Eclipsed

Chapter 21

Ren moved deeper into the labyrinth, its corridors dimly lit by the faint glow of runic symbols carved into the ancient walls. The air grew colder, and a heavy silence filled the space, broken only by the soft echo of his footsteps. His grip on his katana tightened with each step, his senses alert.

Suddenly, a voice echoed through the darkness, smooth and mocking.
"So, you're the one who dealt with Karnazoth. I've been expecting you, boy."

Ren's heart raced, but he kept his composure, his eyes scanning the shadows. "Where are you? Show yourself!"

The voice chuckled, filled with sarcasm. "Let's have a little chat. Why are you so eager to find us? What could we have possibly done to make you risk everything? You're strong, sure, but far too young to be throwing your life away like this."

The memories of Haruka Valley flashed in Ren's mind-his home in flames, the cries of his people, and the devastating silence that followed. His voice was steady but laced with emotion. "My village... Why did you destroy my village?"

The voice paused, feigning confusion. "Which one? You'll need to be more specific."

"Haruka Valley!" Ren shouted, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "Don't act like you don't know!"

From the shadows ahead, a figure emerged-a towering presence that seemed to command the air itself. The voice became clear as the figure spoke again.
"Oh, that quaint little village," it said dismissively. "A few of your scouts got in the way of my plans. I had to make an example of them. Surely you can understand the need for decisive action."

Ren's grip on his katana tightened, his knuckles white with anger. "You call wiping out innocent people 'decisive action'? They had nothing to do with this!"

The figure stepped into full view. It was Ozythar, a commanding presence with draconic features. His face was a blend of sharp, angular scales, and his glowing amber eyes radiated a cold, calculated malice. His dark armor was etched with ancient symbols, and a massive, jagged blade rested on his back.

"Innocent?" Ozythar said with a smirk. "Everyone plays a part in this grand game, whether they realize it or not. But enough of this chatter. What do you think you'll accomplish here, boy?"

Before Ren could respond, two more figures emerged from the shadows behind him. He spun around, raising his katana instinctively. The newcomers were members of the Mal'gorath, their forms as menacing as the dark energy that surrounded them.

The first figure moved with a fluid grace, its shadowy form rippling like liquid smoke. Its piercing green eyes locked onto Ren, and its sharp claws glinted in the dim light.

The second figure was massive, clad in heavy armor that seemed to absorb the faint light of the labyrinth. Pulsing red symbols adorned its chest plate, and it held a warhammer that looked capable of shattering stone with ease.

Ren's heart pounded as he realized the overwhelming odds against him. This isn't good. I'm outnumbered, and these aren't just ordinary foes.

From the shadows beside Ozythar, another figure appeared-a tall woman whose presence was as commanding as it was unsettling. Her silver eyes gleamed faintly in the dark, and her flowing robes shimmered with an otherworldly light. Small, curved horns adorned her head, and her demeanor exuded quiet confidence.

"Ozythar," she said, her voice calm but firm. "This is the one?"

Ozythar gestured lazily toward Ren. "Indeed. Liora, meet the boy who thinks he can challenge us. Quite ambitious, isn't he?"

Ren stood his ground, his eyes darting between them, his grip on his katana steady.

Liora studied him, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Interesting. You fight for revenge, don't you? A noble cause, but one rarely rewarded."