Shadow Slave

As the ground trembled, the lively atmosphere in the camp instantly turned cold and professional. The Fire Keepers, who had been enjoying a late supper just moments ago, instantly rose to their feet and picked up their weapons. A moment later, they were standing in a defensive formation, ready to repel any kind of attack.

Nephis had stood up, as well. The white flames burning in her eyes grew more intense, and the fire behind her grew taller, chasing the darkness further away.

"What is it?'

Was there a Nightmare Creature approaching them from afar, or had the master of the ancient temple decided to betray them?

She was going to find out soon.

As they stood motionlessly, preparing for battle, the ground shuddered again. A cold wind rose, bringing with it a strong smell of rotting leaves and humid jungle. A tense silence settled over the world.

A moment later, Nephis felt a new presence beside her, Turning her head slightly, she saw the Lord of Shadows standing at the edge of the camp, peering into the darkness calmly. He had appeared out of nowhere without making any noise, as if the shadows themselves had risen up to spawn him.

He seemed to have discarded his mask, but since Nephis was behind him, she couldn't see his face.

The Fire Keepers flinched, startled by his sudden appearance. Each was an experienced Master, and many carried Memories that enhanced their senses. It wasn't easy to sneak up on them...

And yet, the Lord of Shadow had done it effortlessly.

Nephis frowned, realizing just how vulnerable her subordinates were in front of him.

"What is happening?"

Her voice remained calm, addressing the mysterious Saint with sufficient decorum.

He remained silent for a few moments, then sighed.

"It's nothing much. One of the Great sleepers has awoken, that's all. "

lingered for a

them asleep to avoid trouble, but the most feisty ones

Great Nightmare Creature? Keep them

Nephis frowned slightly.

fight

her, the master of the ancient temple shook his

need. It's merely a

that, he took a

vast mantle. The figure of Lord Shadow dissolved into it, becoming

then, the void exploded

built of shadows slowly

was formed first, followed by two immense arms. At first, the giant seemed to be kneeling, but then he slowly rose to his feet, coming to stand as tall as the

armor. His head was too far away now, the light of the enchanted lanterns unable to dispel the veil of darkness

the giant took a step,

‘...A Transformation Ability?'

when she assumed

that was not the end

from behind them, and a dreadful hiss. Turning around, the Fire Keepers saw the head of an enormous serpent appearing from the entrance of the temple. 𝐥ìg𝚝𝔫օ𝑣𝓮𝓵w𝓸𝓻𝐥𝓭~𝙘օ𝕞. The

of darkness, seemingly endless. It must have been colled around the entire great hall of the ancient temple, surrounding them

Nephis watched carefully.

"The Terror?"

frozen Fire Keepers and approaching the giant made of shadows. Its neck rose high into the air, and it

the shoulder of the giant, and then slithered along his

Then, it... changed.

tip of a gargantuan sword suddenly appeared. Slowly, but also too fast to notice, the body

standing on the bone plain, his body encased in a suit of fearsome onyx armor, wielding a

descended to the mortal realm from the heavens... or maybe crawled out of the lightless depths of the