3rd Person's Point of View
In the vast training chamber, Nyxia moved like a shadow given form, his every motion precise and deliberate. Tendrils of darkness coiled around him as he shifted between attacks, seamlessly transitioning from one technique to the next. With a flick of his wrist, a swarm of shadow-forged soldiers emerged from the abyss, their glowing eyes locked onto the oncoming wave of robotic adversaries.
For hours, the battle raged. Each foe was different some were swift and evasive, others heavily armored and relentless but none could stand against Nyxia's mastery. His strikes were not random; every movement had purpose, every attack carried intent. Shadows swallowed his enemies whole, consuming them before they could retaliate. The battlefield was a testament to his relentless discipline, littered with the remnants of shattered machines.
Beyond the chamber, behind reinforced observation glass, Zalthorion watched in silence. His gaze was unreadable, his expression neither approving nor disapproving. He studied Nyxia's progress the control, the adaptability, the raw potential that lay beneath the surface. There was more to be honed, more to be refined. And as the last of the training drones crumbled into dust, Zalthorion knew that Nyxia's true test had yet to come.
After a few more hours, Nyxia lay sprawled on the ground, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he struggled to catch his breath. The battlefield around him was littered with the remnants of countless training drones, their shattered forms testament to the relentless onslaught he had unleashed. His body ached, his muscles burned, but there was satisfaction in the exhaustion he had pushed himself further than before.
The heavy doors of the chamber slid open with a quiet hum, and Zalthorion stepped inside, his presence commanding yet unreadable. Nyxia turned his head slightly, still panting, and managed a breathless question.
"How... how did I do?"
Zalthorion stopped a few paces away, arms crossed as he regarded the young warrior. His gaze swept over the ruined drones before settling on Nyxia.
"Well enough," he admitted, his voice even. "Your control over shadows is improving, and your adaptability in battle has grown." He paused, tilting his head slightly. "However, I've noticed something. Summon Arcanum is draining too much of your energy. You rely on it too often."
Nyxia exhaled sharply, shifting slightly but still too drained to rise. "It's my most versatile ability," he countered between breaths. "I can summon any weapon I need for any situation."
"Versatility is only useful if it doesn't leave you vulnerable," Zalthorion said. "A blade is useless if you collapse before you can swing it." He motioned toward the broken machines around them. "You lasted longer than before, but fatigue set in quickly once you started summoning weapons repeatedly. You need more permanent armaments something that won't sap your strength every time you wield it."
Nyxia frowned, staring up at the ceiling, considering the words. He had never truly thought about it like that. The power of Summon Arcanum had always been his greatest asset but now, he realized, it might also be his greatest weakness.
"I suggest you go to Varkos the Eternal Smith," Zalthorion said. "He will craft weapons perfect for you."
After that, Nyxia left the building, heading toward the location Zalthorion had given him. As he walked through the neon-lit streets of Evolto City, a voice echoed in his mind for the first time in months.
"You push yourself too hard, Nyxia."
It was Eon, the so called Energy fromt he birth fo the multiverse that resided within him. Nyxia smirked slightly. "You're talking again. I was beginning to think you'd gone dormant."
"I speak when I need to. And right now, I need to tell you that your reliance on Summon Arcanum is making you weaker, not stronger."
Nyxia sighed. "You're starting to sound like Zalthorion."
"Perhaps because he's right," Eon mused. "Your power is vast, but even the Shadow Monarch should not waste energy needlessly. A warrior should have weapons that are an extension of himself, not mere tools conjured in the moment."
Nyxia didn't respond immediately. Instead, he focused on his destination. When he finally arrived, he found himself standing before a nondescript alleyway. A simple, unmarked door stood before him.
"This is the place?" he muttered. It didn't seem like the forge of a legendary blacksmith, but he trusted Zalthorion's judgment.
Stepping inside, his skepticism vanished. The interior was impossibly vast, far larger than the exterior suggested. The forge burned with otherworldly flames, shifting between colors that defied logic. Anvils of obsidian and celestial metal lined the walls, and a massive cooling pool shimmered like the night sky, as though it contained stars within its depths.
A figure loomed near the forge, hammering away at a piece of molten metal. They turned as Nyxia approached. The blacksmith was unlike any being he had ever seen a towering, four-armed entity with a body forged of living metal and veins coursing with liquid fire. Their eyes burned like twin suns.
"Can I help you, shadowed one?" the blacksmith's voice rumbled.
Nyxia steadied himself. "Zalthorion sent me. He said you could forge me permanent weapons."
The blacksmith nodded. "Show me your DRS."
Nyxia complied, presenting his DRS. The blacksmith studied it for a long time before speaking.
"You've used firearms before. Correct?"
"Yes."
The blacksmith conjured an image of a sleek revolver its frame was reinforced with intricate engravings, its barrel shaped for both precision and power.
"Does it resemble this?"
Nyxia nodded. "Yes."
"Your abilities emphasize stealth and adaptability. Correct?"
"Yes."
"Your primary weapons have been a dagger and a sword."
"Yes."
The blacksmith hummed in thought before turning back to the forge. As they worked, the flames roared higher, their unnatural hues growing brighter. Hours passed, the sound of hammering filling the grand chamber.
Finally, the blacksmith stepped forward, presenting three weapons:
Two handguns, sleek yet deadly, infused with aetherial essence. Their barrels glowed faintly with runes that pulsed like a heartbeat. "These are your new fangs," the blacksmith said. "Shadow's Requiem and Ebon Wrath. They will never jam, never break, and their bullets will replenish themselves from the ambient energy around you. They fire rounds that can phase through solid matter or explode upon impact, depending on your will."
Next, the blacksmith held up a blade unlike any other. It seemed to drink the light around it, its surface an abyssal black, etched with silver veins of power. "This is Noctem's Veil," the blacksmith declared. "It is more than a sword it is a shifting weapon, bound to your will. It can take the form of a scythe, a dagger, or split into twin short blades. Its edge can cut through even the strongest defenses, and it will never dull."
Nyxia reached out, touching the blade's hilt. The moment his fingers made contact, he felt a pulse of recognition a bond forming between weapon and wielder.
"Now," the blacksmith said, "drop your blood onto them, so they may recognize you as their true master."
Without hesitation, Nyxia bit his thumb and let a drop of blood fall onto each weapon. The moment it touched the metal, the weapons pulsed, as if awakening. The guns hummed, their runes glowing brighter, while Noctem's Veil seemed to ripple, shifting between its different forms before settling back into a blade.
The blacksmith nodded in approval. "They are yours now, Shadow Monarch. Wield them well."
Nyxia lifted the weapons, feeling their weight, their power. For the first time, he felt truly armed not just with borrowed strength, but with weapons that were a part of him.
As Nyxia left the blacksmith and walked down the bustling streets of Evolto City, his gaze landed on a series of posters plastered across the walls. Bold letters proclaimed "The Zenith Games Are Returning!", accompanied by striking images of past competitions athletes mid-air in dazzling acrobatics, towering mechanized warriors locked in combat, and spellcasters weaving intricate duels of light and shadow.
Confused, he activated his Aetheris Phoenix, a holographic companion shaped like a spectral phoenix, designed for instant data retrieval and communication. The translucent bird flapped its wings, scanning the text before pulling up detailed information before his eyes.
The Zenith Games, he read, were Evolto City's grandest tournament an event that spanned multiple days, gathering the greatest minds, warriors, athletes, and innovators in a citywide spectacle of skill and creativity. The Games were more than just a competition; they were a celebration of the city's spirit, a testament to unity, ingenuity, and the pursuit of greatness. Every two years, the best of the best competed in challenges ranging from combat and strategy to invention and endurance. The event was broadcast across the entire city, drawing millions of spectators.
Nyxia scrolled further, eyes narrowing as he took in the list of upcoming events:
Lumina Chess – A strategic battle where pieces are infused with magic, capable of shifting and evolving mid-game.
Titan Brawl – A brutal test of strength where combatants don mechanized armor and clash in colossal duels.
Beast Fight – A challenge where bonded creatures and their masters engage in fierce but controlled battles.
Corvus Hunt – A high-stakes stealth competition where participants must track and eliminate rogue AI constructs in a simulated battlefield.
Stormrun – A race across the city's rooftops during an artificially generated storm, testing agility and adaptability.
Forge Wars – A blacksmithing showdown where competitors craft weapons in real-time using limited materials.
Astral Gauntlet – A survival-based obstacle course where gravity, time, and reality itself are ever-changing.
Shadow Circuit – A high-speed chase through Evolto City's neon-lit underworld, blending parkour, vehicles, and combat.
And many more.
Nyxia's eyes lingered on the countdown Two months until the Zenith Games begin.
Once Nyxia reached home, he felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. But the thoughts of the upcoming Zenith Games, with their thrilling events, kept him awake and excited. He took a moment to relax before seeing something on the horizon: posters. A cluster of them fluttered on the corner of the street, each adorned with vibrant graphics and announcing the Zenith Games.
The games, he discovered, were a long-running tradition in Evolto City, showcasing the best of the best in a series of events. From Lumina Chess, a strategic competition that tested mental sharpness, to Titan Brawl, a raw display of strength and battle prowess. The Beast Fight event was where skilled hunters competed against mythical creatures, while the Corvus Hunt challenged participants in tracking and taking down elusive targets. There were countless other games to watch, each with its unique challenge and spectacle.
Excitement buzzed through his veins as he read further, finding that the event would last for days and be broadcasted across the entire city. The anticipation was palpable, and the countdown to the event only two months away felt like an eternity.
His thoughts on the games faded when he noticed Dr. Wagner leaving the daycare across the street. Nyxia, his curiosity piqued, shouted, "Hey, Dr. Wagner!"
Dr. Wagner, hearing his name, turned around with a wide grin and greeted him, his thick German accent carrying through. "Ah, Nyxia! It is good to see you! How are you feeling after your training?"
Nyxia walked over, exchanging pleasantries. "Tired, but I feel good. Zalthorion really pushed me today. Got some new weapons too."
Wagner chuckled. "Ja, I can only imagine. I hope you aren't overexerting yourself. A warrior is nothing without balance."
They continued chatting, with Nyxia explaining the details of his training and new weapons, while Dr. Wagner offered bits of wisdom about strategy and strength. It was a casual conversation, and for the moment, Nyxia didn't have to think about the weight of his duties.
Suddenly, a message buzzed through their communicators: Virdarath.
"Oi, you two! Get to Thod's! I'm already here, and I'm not eating alone!"
Dr. Wagner raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Well, I guess ve better not leave him waiting. Let's go, Nyxia. There's nothing like good food to ease ze day's tension."
Nyxia laughed, feeling the weight of the day lift. Together, they made their way to Thod's restaurant, ready to enjoy the evening with Virdarath.
As Nyxia and Dr. Wagner arrived at Thod's, the vibrant lights from the neon signs bathed the street in a warm glow. The restaurant was a cozy, lively place known for its eclectic menu and welcoming atmosphere. They pushed the door open, and the delicious scent of cooked meats and spices immediately filled the air.
Inside, they spotted Virdarath sitting at a corner booth, waving them over with an exaggerated flourish. His usual chaotic energy was in full force as he grinned at the two of them.
"Ah, finally! I thought you'd both turn this into a mission to get here!" Virdarath called out, his voice brimming with mischief. He was already halfway through a drink, his wild personality reflecting in every gesture.
Dr. Wagner smiled, a hearty chuckle escaping him. "Virdarath, always the impatient one." He turned to Nyxia. "Come, let us join him."
They made their way to the table, and as they sat down, the waiter handed them menus. The vibrant decorations and chatter of other diners filled the background as the trio quickly settled into the familiar rhythm of casual conversation.
Virdarath leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "So, what's the latest? How's you holding up? Got yourself some shiny new toys, I see." He chuckled, his tone lighthearted, as his eyes flicked toward the weapons Nyxia had brought with him.
Nyxia smirked, still feeling the weight of the New weapons at his side. "Trying to make sure I don't wear myself out every time I summon a weapon," he said. "Zalthorion's advice hit me hard today. I think these will help me a lot more than relying on Summon Arcanum."
Dr. Wagner raised an eyebrow. "I vonder, Nyxia, if you've been rushing your training too much. You mustn't forget to take time for your body to recover." He smiled, leaning back in his seat. "But ze new weapons look impressive, I must admit."
Virdarath grinned mischievously. "New toys are fun, but we all know what really matters, don't we?" His tone grew playful. "It's the game the thrill of the fight. And speaking of that... the Zenith Games are coming up soon, right?"
Nyxia nodded eagerly. "Yeah, I saw the posters on my way here. Titan Brawl, Beast Fight, and the rest. It looks amazing!"
Virdarath smirked. "I can't wait to see how it all plays out. I may just show up myself. Not to compete, of course. I'd rather let you two do the actual work while I sit back and enjoy the chaos."
Dr. Wagner raised his glass, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Sounds like fun, but only if you're paying for dinner after all this talk about chaos."
Virdarath threw his hands up in mock surrender. "Fine, fine! But if I'm paying, I expect a front-row seat for the Zenith Games when they start!"
The three of them laughed, the camaraderie between them infectious. The food arrived soon after, and the conversation continued to flow as easily as the drinks. They shared stories, exchanged thoughts on the games, and reveled in the simple joy of each other's company.
For the first time in a while, Nyxia felt the weight of his burdens ease, surrounded by friends who reminded him of why he fought and trained. Tonight, there was no shadow to chase, no fight to win just laughter and the promise of adventures yet to come.
The evening air was cool as Nyxia, Dr. Wagner, and Virdarath wandered through the lively streets, laughing and messing around as they visited various stalls. The vibrant lights of the city illuminated the surroundings, creating a joyful atmosphere as they moved from one place to the next, enjoying the simple pleasures of the night.
Virdarath's voice suddenly cut through the laughter. "You know, it's tough being single," he said, dramatically sighing, much to the amusement of Nyxia and Dr. Wagner. Both of them exchanged a look, clearly puzzled by Virdarath's statement.
"What do you mean?" Nyxia asked, genuinely curious.
Virdarath's usual smirk faltered for a moment, and he shrugged. "Well, I don't really have anyone special, you know? Not like you two," he said, his voice dropping. "I mean, just look at me. Who would want a guy like me?"
Nyxia and Dr. Wagner glanced around. To their amusement, multiple women ranging from towering muscle-bound figures to graceful, ethereal Dendrites and the Cecilian females were attempting to engage with Virdarath. Yet, he remained blissfully unaware, obliviously walking past them as he continued with his brooding comments.
"You don't think they're… interested in you?" Nyxia asked, raising an eyebrow as he gestured to the surrounding crowd.
Virdarath waved it off, clearly oblivious. "Nah. I'm not really good-looking. Look at me. I'm just... average."
Dr. Wagner and Nyxia looked at each other and burst out laughing. Virdarath, with his chiseled features and mischievous eyes, was far from average. Yet, Virdarath's lack of awareness only added to his charm, making the situation even funnier.
"Virdarath," Dr. Wagner said, still chuckling, "you're definitely not average. But if you can't see that, I can't help you."
Virdarath rolled his eyes. "I swear, you two are insufferable."
The conversation turned, and Dr. Wagner sighed, wiping away his amusement. "Ah, you know… love isn't easy when you're constantly busy." His voice grew a bit softer, the topic clearly more personal. "I'm always consumed by work. I haven't had the time for anything else, really."
Virdarath gave him a knowing look, leaning in. "But what about Cavian? You two seem to get along quite well. And, come on, she's hot as hell."
Dr. Wagner stiffened slightly at the mention of Cavian's name. "We're just good friends, that's all," he said, his tone dismissive, but not convincingly so.
Virdarath grinned wider. "Just friends, huh? You sure about that?"
Before Dr. Wagner could respond, he quickly switched the topic. "What about you, Nyxia?" he asked, his voice suddenly softer. "Any special someone?"
The question struck Nyxia hard. He froze for a moment, and his face shifted subtly, betraying a brief flash of sadness. His eyes lowered, and there was a momentary silence as he masked his emotions. The loss of his loved ones during the Consumers' ravaging of his universe weighed heavily on him, but he had learned to hide it well. He gave a small, reassuring smile, but both Dr. Wagner and Virdarath noticed the sadness flicker in his gaze. They said nothing, but their expressions softened in understanding.
"I haven't really found anyone," Nyxia said, his voice steady. "I've... lost too much to focus on that right now. Maybe one day."
Virdarath, sensing the change in the atmosphere, quickly tried to lighten the mood. "Hey, enough with the heavy stuff. Look over there!"
He pulled them both toward a pet shop on the corner, where the windows were filled with an assortment of adorable creatures. From Nine-Tailed Foxes to orowyrms, and even a strange robot rover that looked like something out of a futuristic sci-fi movie, the pets on display were certainly eye-catching. Virdarath acted like a child in a candy store, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Look at them! They're so cute!" Virdarath exclaimed, pulling both Nyxia and Dr. Wagner into the store.
Nyxia couldn't help but smile as he watched Virdarath interact with the pets. It felt good to have this lighthearted moment, a reminder that there were still moments of joy amidst all the chaos in his life.
As they wandered through the aisles, Dr. Wagner nudged Nyxia. "Isn't your house a bit lonely? I know you've been keeping to yourself a lot lately."
Nyxia nodded thoughtfully, still observing the various creatures. "I guess it is. It's been a bit... quiet."
"Well, these orowyrms are perfect for someone like you," Dr. Wagner said, pointing out the sleek, black-scaled creatures with glowing eyes. "They're low-maintenance, very protective, and they can change their size at will. They're one of the few pets allowed on missions because of how versatile they are. And they can even change forms to look like anything you want."
Nyxia's eyes softened as he looked at the orowyrms. The idea of having a companion who could provide some protection and keep him company seemed like the perfect solution.
Without hesitation, he walked up to the counter to inquire about adopting one. As he was about to pay, the employee, a young woman with a warm smile, said, "Oh, don't worry, sir. We don't really make money selling them. The real profits come from selling their toys and food."
Nyxia raised an eyebrow, surprised by the business model but grateful nonetheless. "Well, in that case, I'll take one. It seems like a good fit."
Dr. Wagner clapped him on the back. "Good choice, Nyxia. A companion like that will help ease some of your burdens."
Virdarath, still mesmerized by the creatures, flashed them both a grin. "Maybe I should get one, too... but I'd probably end up losing it in some crazy adventure."
The trio laughed as Nyxia completed the adoption, and they left the pet shop together, the evening now filled with a renewed sense of camaraderie and hope. The small orowyrm curled up in Nyxia's arms, a symbol of new beginnings.