The wind carried the stench of blood and ash as I approached the ruined city on the horizon.
Shadows stretched before me, probing the streets, alert for movement. The system had detected multiple presences — not gods, but agents of the divine, scouting, testing my strength.
[SYSTEM ALERT: Multiple Targets — High Probability of Engagement]
[Suggested Action: Tactical Elimination]
I didn't hesitate. Shadows slithered along walls, flowing like living smoke, merging into one lethal mass. From the ruins, a group of armored scouts emerged, weapons glinting, confidence in their steps.
Before they could react, the silver-haired woman appeared beside me, unsheathing a blade that glowed faintly with a mystical aura.
— Shall we test them together? she asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
I smirked, letting a few tendrils of shadow curl around her, protective but restrained.
— Just don't get in my way.
With a swift motion, shadows erupted, striking, binding, and disarming the divine agents. Steel clashed with darkness, sparks flying. The scouts struggled against the tendrils, their attacks futile against the precision of the shadows.
[DARKNESS AUTHORITY — SYSTEM UPDATE: Tactical Efficiency +15%]
The silver-haired woman moved with lethal grace, cutting through the remaining enemies. Her eyes met mine briefly, a silent acknowledgment passing between us.
[HINT: Character Bond Strengthened — Minor Emotional Impact Detected]
Within moments, the battlefield was cleared. The city lay silent once more, the only sound my own breathing and the whisper of shadows.
[SYSTEM ALERT: New Skill Unlocked — Shadow Mimicry: replicate minor abilities of defeated targets temporarily]
I glanced at her, shadows retreating slightly to allow space.
— Not bad, she said, smirking. "You're learning fast."
I nodded slightly, already turning my focus toward the horizon. Higher-ranked gods were bound to notice soon, and the hunt would only grow more dangerous.
The predator in the shadows was awake, stronger than ever. And now, the first threads of alliances and rivalries were weaving around me, shaping the future of this hunt.