The landscape stretched endlessly beneath them, a tapestry of mana-laced rivers, jagged mountains, and forests shimmering with latent energy. Nathan moved with precision, shadows coiling and extending like living tendrils to probe for threats and unstable terrain. Selena remained close, her hands brushing against his arm for reassurance, her eyes wide with both awe and tension.
"This place… it's unlike anything I've seen," she murmured, scanning the horizon where the distant glimmer of a city caught her attention. "Are we safe here?"
Nathan's eyes narrowed. "Safe is relative. Lucan is out there, and the Abyss won't wait. Every portal we've encountered indicates the world is on the brink. We need allies—strong ones."
They descended to a plateau overlooking a sprawling valley dotted with fortified settlements. The air vibrated with residual energy from scattered portals, making shadows twitch unnaturally. Nathan's connection to the Core flared subtly, alerting him to latent danger.
"There," he said, pointing toward a citadel-like structure carved into a mountain. "That's the Alkham Guild's frontier. If anyone can help us, it's them. They're third in global ranking, but their resources and knowledge of portal containment are invaluable."
Selena frowned. "And Zealand? What about them?"
Nathan shook his head. "Gone. The guild's leadership was shattered. Lucan ensured that. We can't rely on them anymore."
The Alkham Guild's fortress was imposing, its walls infused with wards of glowing mana. Nathan approached cautiously, shadows forming barriers and pathways to ensure they weren't spotted by external patrols. Selena's hand squeezed his arm. "Do they even know we're coming?"
"They'll know soon enough," Nathan said. "And I intend to make an impression."
At the main gate, they were stopped by two S-rank guards, their armor glinting under the mana-lit sky. The taller of the two stepped forward. "State your purpose," he demanded, voice authoritative.
Nathan straightened, his shadow lattice rippling around him. "I am Nathan. This is Selena. We've come to warn you—Rifts are spreading, and Lucan is consolidating power. Your world is at stake."
The guards exchanged glances. One whispered, "The Shadow Core… he's bonded with it."
The other frowned. "Then he's either our greatest hope or our deadliest threat."
Before Nathan could respond, the gate opened abruptly. A woman stepped forward, her presence commanding attention. She was tall, regal, her dark hair flowing, eyes sharp with intelligence. Selena gasped softly. "It's the guild leader…"
Nathan's shadow pulse subtly flared. "You must be Selena," the woman said, voice calm but cutting. "And you are Nathan… the Core-bonded Hunter who survived Zealand."
Nathan inclined his head. "Yes. We need your help. Lucan is building an army, and these Rifts will consume every city if we don't act now."
The guild leader's gaze swept over the valley, her expression unreadable. Selena's voice trembled. "We barely escaped. Lucan—he's not just a threat to Zealand. He's already planning for the world."
The guild leader considered this in silence, hands folded. Finally, she nodded. "We cannot ignore this. The Chevaliers Guild must be alerted, and alliances formed. But understand this: not all will agree to fight alongside you. Many will see your bond with the Core as a liability."
Nathan's shadow tendrils tightened instinctively. "Then I'll prove it. I'll show them the Abyss can be controlled—and that we can fight together."
The guild leader's gaze softened slightly. "We will train with you, test your abilities, and prepare. But time is against us. Lucan is already moving. His influence spreads with every heartbeat."
For days, Nathan and Selena trained with the Alkham Guild. Shadow-infused arenas allowed Nathan to push the Core's limits while Selena honed her mana manipulation, learning to interface with Nathan's shadow lattice for coordinated attacks. Their synergy grew, each movement synchronized with unspoken understanding.
During a break in the training, Selena asked quietly, "Nathan… do you think we can stop him?"
Nathan's eyes scanned the horizon, where faint distortions indicated portal activity. "We have to. The world depends on it. Lucan's ambition isn't just Zealand… it's everything. If he succeeds, there won't be cities left—only Rifts consuming humanity."
The guild leader approached, a folder of tactical reports in her hands. "Nathan, Selena… the Chevaliers Guild has been slow to respond. Politics and pride are slowing their actions. We can't wait for consensus. You may need to act independently."
Nathan's jaw tightened. "Then we will. We have to. Every second counts."
At night, Nathan stood atop the fortress walls, shadows stretching across the valley like a living cloak. Selena joined him quietly. "Do you ever regret it?" she asked.
Nathan shook his head. "No. Everything I've become… it's for this moment. For survival, for the people who can't fight back. Even for you."
Selena leaned closer. "And Lucan?"
Nathan's eyes darkened, reflecting the distant glow of multiple portal flares. "He's already consolidating power, gathering corrupted fragments, recruiting loyalists. Every city he touches will fall like Zealand. And when he comes for us… it will be more than a battle. It will be war."
Shadows rippled along Nathan's arms, responding to his pulse, alive and restless. He could feel the Abyssal Core whispering, feeding, and growing.
Selena placed her hand on his chest. "Then we face it together?"
Nathan nodded. "Together. No matter what comes."
In the distance, faint purple flares blinked across multiple cities—portals opening unpredictably, heralding the next phase of a worldwide calamity. Nathan's shadow pulse extended across the valley, a protective net and a warning. The war had begun, and alliances would determine humanity's survival.