Shadow Slave

The Lord of Shadows did not seem in the mood to talk after the conclusion of the duel. Maybe he was dissatisfied with its result, or maybe he had simply strained himself too much in order to withstand the torrent of steel unleashed by Nephis, and needed rest. With how mysterious the reclusive Saint was, it was impossible to tell what was on his mind.

In any case, shortly after he had disappeared into the darkness, the beautiful onyx devil moved once again, inviting them to leave and make a camp outside the temple.

The territory around the ancient Citadel seemed safe enough, with all the Nightmare Creatures having been eradicated by Shadow and his servants. So, the Fire Keepers did not mind resting outside... there was no trust between them and the master of the temple yet, anyway. They would have felt uncomfortable resting under his roof, surrounded by powerful creatures.

A Transcendent Devil, a Transcendent Terror, a Supreme Devil... and gods knew who else. That power was enough to give a stronger force pause.

So, they made camp a dozen or so meters away from the great dark edifice of the Citadel, among the bones of slain Nightmare Creatures.

The lanterns chased away the darkness, and a fire had been ignited in the middle of the camp. Various storage Memories were summoned, containing food and beverages. They even raised several tents, hoping to enjoy a bit of peaceful sleep.

After experiencing two weeks of pure hell, the Fire Keepers could finally rest and relax a little. Of course, they did not lower their guard completely, still wearing their armor and keeping watch in shifts.

Nephis sat in front of the fire, watching it dance with a thoughtful expression.

The Lord of Shadows...

There were too many mysteries about him.

That mask, for example...

By now, Nephis remembered where she had seen it. Ananke had worn a mask almost identical to the one worn by Shadow. It was a symbol of the priests of the Nightmare Spell.

So... was Shadow one such priest, as well, or at least considered himself to be one? Or had he simply slain a follower of Weaver in one of his Nightmares and received the mask as a reward?

depiction of Weaver's Mask long before meeting Ananke. It was drawn on the wall of

strongholds... almost as if looking at them from afar. But it did not mean that Weaver's stronghold was hidden somewhere on the Forgotten Shore, or even further north. It simply

drawn it

the Lord of Shadows connected to the priesthood of the

of Shadow God

'Curious.'

was also curious. So was the lineage of Shadow God that the

most curious

Was his swordsmanship.

the fire,

Nightmare Creatures and Transcendent warriors with potent Aspects, sure... but that was

the only person Nephis could truly

par with the Princess of Valor.

refined and domineering style that the Knights of Valor practiced. Mastering it

mastered. He was a true

to duel him again, this time using the full might of their Aspects. What abilities would he show her? How ingenious was his

doubt that he

Which was... impressive.

by their clans, as well as the Great Clans they owed allegiance to. ?ìg??օ???wo???~?օ?. Most had inherited

a Domain, Which meant that

And then...

he had shown, obviously as a message to

Her father's style.

the fire. Feeling the shift