The icy wind whipped through the ruins of the forgotten enclave as the group emerged from within. Thalos's words continued to echo in everyone's minds: The Key is not an object, but a person. The urgency was palpable. If Viktor already knew this truth, every second lost was a step closer to his victory.
"We can't stay here," Akihiko said determinedly. "If Viktor is also looking for The Key, we must find it before he does."
Kael consulted his handheld device. "According to records, there's an ancient refuge in southern Gaelius where the Order may have hidden descendants of the first Guardians. There's no guarantee The Key is there, but it's our best lead."
"Then let's not waste any time," Helena added, adjusting the straps on her weapons. "Every second counts."
The group moved quickly through the mountain passages, but they weren't alone. From the shadows, a hooded figure watched their every move before vanishing into the night.
Stalked in the Mist
The journey to the shelter took them through a vast forest covered in an unnatural fog. As they progressed, a feeling of unease began to grow in the group. Aria was the first to stop.
"Something's following us," he whispered. "I don't see it, but I feel it."
Akihiko placed his hand on the hilt of his katana. "They've been watching us since we left the enclave. Prepare yourselves."
A rustling in the undergrowth alerted them. From the shadows emerged figures dressed in dark robes, their faces hidden by ritual masks. They weren't mere henchmen; their movements were calculated, organized.
"The Order of the Eternal Night," Thalos muttered, frowning. "They found us."
One of the hooded figures stepped forward. "We know what you seek. You will not interfere with our master's plans. Hand over the manuscript and we will allow you to live."
Helena let out a sarcastic laugh. "I'd rather bet against fate."
Without warning, the battle began.
Combat in the Fog
Akihiko drew his katana in an instant, blocking the attack of one of the Order's warriors. His opponent was swift, moving with almost inhuman agility. Each clash of steel echoed in the mist, amplifying the tension.
Isabella summoned her soul echoes, unleashing waves of energy that staggered the nearest enemies. "These are no ordinary soldiers," she said, stepping back to avoid an attack. "Their aura is different."
Kael activated a series of combat drones that fired electric shocks at the hooded figures. "Then let's finish them quickly before we find out how much more they can do."
Aria raised a barrier to protect herself and Thalos, who was still clutching the manuscript. "We can't let them take it from us. It's our only lead."
One of the hooded figures leaped at them with a knife wrapped in a dark glow, but before he could strike, Helena swung her arm and the metal armor on her gauntlet transformed into a spear, piercing the enemy's chest.
The battle continued ferociously. However, amidst the chaos, a new enemy emerged.
The Whisper of Oblivion
A chilly air enveloped the battlefield. The Order fighters paused for a moment and stepped back, as if the presence that had just arrived made them hesitate. From the mist, a tall, slender figure emerged, its presence suffocating.
Dressed in a black cloak adorned with ancient runes, his face was hidden by an expressionless mask. His voice was a distorted whisper that seemed to echo through everyone's thoughts.
"They interfere in matters they don't understand."
Akihiko felt a pressure on his mind, as if thousands of voices were trying to break him from within. He staggered, but gritted his teeth and forced himself to stand firm.
Isabella gasped, feeling her own power resonate with the stranger's energy. "Who the hell is this...?"
Thalos seemed to recognize him. "That's Azrael... The Voice of Oblivion. One of the Order's top enforcers. If he's here, it means Viktor already knows about The Key."
Azrael raised his hand, and the fog thickened, engulfing the battlefield. His power began to manifest: memories blurring, identities fading. Akihiko felt for a moment like he didn't remember why he was there, who his allies were, or even his own name.
"No... I won't fall for this..." he told himself, holding onto reality.
Isabella also fought against Azrael's influence, channeling soul echoes to resist. "You cannot erase what we are. You cannot silence our wills."
Kael, using his technology, created a pulse of disruptive energy that dissipated part of the fog. "Don't let it engulf you in its power. Keep your mind focused."
Helena gripped her weapons. "If this guy is a high-flying enforcer, I doubt we can beat him here. We must leave before it's too late."
Akihiko looked around and nodded. "Kael, create a diversion. Isabella, use your echoes to guide us out of the fog. Helena and I will lead the way."
With a sudden explosion of light and sound, the group moved. The shadows of the Order tried to stop them, but the strategy worked, and they managed to break through the encirclement.
Before they disappeared into the trees, Azrael watched silently. "They cannot escape their destiny. We will meet again."
As the group fled toward the shelter, they knew they had awakened a force far larger than they had imagined. The chase had only just begun.