In the depths of Nirvana, there was a small yet vibrant village, despite the tension and fear looming over it. Lanterns hung from wooden posts, casting a dim glow on the narrow streets, where people moved cautiously, exchanging words in hushed tones as if afraid of being overheard.
I entered the village in disguise, cloaked in a black robe that concealed my features. My goal was clear: to learn more about Seraphim and his movements. I made my way to the small marketplace, where a few locals gathered around an old wooden table, speaking in low voices while sipping a warm drink.
"Have you heard what happened at the castle? The soldiers are fortifying it more than ever before," one man said, his face marked with visible concern.
A woman, wearing a shawl that covered most of her face, replied, "Of course, I've heard. They say the shadow that haunts their dreams is real and closer than we imagine."
I cautiously moved closer, taking a seat at a nearby table, trying to catch more of their conversation.
"It's just rumors to spread panic among us. Seraphim wouldn't allow something like this to happen near his castle," a young man said confidently, though he was clearly trying to mask his doubts.
"But why the increased military activity? Why are the soldiers gathering like this?" an old man questioned, shaking his head as if trying to make sense of it all.
"Because they are afraid," the woman said quietly, glancing at the empty square. "Fear makes them act irrationally. That shadow, whatever it is, may be closer to the castle than we think."
I decided to speak, breaking my silence. "It seems you have many questions about the shadow. What if it's more than just rumors?"
They all turned toward me, their eyes filled with both curiosity and caution.
"And who are you to speak of this?" the old man asked.
"Just a traveler seeking the truth. I heard that Seraphim is facing challenges, and I wanted to understand how the village is dealing with these events."
A moment of silence followed before the young man spoke again. "The soldiers are facing real trouble. Something—or someone—is targeting them at night. Even the castle, despite its fortifications, is not safe."
"And what about Seraphim? How is he handling all of this?" I asked, trying to extract more details.
The woman replied in a hushed tone, "Seraphim is busy planning. It is said he is relying on an ancient power hidden deep within the castle—a magic that no one can breach. But even so, things don't seem to be going as he planned."
"And Serina?" I asked, emphasizing the name.
"His loyal partner. They say she possesses powers as dangerous as his and is the one overseeing the soldiers' movements. But some here believe there is a hidden conflict between her and Seraphim, perhaps because of the shadow that haunts them both."
I smiled inwardly. The pieces of information were coming together like a puzzle—everything was unfolding according to my plan.
As night fell, I made my way toward the castle. Lights glowed along its walls, and the soldiers moved with unusual urgency. I slipped through the surrounding forest, observing weak points in the fortifications.
I found a spot on the eastern side of the castle, where the guards were less concentrated due to the storage of supplies there. Gathering some flammable materials, I set fire to the supply crates, the flames quickly growing into a massive blaze that drew the guards' attention.
"Fire! Quickly, to the east!" one of them shouted as the soldiers rushed toward the source of the flames.
I used the chaos to slip through a side passage leading inside. The stone corridors echoed with every step, bringing me closer to the main hall where Seraphim and Serina awaited.
I stopped at the grand hall's entrance. From inside, Seraphim's voice rose in anger. "This has spiraled out of control! We must act immediately!"
"But not so hastily," Serina countered. "He is trying to lure us. We need to understand his goal first."
I slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside. The conversation halted immediately, and both turned toward me.
"So, here we are… face to face," I said in a calm voice.
Seraphim stood, his eyes burning with fury. "You?! How dare you enter my stronghold?"
I glanced at him, then at Serina, who stood beside him, her gaze wary yet filled with unyielding determination.
"You have something that belongs to me," I said. "I've come to claim it."