Chapter 6: The Seven Shadows of Shadowbane
The Arcellia Magic Academy had rules, traditions, and appearances.
Cid ignored them all.
At night, he met with the core of the Shadowbane Order seven elite warriors he had recruited in secret, each unmatched in their specialty, and all loyal to him alone.
They knelt in a circle in the abandoned ruins behind the academy, shadows twisting around them like living things.
> "Seven shadows," Cid said softly, "each one capable of bringing death to entire battalions if necessary. Yet none of you are to be seen. Not a whisper. Not a rumor."
They nodded silently. Their loyalty was absolute.
The Members of the Shadowbane Order
1. Kael "Nightfang" Thorne – Master Assassin
Kael moved like liquid shadow, blending completely into darkness. His blades could pierce magical barriers, and he could strike multiple enemies in the blink of an eye without leaving a trace.
2. Liora "Soulfire" Veylan – Mage of Infernal Flames
Liora commanded fire imbued with the energy of corrupted souls. Her flames burned both body and spirit, leaving enemies writhing in hallucinations of their own sins. Even elite wizards feared her.
3. Raven "Voidstep" Dusk Shadow Manipulator
Raven could teleport through shadows, appearing behind enemies before they even heard him. His attacks drained life force, leaving nothing but empty husks. His presence alone could sow panic in an army.
4. Selene "Moonveil" Aris Illusionist & Spy
Selene's illusions were indistinguishable from reality. Entire armies could be misled by a single gesture from her. She was also the master of infiltration no fortress, no matter how heavily guarded, could hold her.
5. Garrik "Ironclaw" Vorn Titan Warrior
Garrik was a living siege engine, able to crush stone walls and withstand torrents of magical attacks. His mere footsteps made the ground tremble. Few dared to face him head-on.
6. Nyssa "Bloodsong" Vale Witch of Life & Death
Nyssa could manipulate blood and life force. She could heal allies instantly or destroy enemies with a single cut. Her curses lingered, spreading fear and disease long after battle ended.
7. Eryndor "Stormreaver" Kaelith Master of Lightning & Tempest
Eryndor could summon storms in any environment, turning rain, wind, and lightning into devastating weapons. His strikes could pierce mountains, and even dragons avoided him.
The First Academy Threat
Two nights after assembling the Shadowbane Order, Cid received a warning the Cult of Demons had infiltrated the eastern district near the academy.
> "They plan to abduct a student tonight," reported Selene, her illusions revealing movement patterns of the enemy.
Cid nodded calmly.
> "Then we show them shadows they've never seen before."
As the cultists approached, black mists swirled. From the shadows, Kael and Raven struck, silently eliminating sentries. Liora ignited a wall of cursed flames, separating the cultists from their escape route. Garrik crushed the barricades, while Nyssa restrained their movements with blood magic. Eryndor summoned lightning to strike the leaders, and Selene created illusions, making it impossible for the cultists to know what was real.
In minutes, the entire operation was over. Not a single civilian was harmed. Not a single Shadowbane member was seen.
Cid stood atop a ruined tower, watching the aftermath.
> "Perfect," he murmured.
"The world thinks they sleep safely, but we are the shadows beneath the veil."