The soldier saw the navigation point ahead and sensed an imminent threat behind him.
He Instinctively flew even faster, creating a trail of light through the air.
He conjured an aether shield to protect himself.
A volley of dark energy slammed into the shield, shattering it in an instant and sending searing pain through his back.
He spun around, conjuring another aether shield just in time to block another burst of dark energy.
The assault was relentless, each volley tearing through his defenses.
In the haze of smoke and debris, a blade cut through the air.
He barely had time to react as it struck his neck, severing it cleanly.
His body fell from the sky, his body limp and lifeless.
His head fell to the ground, followed by his body.
The otherworlder who had also been struck unconscious, lay motionless, falling through the sky.
The winged soldier flew downwards, her wings spreading wide as she descended swiftly to catch the otherworlder. With a graceful swoop, she caught the unconscious girl in her arms, securing her carefully before lifting off again toward the navigation point.
As she flew, the wind whipped around her, the landscape blurring beneath her as she made her way to the towering structure. The navigation point was a magnificent arching building, its high spires reaching into the sky. Golden-lined designs adorned its surface, reflecting the light of the sun.
At its center was an orb, radiating a subtle yet powerful energy.
The winged soldier landed with precision, holding the otherworlder securely in her arms.
She approached the orb, placing her hand gently on its smooth surface, and whispered the words, "Twilight zone."
A brilliant beam of light shot into the sky, illuminating the entire structure with an ethereal glow. The light enveloped both the winged soldier and the otherworlder, their forms dissolving into the brightness. The air around them shimmered as they were transported to the Twilight Zone,
It was a place where the laws of reality could bend.
The light carried them away, the otherworlder remained unconscious, unaware of the journey ahead and the dangers that awaited her in this mysterious new realm.
Zakari POV:
Noticing that the guard of the swordheart region's aether signature dissapeared, the Regent sent a lone soldier to investigate, then when their signature also disapeared, they sent a platoon to investigate further.
"Sharp 001 and Fixie 022, I have relayed the coordinates. Go and investigate," he instructed, his voice calm but commanding. "Take a squad of five with you.
We need to recover the bodies and understand what happened."
"Yessir!" Sharp 001 and Fixie 022 responded in unison. They gathered their squads and flew off toward the given coordinates, their movements quick and efficient.
The leader then turned to the rest of the platoon. "Disperse and guard the region," he ordered, securing the area to prevent further casualties.
He himself headed toward the giant tree, a landmark in the otherwise empty landscape.
As he approached, he noticed the remnants of a bonfire, its embers still faintly glowing amidst the charred wood. It was a clear indication that someone had been here recently, and it aligned with the reports of an otherworlder.
The scent of smoke and the faint warmth from the fire told him that he wasn't far behind whoever had been here.
He would need to follow the trail, track down the source of this disturbance, and ensure the safety of the Ivorian Empire.
"The presence of the otherworlder is a threat that cant be ignored" he then said to himself
Fixie 022, with golden hair and blue eyes, tall and fair-skinned, descended, holding a beheaded body in his arms.
Another soldier with brown hair and golden eyes carried the severed head of the same soldier.
"Sir... Zakari, forgive me," said the golden-haired soldier, his voice filled with regret.
Zakari nodded, a tear sliding down his cheek. "I know Darien"
Darien pointed to the bodies, "there are signs of dark energy, the bruises and wounds indicate a fierce battle happened."
"Whoever did this, we will find them," said by the browned haired soldier, his voice hard with rage as he gritted his teeth.
Zakari turned to him. "Yes, we will, Acen," he said, cold and determined. "I will find them myself, and they will pay."
He knew that an otherworlder capable of such dark energy was a significant threat.
What he didn't know was that it was the winged soldier who had killed his comrades.
He then faced Darien and Acen, placing his hand on the bodies of the fallen soldiers.
The rest of the squad stood around them in silence, mourning their loss.
"I'm sorry, Zanaria, sister" Zakari whispered, his voice breaking. "I should have been here sooner. Forgive me."
Sharp 001 arrived, carrying the second body. He was a heavily built man with a muscular frame, brown hair, and blue eyes.
"Let's head back to base and report," Zakari said, his voice stern but full of sorrow.
"Yes, sir!" came the resounding response from the soldiers.
___
As the platoon soared toward the Ivorian Headquarters, Zakari's thoughts raced.
The SwordHeart region was supposed to be secure-patrolled and protected by seasoned soldiers.
The sudden disappearances and the discovery of beheaded bodies shook him to the core.
This was more than a simple incursion; it was a direct challenge to the Empire's authority.
The sky grew darker as they approached the fortress, a sprawling structure of stone and metal with a golden glow that illuminated the night.
Zakari directed his platoon toward the medical bay, where the bodies would be processed and examined.
His own heart ached with each step, knowing that he would soon face the families of the fallen and answer their painful questions.
Once the bodies were in the hands of the medics, Zakari and his platoon gathered in the command center.
The regent, a steely-eyed muscular bearded man with a presence that could command armies, stood at the center of a large circular table.
Holographic screens displayed tactical information and maps, while a team of advisors discussed possible threats.
"Zakari," the regent began, his voice hard and unyielding, "report."
"We've lost two soldiers," Zakari said, his tone grave.
"Both beheaded, and there are signs of dark energy in the area, we've sent a team to investigate further, but the evidence points to an otherworlder."
The regent's expression darkened. "Dark energy?" she echoed, "this is no ordinary threat, then, Are we dealing with a rogue mage or something else entirely?"
"We're not sure," Zakari admitted, "But whatever it is, it's dangerous and highly skilled, our soldiers didn't stand a chance."
The Lietenant Colonel nodded, his eyes narrowing as he considered the implications.
"We can't allow this to escalate, The Elves and dwarves are preparing for war, and the last thing we need is internal chaos."
"I agree," Zakari replied. "We need to find this otherworlder and bring them in, dead or alive, the safety of the Empire is at stake."
The Lietenant Colonel's gaze swept over the room, meeting the eyes of each soldier.
"This is our top priority," he declared with authority
"I want all available units deployed to secure the region, Zakari, you're in charge of the search, Do whatever it takes to find this threat and neutralize it."
"Understood," Zakari said, his voice resolute, he knew what was at stake-the safety of the Empire, the lives of his soldiers, and the memory of those who had fallen.
Failure was not an option.
As the meeting adjourned, Zakari's mind raced with plans and contingencies.
He would need to gather his most trusted soldiers, organize a search party, and ensure that every corner of the SwordHeart region was combed for signs of the otherworlder.
He couldn't afford to make any mistakes-lives depended on his actions.
Stepping out into the night, Zakari felt the weight of responsibility pressing down on him.
He glanced up at the stars, their distant light, reminding him of his lost sister.
As Zakari stood there, his tears falling silently, Darien, who had been watching him from the corridor, approached.
He gently placed a hand on Zakari's shoulder, offering silent support.
"We'll find them, sir," Darien said, his voice cold and resolute.
Zakari nodded, his gaze hardening. "Whatever it takes," he replied, his voice filled with grim determination. "I will kill them myself."
____
The winged soldier carried the otherworlder across the broken island's disarrayed landscape, her wings outstretched as she navigated the shifting ground.
The island was a relic of its former self, fractured and dilapidated, a shadow of the imposing stronghold it once was.
With a firm grip on the otherworlder, she flew toward the castle, her thoughts focused on her own plans.
The castle loomed in the distance, its structure a chaotic blend of towering spires and collapsed arches.
The winged soldier approached the castle's large gates, weathered by time and covered in overgrowth Moss.
With a single powerful kick, she sent the gates flying open, the heavy metal crashing against the stone walls inside. Her entrance echoed through the empty courtyard, sending shivers through the air.
Without hesitation, she walked across the broken courtyard, stepping over fallen stone and shattered statues, each step echoing with menace.
She reached a set of stairs leading downward and took them quickly, her wings brushing against the damp stone walls.
At the bottom of the stairs, she reached a massive door and pushed it open, revealing a chamber lit by flickering torches.
Inside sat a man of striking appearance, his skin pale and his hair dark, two large black horns protruded from his head, and his eyes were as dark as the void outside.
He sat in a throne-like chair, his posture relaxed yet exuding a menacing authority.
"You've arrived," he said, his voice low and resonant.
There was a hint of amusement in his words, as if he had been expecting her for some time.
The winged soldier approached with the otherworlder in her arms.
With fear in her voice, she said, "I have brought the otherworlder,"
The man with the horns raised an eyebrow, looking at the unconscious figure in her arms. "Interesting," he replied, his dark eyes taking in the sight. "Give this otherworlder to the cloaked, give her companions to see what story she lays ahead. "
With a look of awe and respect, the winged soldier nodded and shouted, " Understood!"
RYAZANIA POV:
I woke up with a throbbing headache, pain shooting through my skull as my eyes opened to a blurry, hazy view.
My thoughts were muddled, and I struggled to remember what had happened before I lost consciousness.
The last thing I recalled was fighting a shadowy figure and then being struck down, the memory ending with a jarring impact.
Now I found myself in a dimly lit room.
My arms and feet were shackled to the ground, forcing me into a kneeling position.
The air was thick and foul, filled with the stench of rot and decay.
It was nauseating, and I could barely keep my stomach from turning over.
I glanced around, my vision gradually clearing, trying to make sense of my surroundings.
My head throbbed with each heartbeat, and it was hard to focus through the pain.
I needed to find a way out, but first, I had to get a handle on where I was and what was happening to me.
The chains were heavy, and the dim lighting made it hard to see beyond a few feet in any direction.
Who captured me, and why? More importantly, was there a way to escape? I thought to myself
As my vision cleared, I saw that the room was made of stone, the walls damp and moss-covered. Water dripped from the ceiling, forming small puddles on the uneven ground. The floor around me was stained with who-knows-what, but I didn't want to think too much about it. The chains holding me were thick and heavy, looped through large iron rings embedded in the stone.
They wouldn't be easy to break or slip out of.
The only light in the room came from a dim lantern hanging on the far wall, casting long shadows that seemed to shift and twist as I moved my head.
I tried to move my arms and legs, but the chains kept me firmly in place, allowing only a slight degree of motion.
I had to think, to figure out a way to loosen or break the chains, but with my head pounding, clear thoughts were hard to come by.
As I tried to assess my surroundings, I heard faint sounds coming from outside the room. Footsteps, slow and deliberate, grew louder as they approached the door.
It was a heavy wooden door, reinforced with iron bands. I heard the distinct sound of a key turning in the lock, and the door creaked open.
A figure entered, tall and shrouded in a long cloak.
The hood obscured their face, and they carried a staff with a glowing orb at its tip, casting eerie blue light throughout the room.
The light revealed intricate runes carved into the walls, patterns that I couldn't recognize.
The figure moved slowly toward me, each step echoing in the chamber. "So, you're awake," they said, their voice low and gravelly. "I was wondering how long it would take."
I tried to speak, but my throat was dry and sore, and all I could manage was a croak.
I had questions, so many questions, but I knew I had to be careful. I didn't know who this person was or what they wanted with me, but I had to stay calm and not show fear.
The figure stopped a few feet away, their gaze fixed on me. "You have something I want," they said, their voice sending shivers down my spine. "And you're going to tell me where to find it."
I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. "What... what do I have that you want?" I asked, my words barely more than a whisper.
The cloaked figure chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.
"Don't play coy with me, you come from another world, and with you comes knowledge of places, artifacts, and powers that don't exist here, tell me where to find them, and this will be quick."
I knew I had to tread carefully, I was in an unfamiliar place, chained, and at a severe disadvantage.
This person seemed to know more about me than I did about them.
I needed information, but I couldn't give too much away. I also couldn't ignore the potential danger I was in.
"I don't know what you're talking about," I said, feigning ignorance. "
I'm just a student. I got lost and ended up here by accident. I don't know anything about artifacts or powers."
The figure's eyes, visible beneath the hood, narrowed. "Lies won't save you here," they said, their tone growing more ominous. "You came through a sigil, one that hasn't been activated in centuries, you must know something about it."
I thought back to the sigil I'd seen on the ground, the one that transported me to this strange world.
It had seemed significant, but I had no idea how it worked or what it meant, I had stumbled into something much bigger than I anticipated.
"I don't know how it works," I replied, keeping my voice steady. "I was just following a lead, trying to find my cousin. I'm not from this world, but I don't know anything about sigils or anything like that!"
The figure's grip tightened on their staff, and the orb at its tip flickered with energy. "You expect me to believe that?" they growled. "No one crosses through a sigil without knowledge of its power, either you're lying, or someone else has given you this knowledge. If you won't talk, I'll find other ways to make you."
I could feel the pressure mounting, the walls of the room seeming to close in.
My chains clanged as I shifted slightly, trying to find a more comfortable position
I had to think quickly, to come up with a plan before things escalated further.
Before I could respond, another voice echoed from the hallway outside the room.
"What's taking so long? Is our guest not cooperating?" The voice was deeper, more authoritative, and it sent a chill through me.
The cloaked figure turned toward the door.
"Patience," they replied. "Interrogations take time."
They turned back to me, their eyes burning with intensity.
"But not too much time. You wouldn't want to see what happens when I lose my patience."
I felt a shiver run down my spine at the figure's threat.
The chains that bound me seemed to grow tighter, the cold metal biting into my skin. I knew I needed to stall for time, to think of a way out of this. I
f they were so keen on finding artifacts and sigils, there had to be others who knew more about them, maybe even allies who could help me.
"Please," I said, my voice cracking, "I really don't know anything about the sigils. I was just looking for my cousin. If you let me go, I promise I won't tell anyone about this place."
The cloaked figure scoffed, turning away as if to dismiss my words.
"empty promises won't save you. We need information, and you clearly have it.
You may not realize it yet, but everyone who crosses over brings something with them. Memories, knowledge, power whether you remember it or not, it's in there," they said, tapping their temple.
The voice from outside grew louder, and a shadowy silhouette appeared in the doorway. "If you don't get results soon, I'll have to intervene," the newcomer said.
The cloaked figure tensed, as if they didn't appreciate being rushed.
"I have it under control," the cloaked figure retorted, their tone sharpening. "Just give me a few more minutes. The more we pressure her, the more likely she is to crack."
I watched as the newcomer stepped into the dimly lit room.
He was taller than the cloaked figure, with broad shoulders and a grim expression.
He wore dark armor, and a long sword hung from his waist. His eyes scanned the room, taking in the sight of me chained to the floor, before he looked back at the cloaked figure.
"You have ten minutes," he said, his voice leaving no room for negotiation.
The cloaked figure nodded, and the newcomer stepped back into the hallway. The tension in the room grew, the oppressive air almost suffocating. I knew I had to say something, to defuse the situation.
"Wait," I said quickly, trying to sound as convincing as possible.
"Maybe there's a way we can make a deal, I don't know much about this world, but I could help you find what you're looking for, I could ask around, get information. Just please, let me go."
The cloaked figure paused, as if considering my words. "You think you can bargain with us?" they asked, their voice laced with skepticism.
"It's better than nothing," I replied. "If I don't know the answers, I can find someone who does. Just give me a chance."
The cloaked figure seemed to mull it over, their gaze narrowing as they assessed me.
The seconds felt like hours, and I could feel the weight of the chains as I waited for their response.
The cloaked figure leaned in, their eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my pulse quicken. "You don't understand, do you?" they said, their voice low and menacing. "This isn't a game, we have no patience for deception or delays, If you can't give us what we want, you're nothing but a liability."
The words hit me like a blow.
The darkness of the room, the smell of dampness and decay, and the chains binding me to the ground all underscored the grim reality I was in. I had to think fast, had to find a way to convince them that I could be useful.
"Look," I said, trying to sound desperate but earnest. "I really don't know much about your world or your sigils. But I know about mine. There are people...powerful people....who might know more. If you give me a chance, I can find out for you.
I can be your eyes and ears on the other side."
The cloaked figure's expression remained inscrutable. I couldn't tell if they believed me or if they were just toying with me.
They seemed to consider my words, their fingers drumming against the hilt of their dagger.
"You think you can just walk out of here and come back with answers?" they asked, their tone dripping with skepticism.
"Do you know what happened to the last person who made a deal with us and failed to deliver? Let's just say his return trip wasn't exactly pleasant."
I swallowed hard, trying to push down the fear that was building in my chest. "I'm not like the others," I said, my voice wavering slightly.
"I can blend in. I can talk to people, gather information without attracting attention. Just give me a chance to prove myself."
The cloaked figure stepped back, as if giving me some space to consider my words.
The seconds stretched into a long, tense silence. I could hear the faint echo of voices from the hallway, a reminder that I wasn't alone in this dark place.
Finally, the cloaked figure spoke, their tone cold and deliberate.
"Fine. You have one chance. But if you fail us, if you try to run or double-cross us, we'll find you. And when we do, you'll wish you never made that deal."
They turned to leave, signaling to a guard at the door.
The guard stepped forward and began unfastening the chains from my wrists and ankles.
My body ached from the hours of kneeling, and I stumbled as I tried to stand, my legs weak and unsteady.
The guard grabbed me by the arm and pulled me to my feet. "No funny business," he said gruffly, his grip tight and painful. "You try anything, and you'll regret it."
I nodded, keeping my head down as I was led out of the room.
I didn't know where I was going or what my next move would be, but I knew I had to make the most of this one chance.
My life depended on it.
The guard's grip on my arm was firm, unyielding as he led me down a dimly lit corridor.
The torches lining the walls flickered with an eerie orange glow, casting long shadows that seemed to shift and twist as we walked.
My heart raced with every step; I knew I was in deep trouble, but I had to find a way out of this.
As we turned a corner, I was brought into a larger room, where the cloaked figure who had interrogated me stood waiting.
The room was decorated with ancient tapestries, faded and torn, depicting scenes of war and conquest.
A heavy stone table stood in the center, strewn with maps, weapons, and sigils that I didn't recognize.
"Here's the deal," the cloaked figure said, not wasting any time.
"You work for us, you train under our command, and you do what we tell you. If you can prove yourself useful, maybe we'll let you live, but you try anything stupid, and your story ends here. Got it?"
I nodded, my throat dry, the chains rattling slightly as I did. "Yes, I understand."
The cloaked figure walked around the table, studying me with those piercing eyes. "You'll start as a recruit, like everyone else. You'll learn our ways, our tactics, and our magic. You won't receive any special treatment just because you're from another world. In fact, if anything, you'll be watched more closely."
I felt a chill run down my spine at the mention of magic.
What kind of training did they have in mind? Would they try to turn me into some sort of weapon? I didn't know, but I didn't have much choice in the matter.
"And if I do well?" I asked cautiously. "If I serve and learn your ways, what then?"
The cloaked figure paused, their expression unreadable. "Then you'll have proven your loyalty, and we might consider giving you a place among us. But understand this: loyalty is everything., If you betray us, there's no coming back."
The guard pushed me forward slightly, indicating that I should bow or show some sign of obedience. I did so, lowering my head and trying to suppress the anger that simmered beneath the surface.
This was my only way out, my only chance to survive in this hostile world.
"When do I start?" I asked, looking up at the cloaked figure.
"Now," they replied without hesitation.
"The training grounds are just outside this room, you'll join the others and follow their lead, learn quickly, because we don't have time for weakness or hesitation."
The guard pulled me back, leading me toward the exit. "Get moving," he said roughly.
The door slammed shut with a heavy thud, echoing through the dimly lit stone walls of my new quarters.
The outfit they gave me a black top and tight-fitting pants.
It was simple but functional, definitely designed for agility and flexibility.
As I changed into the outfit, my thoughts raced back to my cousin. I
If there was any chance he was in this world too, I had to find him.
The guard who brought me here hadn't said much, only that I was to prepare for more training.
It was clear I wasn't a prisoner in the traditional sense, but I was far from free.
The training seemed like a test, one I had to pass if I wanted to gain any leverage in this place.
As I adjusted the fit of the pants and pulled the top over my head, I glanced around the small room.
There was the bed the corner, a simple wooden chair, and a small table.
there were no windows, the only source of light was a singular lantern, It wasn't a cell, but it felt like one.
I sat on the edge of the bed, my mind still racing.
If my cousin was here, he'd likely be in the same position as me....forced to serve, train, and perhaps even fight for these people.
The more I thought about it, the more determined I became.
I couldn't leave this world without finding him, without making sure he was safe.
Can I even endure the training? I thought to myself.
Whatever they had planned for me, I needed to be ready.
The skills I learned here could be the key to finding my cousin and ultimately returning to our world.
I stood up, my resolve strengthening, I needed to play along, to train and become stronger,.
I also needed information.
The cloaked figure who ran this place held the answers, and I had to find a way to gain their trust—or at least earn enough of their respect to ask questions.
As I left the room and headed toward the training grounds, I vowed to myself that I would not leave this world without finding my cousin.
He was somewhere out there, and I was determined to bring him home.
The training grounds were a stark contrast to the dark corridors and heavy stone architecture of the castle.
Wide open spaces with sandy terrain, surrounded by crumbling walls, allowed for various combat exercises and drills.
As I entered, I saw other trainees, mostly humanoids but with distinct features that set them apart from what I was used to back in my world.
Some had elongated ears, others had scales on their skin, and a few had wings.
I was led to a section where several trainees were practicing swordsmanship.
A tall instructor with a commanding presence approached me.
His skin was pale, almost white, and he had long red hair tied back into a ponytail.
His eyes were dark and intense, and the scar running across his face suggested he'd seen plenty of combat.
"Ryazania, right?" he said, his voice deep and gravelly.
How did he know my name?, I was startled yet I nodded, trying to appear confident despite the lingering soreness from the earlier encounter with the shadowy figure.
"You'll start with the basics, swordsmanship here isn't like anything you're used to, forget what you know," he said, handing me a wooden training sword.
"We'll start with footwork and basic strikes. Watch closely."
He demonstrated a series of fluid movements, emphasizing the importance of balance and precision.
The way he moved was both graceful and powerful, his strikes swift and accurate.
I could tell he wasn't just teaching us to fight; he was teaching us to survive.
I tried to mimic his movements, but it was clear I had a lot to learn.
My strikes were awkward, my footwork unsteady.
The instructor corrected me with a firm hand, adjusting my stance and showing me how to hold the sword properly.
"Focus on your center of gravity, keep your feet shoulder-width apart. Grip the sword with intent, not desperation," he instructed.
"Remember, it's not just about strength, timing and accuracy are just as important."
As the training continued, I slowly began to grasp the fundamentals.
The other trainees around me were skilled, some more so than others but all of them had a sharpness in their eyes that spoke of determination and resilience.
They were here for a reason, just like me.
During a break, I took a moment to observe my surroundings.
The instructor was talking with a group of senior trainees, and I could overhear snippets of their conversation.
They spoke of the upcoming trials, battles, and a hierarchy within the castle.
It was clear that to move up, you had to prove yourself in combat.
I knew I had a long way to go, but the more I trained, the more I understood the stakes.
This wasn't just about learning to fight.
It was about gaining the skills and knowledge to navigate this new world.
If I wanted to find my cousin and get back home, I had to master the art of swordsmanship.
The training grounds buzzed with activity as the instructor called out pairs for sparring practice.
He mentioned my name, I stepped forward, gripping the wooden training sword tightly.
My opponent stepped forward and shouted " MY NAME IS AVAR THE UNFORTUNATE, IVORIAN I WILL HAVE YOUR HEAD!!, HAHAHAH"
My opponent was a demon named Avar, towering over me by a good foot and a half.
His skin was a dark shade of red, his horns curved back like a ram's, and his muscles rippled with every movement, his eyes glowed faintly, exuding an unsettling energy.
The instructor raised his hand, signaling the start of the match.
Avar wasted no time, lunging at me with a speed that belied his size.
I barely had time to react as he swung his sword in a wide arc, forcing me to step back quickly to avoid the strike.
"Keep your distance!" the instructor shouted from the sidelines, "Use your speed!"
Avar grinned, his fanged teeth gleaming, "You're going to have to do better than that, Ivorian!" he taunted, moving in again with a flurry of strikes.
I tried to block but the force of his attacks sent shockwaves through my arms.
He was incredibly strong, each swing pushing me back further, I had to find a way to counter his brute force.
The next time he lunged, I ducked under his sword and rolled to the side, trying to create some distance. The other trainees watching the match cheered, but Avar wasn't fazed.
He spun around, his wooden sword carving through the air with deadly precision.
"Good! Keep moving!" the instructor encouraged, his voice booming across the training grounds.
I took a deep breath and steadied myself.
This wasn't just about brute force, it was about timing and precision.
I had to wait for an opening. Avar charged at me again, his sword coming down in a powerful overhead strike.
I sidestepped, letting his blade hit the ground with a loud thud.
Before he could recover, I swung my training sword at his exposed side, aiming for his ribs.
The impact made a solid thud, and Avar stumbled, letting out a grunt of surprise.
But he quickly recovered, turning to face me with a furious glare.
"Not bad," he said, his voice low and menacing. "But now I'm angry."
He charged at me again, this time with even more aggression.
I dodged and weaved, my movements becoming more fluid as I adjusted to his rhythm.
Each time he swung, I countered with a quick strike, aiming for his wrists and elbows to throw him off balance.
The instructor shouted words of encouragement, urging me to stay focused.
I could feel the sweat on my brow, my muscles tensing with each movement.
This wasn't just trainin, it was a test of endurance and wits.
Finally, I saw my opening. Avar swung his sword with a powerful horizontal strike, but I ducked under it and spun around, delivering a sharp blow to the back of his knee.
He stumbled and dropped to one knee, his face a mix of surprise and anger.
The instructor raised his hand, signaling the end of the match.
"That's enough! Well done!" he shouted, clapping his hands.
I stood there, catching my breath, my heart racing.
Avar slowly got to his feet, his eyes locked on mine instead of anger, I saw a glimmer of respect.
"Not bad, Ivorian," he said, his tone grudgingly admiring, "don't think this is over."
I nodded, still confused as why he thought I was an Ivorian.
As I stood in the training grounds, my chest heaving from the intense sparring match with Avar, a strange sensation crept over me.
It wasn't just the adrenaline of the fight; it was something deeper, almost alien.
During the fight, I had felt my body moving with a fluidity that I hadn't experienced before.
I had dodged and countered Avar's attacks as if I had been practicing for years.
But I hadn't....
These weren't my moves.
I glanced at my hands, wondering what had come over me, It felt as if I had been on autopilot, my body reacting to the battle with a speed and precision I couldn't explain.
My mind was racing with questions, and I was still trying to catch my breath when an instructor, a gruff demon with an eye patch and a long scar running across his cheek, approached me.
"Good work out there," he said, clapping me on the back. "You have potential."
"Thanks," I replied, trying to sound confident.
my voice wavered slightly, betraying my unease.
As the other trainees continued their sparring sessions, I walked to the edge of the training grounds to catch my breath and clear my head.
The training sword felt heavy in my hand, even though it was just a wooden replica.
I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
The way I had moved, the way I had anticipated Avar's attacks...it was like someone else had taken control of my body, guiding me through the fight.
My thoughts during the match had been sharper, more strategic, almost as if my instincts had been heightened.
Was it the result of the sigil? Or something else entirely?
I found a quiet spot near the edge of the training grounds, where the towering stone walls provided some shelter from the wind.
I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes, trying to calm my racing heart.
The images from the fight kept flashing through my mind, each one more vivid than the last.
Why had my body moved with such precision? Why had I reacted without thinking?
These questions swirled in my mind, leaving me with an uneasy feeling.
As I stood there, lost in thought, I heard footsteps approaching.
I opened my eyes and saw the instructor with an eye patch walking toward me, his expression serious.
"Something bothering you?" he asked, his voice low and gruff.
I hesitated, not sure if I should share my concerns, but then I decided to take a chance. "Yeah, it's just... during the fight, I felt like my body was moving on its own, It was like I wasn't in control."
The instructor nodded slowly, as if he understood what I was talking about. "That's not uncommon," he said. "Sometimes, fear can heighten your instincts, make you react without thinking, It's a survival mechanism, a way to keep you alive in battle."
"But it felt... unnatural," I replied, my voice tinged with uncertainty. "Like someone else was controlling me."
The instructor's expression darkened slightly, but he didn't say anything.
Instead, he placed a hand on my shoulder and squeezed gently.
"You'll get used to it," he said. "Just remember, you're here to train and learn, If you have questions, ask them. Don't keep them bottled up."
I nodded, but the unease didn't fade, I knew I needed to find out more about the sigil and its effects.
__
The cloaked figure glanced at the parchment, its dark fabric obscuring most of its features.
The dim light in the chamber cast shadows across the walls, adding to the sense of mystery that enveloped the figure.
"She defeated Avar?" The cloaked figure's voice was both incredulous and curious.
Avar was known for his brutality and skill in battle, a beast of a warrior who had claimed countless lives. The notion that this otherworlder could stand against him seemed improbable.
"Yes, master," Ignias replied telepathically, his tone respectful yet cautious.
"The fight was... impressive, she moved like a trained fighter, quick, precise, with a keen sense of combat."
The cloaked figure nodded, the subtle movement hidden beneath the layers of cloth.
"Interesting," he mused. " do we know where she acquired such skills? Is she a warrior from her world, or perhaps a student of combat?"
Ignias shrugged, his dark red hair glistening under the chamber's dim light. "We don't know for sure. She claims to be a student, her background is unknown to us, what is clear, however, is that she has potential."
The cloaked figure considered this for a moment, the parchment crumpling slightly in his grip. "Potential is not enough," he said.
"We need loyalty, dedication, and absolute obedience, If she is as skilled as you say, then she must be trained and molded into a loyal servant of our cause."
Ignias nodded in agreement. "Yes, master, I will ensure that she is trained properly., she will learn our ways, our techniques, and she will be shaped into a weapon that serves us faithfully."
"Good," the cloaked figure replied. "Make sure she understands the consequences of disobedience, If she shows any signs of rebellion, any inclination to defy us, you know what to do."
"Understood," Ignias said. "I will not let you down, master."
The cloaked figure waved his hand dismissively. "Go, then. Begin her training at once, we do not have the luxury of time"
Ignias bowed his head and departed, his footsteps echoing down the stone corridor.
He knew what was expected of him, and he was determined to shape this new recruit into a loyal and formidable warrior.
The trials ahead would test her strength, resolve, and loyalty, and Ignias would ensure she passed them all.
Thank you for reading!!