The Survivor’s Warning The man’s words hung in the stale air of the barracks, heavier than the blood still dripping from their weapons. "They have a master… He’s still here." No one spoke. Ethan’s heart pounded in his chest, his grip tightening on the hilts of his daggers. His body was still running hot from the fight, adrenaline thrumming in his veins— But this? This was something else. Gareth was the first to break the silence. “What do you mean, ‘a master’?” The survivor’s hands trembled. “I-I don’t know,” he stammered. “But I saw him. It… it wasn't like them.” His breath hitched. “It looked human.” A deep, uneasy silence followed. Kara scoffed, but it was forced. “That’s ridiculous,” she muttered. “You’re saying one of these things is… what? A person?” The man swallowed. “Not a person. But it used to be.” Ethan’s blood turned cold. Leah stepped forward, kneeling beside the man. “Where did you see it?” The survivor raised a shaky hand, pointing toward the ruined building at the far end of the outpost. Ethan followed his gaze. The structure was half-collapsed, its stone walls cracked with age. It had been a watchtower once. Now? It was nothing but a grave of forgotten things. And yet— Ethan felt something. A quiet, pulsing wrongness emanating from within the ruins. Like something was waiting. Watching. Gareth exhaled sharply, rising to his feet. “We need to check it out.” Leah’s expression darkened. “Are you sure?” Gareth nodded. “We don’t leave unknown threats behind.” Ethan tightened his grip on his daggers. “We end this now.”

  Approaching the Watchtower The air grew thick as they made their way toward the ruins. The outpost had been silent before, but now? Now it felt like the entire world was holding its breath. Every step was measured. Careful. Ethan’s senses were sharp, his Perception on high alert. Kara walked beside him, her sword drawn, her usual smirk gone. Leah whispered a soft incantation, weaving mana into a barrier spell, ready to defend if needed. And Gareth? He led them forward, his spear gripped tightly, his eyes focused. Unwavering. The ruined tower loomed before them, its stone walls cracked and covered in creeping vines. Ethan felt it now. A pulse of darkness. Like a faint heartbeat, thrumming in the air. Something was inside. Something was awake.

  A Voice in the Dark They stepped past the crumbling threshold, weapons drawn. Inside, the air was colder. Dust swirled in the dim light, the broken ceiling casting long, jagged shadows across the ruined floor. Ethan felt it immediately. The presence. The feeling of something watching. And then— A voice. Low. Smooth. Mocking. "You’re late." Ethan’s stomach dropped. The others tensed. Kara spun, her sword raised. Leah whispered, “Who—?” Then, from the far end of the room, a figure stepped forward.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  The Master Revealed At first glance, he looked human. But Ethan knew better. He was tall and slender, draped in a long, tattered black coat. His skin was ashen gray, as if drained of life. And his eyes— They weren’t red. They were void-black, swirling with shifting darkness. Ethan felt his chest tighten. The Shadow-Touched had red eyes. But this thing? This was something worse. Gareth’s voice was low. “…Who are you?” The figure tilted his head, a faint smile curling his lips. “No one important,” he murmured. His voice was calm, unnervingly smooth—like a blade being sharpened against stone. “Just a remnant. A whisper. A shadow of what came before.” His gaze swept over them, lingering on Ethan. “Though, I must say… I’m surprised.” Ethan’s fingers curled tighter around his daggers. “Surprised about what?” The man—the Master, as the survivor had called him—smiled. “That you’re still alive.”

  An Impossible Fight The moment the words left his lips— He moved. Fast. Too fast. One second he was standing still— The next, he was right in front of Ethan. Ethan barely had time to react. [Shadow Step – Activated.] He blinked backward, dodging by inches— But the Master’s hand brushed his chest as he moved. And suddenly— Ethan felt like he’d been hit by lightning. Pain exploded through his body, shadows curling along his limbs like smoke made of ice. He gasped, dropping to a knee. Gareth lunged. His spear pierced straight through the Master’s chest. For a second— It looked like a clean hit. But then— The Master’s body rippled. Like a reflection in disturbed water. Gareth’s spear passed through him. Through nothing. The Master laughed softly. “Predictable.” Then—he struck back. A wave of black force erupted from his hand, slamming into Gareth’s chest. Gareth was flung backward, crashing through a crumbling wooden beam. Kara moved next, her blade flashing. [Blade Arc – Activated.] A crescent of pure mana shot toward the Master. It hit. But he didn’t react. Kara’s eyes widened. “…What the fuck?” The Master stepped forward, unaffected. Leah threw up her hands. [Barrier Ward – Activated.] A shimmering shield formed around the group. The Master paused. Then— He smiled. “Interesting.” The air grew heavier. Ethan forced himself to his feet, his body aching. This wasn’t a fight. This was a massacre waiting to happen. They had to get out. Now.

  The Escape Gareth coughed, pushing himself up. His voice was firm. “We’re leaving. Now.” Leah was already pulling mana, reinforcing the barrier. Kara gritted her teeth. “And how exactly—” Ethan didn’t wait. [Dark Grasp – Activated.] Shadows erupted from the ground, wrapping around the ruined ceiling— And then— He pulled. The entire roof caved in. Dust and rubble filled the air, cutting off their view of the Master. Ethan didn’t hesitate. “MOVE!” They ran. Through the ruined entrance. Past the bodies. Out into the dying light. And behind them— Somewhere in the shadows— Laughter echoed. Low. Amused. And very, very patient.