The dawn broke pale over the shattered remnants of the sanctum, casting long shadows across the ruins where Elias had fallen. But Kaien stood tall, a silhouette of darkness and resolve against the rising light.
The weight of the Abyss rested heavy in his chest—not just power, but a burden of truth and vengeance.
He had been a shadow at Elias's side for so long. Now, the world demanded he become the blade that cut through the lies.
Iria approached, her fire flickering gently in the cool morning air. "Kaien… the others are waiting. We need to move."
He nodded, eyes scanning the horizon. The Ardent Veil's reach was far from broken; if anything, their grip tightened with Elias gone.
Solryn appeared next, frost clinging to his hair. "There's talk of a new Veil commander—someone even more ruthless."
Kaien clenched his fists. "Then we'll meet them head-on. No more shadows. It's time for the truth to burn."
Behind him, the ruins whispered with echoes—fragments of a past not yet laid to rest.
Kaien took a deep breath and stepped forward, sword sheathed but ready.
The age of the Truthbreakers had truly begun.