The forest around Rayon had quieted, but the silence was heavy. Even the wind dared not stir too much, as if the world itself was holding its breath. Rayon's full potential state radiated through the trees, though he walked casually, hands still in pockets. Hollow strings vibrated faintly beneath his skin, humming with residual energy from devouring Orrenval. Erethon's voice echoed in his mind, a mixture of pride and amusement.
Erethon: "You know… you've changed the hierarchy. After your little stunt with Orrenval, anyone—even the strongest beings left from my era—will feel the tremor. Not many survived me, but some did… and the few that are left? They're gods in their own right. Some are still hunting, some hiding. Some are observing. Most would die instantly if you weren't… you."
Rayon smirked. "Interesting. Survived you, huh? You make it sound like a bedtime story."
Erethon: "Bedtime story? I'd call it a warning. Those who remain are not to be trifled with. Not even by me… but you? You'll probably meet them soon enough. Let's hope you survive the introduction."
Rayon laughed faintly, a low, dry sound. He glanced toward the Second Seal's crater, the black mist now settling like smoke over broken earth. His crimson eyes narrowed as he focused on what lay beneath.
The Second Seal
The seal itself was cracked and fractured, but not destroyed. The obsidian monument had been designed not merely to contain but to suppress. Its runes pulsed faintly, but now they were feeding Rayon's hollow strings—almost like they recognized his dominance.
Beneath the cracked surface, a massive cavern extended downward, black as the void. The air was heavy, tasting metallic and ancient. As Rayon descended, the shadows seemed to twist around him, whispering faintly in tongues long forgotten. At the center of the cavern, coiled atop a jagged pedestal of black stone, lay a serpentine monstrosity, its body black as ink, scales interwoven with faint veins of crimson energy. Its eyes—twin coals of molten red—opened lazily as he approached.
Erethon: "Ah… the true occupant of this seal. Name? Nocturnyx, the Veil Serpent. It existed long before me, before the civilizations you've seen. Its body carries the essence of nightmares, of chaos before order. Its strength is enough to lay waste to continents. It doesn't need to move to kill; its presence alone tears at reality."
Rayon tilted his head, casual as ever. "Looks like it's been waiting for a visitor. I hope it's ready for me."
Erethon: "Visitor? It won't call you that once you step closer. Its hunger… it will recognize you differently than the rest. And remember… its power has been suppressed by the seal for millennia. Freed now, it will awaken… partially."
Nocturnyx's massive head coiled, tongue flickering, and a low, resonant hum vibrated through the cavern. The shadows around Rayon seemed to bend and sway, responding to the serpent's latent power.
Rayon flexed his fingers, hollow strings flicking through the air, slashing and lashing without hesitation. The thrill of a fight, of absolute dominance, pulsed through him like a drug.
Erethon: "It won't be like Orrenval. This is different. It's not just reflection or mimicry. This is raw, predatory intelligence bound to destructive power. And yet… you'll manage it."
Rayon smirked again. "Of course. I always do."
As they descended deeper, Erethon summarized the state of all seals for Rayon's benefit:
Erethon: "There are thirteen in total. You've interacted with four so far. Let me break it down.
The First Seal: Still unbroken. You'll get there eventually. The Second Seal: Now open, partially awakened. We're about to see the occupant. The Third Seal: Broken, its occupant captured and bound under your control. Vorthalaxis fed, strengthened, core integrated. The Fourth Seal: Vorthalaxis himself. Spiritually evolved, now able to materialize at will. Fifth Seal: Unknown, waiting. Sixth Seal: Unknown, suppressed. Seventh Seal: Unknown, same. Eighth Seal: Unknown. Ninth Seal: Severin broke it recently—details of what's contained inside are sensitive. Tenth Seal: Severin broke this one too. Its essence is being studied. Eleventh Seal: Unknown. Twelfth Seal: Unknown. Thirteenth Seal: Unknown, but rumored to contain something from the Creator's original blueprint of the world."
Rayon absorbed this quietly, letting the information flow in. Even with full potential, strategy remained essential. "So, four interacted with, three controlled, one partially active… That leaves plenty to play with."
Erethon: "Indeed. And remember… once you awaken all of them, the world as it is will no longer exist. You will reshape it. That's why the Awakened Circle, the Forsakens, even some of the ancient beings from my era—they all watch, waiting for a slip."
Rayon's smirk widened. "A slip? They don't know me. They won't see a slip until it's too late. Let's see who shows up first."
Nocturnyx stirred fully, rising from the pedestal. Its massive body coiled, knocking stones aside that clattered like thunder. The cavern shook.
Erethon: "See that? Even partially suppressed, its strength could destroy a small nation if unchecked. And yet… it recognizes your hollow strings. There's a resonance… a connection."
Rayon flexed his hands, silver strings flaring around him, slicing the air in sharp arcs. "Then I guess I'll make it my pet."
Erethon: "Don't be arrogant, Rayon… it's not a pet. It could kill you in a heartbeat. But… your compatibility with the strings, your innate chaos… it's different with you. That's why you survive."
Rayon crouched slightly, watching the serpent move with grace despite its bulk. Every motion carried latent destruction, but also intelligence, almost curiosity.
Erethon: "This is why your Hollow Strings are dangerous—not because they destroy, but because they bind. You could tie this thing to your will. Control it. Make it obey."
Rayon's grin widened, crimson eyes reflecting the faint glow from the runes. "Good. I like a challenge with style."
Erethon: "And that's why you'll never be stopped. Even the strongest from my era, even the Forsakens, even the Awakeners… they all underestimate you. You don't fight like anyone else. You are your own category."
Rayon took a slow step forward, the cavern floor cracking beneath him. Every hair on his body seemed to stand on end.
Rayon: "Let's play, then."
Nocturnyx coiled, hissed, and the cavern seemed to collapse inward from the pressure of its awakening.
Erethon (dark chuckle): "Oh… this is going to be fun."
And as the light dimmed and the shadows stretched across the walls, the forest outside quivered. Somewhere, far away, the Awakened Circle stirred. They had felt the seal's awakening… and now knew Rayon was coming for the rest.
The game was only beginning.