Location: Near Hollow Basin – Dusk
Kairo walked with the violin strapped to his back.
It wasn't just an instrument.
It felt like a ticking memory, waiting to explode.
> "How you holding up, Meatblade?" Gix asked.
> "I feel like if I blink too hard, I'll remember another death."
> "Then don't blink."
> "Helpful, thanks."
Lyria led from the front, blades spinning between her fingers like she was itching to kill something. Ayleth followed close, ever silent, always watching. Kairo didn't know if she was protecting him or judging him.
He didn't ask.
---
The group reached a ravine split by glassy water. Silent. Empty.
Too quiet.
Ayleth stopped. Instantly. One hand to her sword.
> "We're being watched."
> "By who?" Kairo asked.
Gix groaned. "Ugh. Of course."
A whisper echoed through the wind:
> "Hello… Brother."
---
From the shadows walked Zayne Arkveil.
White cloak.
Silver-bladed katana.
Eyes that knew everything Kairo forgot.
He didn't walk like a killer.
He walked like someone waiting for permission.
---
> "Didn't think you'd remember me this soon," Zayne said.
> "I didn't," Kairo replied. "But I remember what you became."
> "And yet you're still walking toward the same path."
Zayne grinned.
> "Maybe I am too."
---
> FLASH — ECHO LINK: TIMELINE 04 – Rival's End
In this memory:
Kairo leads an army.
Zayne stands opposite him, alone.
They don't speak. They fight.
Kairo wins.
Zayne dies smiling.
And says:
"Glad it was you."
---
BACK TO PRESENT
Zayne unsheathed the Whisper Blade.
It didn't make a sound.
That's what made it deadly.
> "I'm not here to kill you," he said.
> "Then why—"
> "I'm here to test if you deserve what's coming."
And then he disappeared.
---
Fight Begins
Kairo barely blocked.
Zayne moved like silence incarnate. Every step erased footsteps. Every slash left no sound—just void.
> "Why do you fight me?" Kairo growled.
> "Because everyone else will kneel to you or run.
I'm the only one who'll break your spine with love."
---
Ayleth stepped forward to help.
Zayne vanished and appeared behind her.
> "Not today, First Blade. This is between us."
He slashed—
CLANG.
Blocked.
By Kairo.
The Mirrorblade pulsed.
Velvara's violin on his back let out a soft note… and Kairo's body moved before he could think.
A perfect parry.
A perfect counter.
> "Reflex Copy: Zayne Arkveil - 12%"
Zayne's eyes widened.
> "So… the Mirror finally reflects."
They clashed again.
And again.
Until—
THOOM.
Zayne slid back.
> "You've changed."
> "So have you."
Zayne smiled.
> "Then I look forward to the next time we kill each other."
---
He vanished.
No portal. No light.
Just gone.
---
> "Echo Combat Logged: Whisper Blade Zayne — Rival Path Unlocked."
"Ability Learned: Mirror Pulse – React to enemy instinctively once per battle."
"Sin Progression: 3/10 — Rivalry"
---
Later that night…
Kairo sat alone again.
Velvara's violin was silent now.
But one string had snapped.
And Kairo swore… he heard it whisper his name.