slipping through their fingers. They needed to act quickly before the situation spiraled out of control.