Eclipse of the Azure Flame

Chapter 6: Shadows in the Night

The Calm Before the Storm

The battlefield was silent.

The embers of battle still glowed around them, but the fighting was over.

Riven stood beside his wounded brother, supporting Lorien's weight. His hands trembled, still feeling the warmth of his own Azure Storm Flames crackling in his veins.

Rael lay unconscious in the distance, his body broken but still breathing.

"We need to move," Riven said, his voice strained. "We're not safe here."

Lorien chuckled weakly. "You're finally thinking ahead… Good."

But before they could take a step—

A chill ran down Riven's spine.

A presence lurked nearby.

Something… unnatural.

He turned—just in time.

SHING!

A dagger sliced through the air, heading straight for his throat.

CLANG!

Lorien's gauntlet deflected the blade in the last second.

Riven stumbled back, his heart pounding.

A figure emerged from the shadows.

A masked assassin, draped in black and crimson, their silver eyes glowing like a predator in the night.

"Tsk… You noticed me faster than expected." The assassin's voice was cold and smooth, like a whisper of death.

Lorien's eyes narrowed. "You again..."

Riven turned to him, confused. "You know this guy?"

Lorien's jaw tightened. "More than I'd like."

The assassin tilted their head. "No time for a reunion. I have orders."

They vanished—

And reappeared right behind Riven.

"Die."

---

Power Explanation: Phantom Step

A high-speed assassination technique that lets the user phase between shadows, making them nearly undetectable.

Only those with advanced battle instincts can react in time.

---

A Battle in the Dark

Riven barely moved in time.

The assassin's dagger grazed his cheek, leaving a thin cut.

Lorien lunged, punching with his gauntlet—

The assassin dodged effortlessly, twisting like smoke in the wind.

"Too slow."

A sharp kick slammed into Lorien's ribs.

He grunted, stumbling back.

"Dammit," Riven cursed. "He's fast—"

"Fast is an understatement." Lorien wiped blood from his mouth. "This guy's on a whole different level."

The assassin smirked beneath their mask.

"You're both still weak. And weaklings don't deserve to live."

They rushed forward, their daggers flashing—

But this time—

Riven's body reacted on its own.

His Azure Storm Flames roared to life.

He felt something click inside him.

A new technique—

"Thunder Veil."

Lightning erupted from his body, forming a protective storm around him.

The assassin's daggers clashed against the storm—

And bounced off harmlessly.

---

Power Explanation: Thunder Veil

A defensive technique that coats the user in a barrier of electrified flame, repelling incoming attacks.

Only lasts for a few seconds but can turn the tide of battle.

---

The Assassin Retreats

The assassin clicked their tongue. "Tch. So the rumors were true."

They jumped back, landing on the ruins of a broken pillar.

"Seems I'll need to report this."

Riven's eyes narrowed. "Report to who?"

The assassin gave a mocking bow. "You'll find out soon enough."

Then—

They vanished into the darkness.

Leaving only silence behind.

---

Secrets Revealed

Riven turned to Lorien. "Who the hell was that?"

Lorien hesitated.

"An old enemy."

"And an even bigger problem."

Riven clenched his fists. "They were after me, weren't they?"

Lorien nodded. "Yeah. And that means someone out there thinks you're a threat."

He looked at Riven's burning silver-blue flames, his expression unreadable.

"And honestly?"

"They might be right."

Riven exhaled, his flames flickering out.

Whatever was coming…

He knew one thing.

He had to get stronger.

No matter what it took.

---

End of Chapter 6