Chapter 10: Infiltration of Darkness
The Cult of Diablos had grown bold. Their operations were no longer secret; their headquarters, hidden in a volcanic crater surrounded by dark forests, had become a fortress of magic, traps, and monstrous guardians.
Cid stood atop a cliff, observing the complex below. His cloak fluttered in the wind, his expression calm.
> "Time to see how well Shadowbane Order and I fare… against true evil," he whispered.
Cid's New Abilities
Over the past few months, in secret, Cid had unlocked powers far beyond any mortal:
1. Shadow Merge Cid can merge completely with shadows, becoming intangible and undetectable by sight, sound, or magic.
2. Atomic Slash His signature sword technique, capable of cutting through any magical barrier, physical armor, or energy construct.
3. Reality Distortion Within a limited area, Cid can alter the flow of cause-and-effect, making attacks miss, time feel slower, or enemies' magic backfire.
4. Mana Absorption He can absorb magical energy from spells, enemies, or artifacts, converting it into his own power almost instantly.
5. Enhanced Reflexes Beyond normal human limits, his speed allows him to dodge bullets, spells, and sword strikes simultaneously.
6. Multi-Layered Illusions He can create multiple overlapping illusions, confusing hundreds of enemies at once while moving undetected.
7. Strategic Foresight A passive ability allowing him to predict enemy movements and reactions with near-perfect accuracy.
8. Soulbind Blade His sword can lock onto a single target's soul, ignoring distance, defenses, and magic shields.
9. Dark Resurrection He can temporarily "resurrect" fallen enemies or allies as shadow constructs under his control, though this drains energy.
With these abilities combined, Cid wasn't just strong he was untouchable.
Infiltrating the Fortress
Cid moved silently through the shadowed perimeter. The Shadowbane Order followed, executing their usual flawless coordination:
Kael eliminated sentries silently.
Raven sabotaged magical barriers.
Selene created illusions to mislead patrolling cultists.
Liora, Garrik, Nyssa, Eryndor, Kiera, Darian, and Velora each took positions to neutralize threats quickly.
Cid stepped forward, merging with shadows, becoming invisible to the world. He slipped past magical traps, dissolving curses with his Mana Absorption, until he reached the inner sanctum.
Inside, the two high-ranking cult generals were waiting remnants of the forces he had previously defeated now enhanced with demonic power.
> "So, Atomic Sword," one hissed.
"You think a single human can stop us?"
Cid's eyes glowed faintly.
> "I don't think. I am."
Atomic Sword Unleashed
The generals attacked simultaneously. Dark fire, cursed energy, and shadow beasts tore through the room. But Cid moved with impossible speed:
1. He dodged a cursed fireball, absorbing its mana into his sword.
2. He teleported through shadows behind the first general, cutting through his demonic enhancements with Atomic Slash.
3. The second general attempted a soul-draining spell. Cid activated Reality Distortion, making the attack backfire and immobilizing the enemy mid-air.
4. He unleashed Soulbind Blade, striking both generals through the magical wards they believed protected them.
Within moments, the generals were reduced to nothing but blackened ash.
Cid turned, facing the remaining high priests and cultists.
> "Do any of you want to try next?" he said softly.
"I am Atomic Sword. And I decide who lives in the shadows."
The Aftermath
The Shadowbane Order quickly cleaned the remaining threats, while Cid, as always, remained calm and unnoticed.
> "The cult thinks they have power," he said, watching the survivors flee.
"But power without precision is meaningless. And I… am precision."
Even Iris Noctra, who had followed quietly to observe him, hid behind a pillar, eyes wide.
> "He isn't just strong," she whispered.
"He's… a god in human form."
Cid smiled faintly, knowing the next moves in this game would be even more dangerous.
> "Let them believe the shadows are myths," he whispered.
"Because in reality… the shadows are me."