The small fishing village of Inaba was nestled against jagged cliffs, where the ocean’s waves crashed relentlessly. The scent of salt hung heavy in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of smoked fish from the market. Evening was falling, casting the horizon in shades of amber and violet, as Kaiza walked into town. His dark cloak was frayed at the edges, a testament to countless journeys, and his eyes carried the weight of centuries. He kept his hood low, avoiding the curious gazes of villagers.Kaiza had seen countless places like this over the years. Simple, quiet, and untouched by the chaos of the wider world. Yet, no matter how far he traveled, peace eluded him. The curse of immortality ensured that he was always an outsider, a shadow passing through lives that would flicker and fade while he endured.He approached the market square, where merchants were packing up their wares for the day. A young boy darted past him, clutching a loaf of bread, and an angry baker gave chase, shou

The cave was dimly lit, the flickering glow of a small fire casting long shadows across the walls. Strange symbols were etched into the stone, their meanings lost to time. Kaiza and Mina followed the hermit deeper into the cavern, their footsteps echoing faintly.The hermit gestured for them to sit near the fire. He settled onto a rough-hewn stool, his sharp eyes fixed on Kaiza. “If you’ve come seeking answers about the Abyss, you must first understand its origins,” he began.Kaiza nodded. “We’re listening.”The hermit’s voice was low and steady, carrying the weight of centuries-old knowledge. “The Abyss is not a place but a force a fragment of chaos that predates the world as we know it. Long ago, it was sealed away by ancient guardians who feared its power. But pieces of it remain, scattered across the world, each capable of corrupting or empowering those who wield them.”Mina leaned forward, her curiosity overcoming her fear. “And the shard in the temple? What does it do?”The herm

The fire crackled softly, casting flickering shadows across the clearing. Kaiza and Mina sat in silence, their faces illuminated by the warm glow. The Blade of the Abyss rested between them, its surface faintly shimmering even in the dim light. The weapon seemed to hum softly, as though it had a will of its own.“What do you think the hermit will say?”Mina asked, breaking the silence. Her voice was quiet, but the weight of her question hung in the air.Kaiza’s gaze didn’t leave the blade. “If he’s still alive, he’ll know what to do. But we need to be cautious. A weapon like this… it’s bound to attract attention.”Mina shivered, though the fire was warm. “Do you think those creatures in the sanctuary were… drawn to it?”Kaiza nodded slowly. “The guardians were there to protect it, but their corruption… it’s possible they were consumed by the blade’s influence over time. Power like this rarely comes without a price.”Mina’s eyes lingered on the weapon. “And if it changes us?”Kaiza fina

The forest was a maze of towering trees and tangled undergrowth, the faint light of dawn struggling to pierce the canopy. Kaiza led the way, his movements deliberate and cautious. Mina followed close behind, her eyes darting nervously at every rustle and shadow.“Do you think they’ll come after us?”Mina asked, her voice barely above a whisper.Kaiza’s hand rested on the hilt of his sword. “If they know what we carry, they won’t stop. The blade’s power is too great a temptation.”Mina shivered. The memory of the mermaid queen’s voice in her dream still lingered, a chilling reminder of the dangers they faced. “What if she finds us again? What if she…”“She won’t,” Kaiza interrupted, his tone firm. “Not if we stay ahead of her. The queen’s reach has limits, even if her power doesn’t.”They pressed on in silence, the forest growing denser with each step. The air was thick with the scent of moss and damp earth, and the distant call of birds added an eerie undertone to their journey. Mina t

The forest was quiet, unnaturally so, as Kaiza, Mina, and Oran continued their journey. The aftermath of the Trial of Fire lingered in their minds, a mix of triumph and unease. Kaiza led the way, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, ever vigilant. Mina followed closely, her eyes scanning the trees for any sign of danger. Oran trailed behind, his expression troubled.“How far until the next trial?”Mina asked, breaking the silence.Kaiza glanced back at her. “Not far. But the trials aren’t just physical. They test your mind and spirit as well.”Oran frowned. “What does that mean? Are we supposed to solve riddles or something?”Kaiza didn’t answer, his focus shifting to the path ahead. The forest seemed to close in around them, the trees growing denser and the shadows deeper. Mina felt a chill run down her spine.By midday, they came upon a small village nestled in a clearing. The houses were simple, made of wood and thatch, but there was something off about the place. No one was o