---
Night fell on the rebel encampment like a curtain soaked in blood.
Kael couldn't sleep.
Not because of the cold.
But because he could feel it coming.
A whisper in the shadows.
A scent on the wind.
A presence carved from the same nightmares he once served.
---
He stood outside Lyra's tent, back against a tree, scanning the perimeter.
Riven was patrolling. The others were asleep.
The System chimed in his mind.
> [Shadow System Warning]
Incoming Hostile Aura Detected
Threat Level: Crimson-Class
Estimated Time of Arrival: 00:04:17
Kael's fists clenched.
> "He sent her…"
---
Four minutes later, the wind stopped.
So did the world.
Not a bird chirped.
Not a single fire crackled.
Then—
BOOM.
An explosion ripped through the north wall of the camp.
Red flame. Black smoke. Screams.
---
Kael moved without thought.
By the time Riven shouted, "We're under attack!" — Kael was already at the breach.
And there she stood.
Wrapped in a cloak of living scarlet shadows.
Eyes glowing like molten rubies.
Her mask bore the symbol of House Voss — split with a single red claw-mark.
> "Crimson Executioner…"
---
Her voice was silk laced with venom.
> "Shadow. Kael Valen. You've been recalled."
Kael drew no blade. Only shadows.
"Tell Aserion I burned that name with my oath."
> "Then I'll burn it from your corpse."
She vanished.
And reappeared mid-air — blade drawn — swinging for his throat.
---
Kael ducked.
Countered.
But she moved like fire.
Faster. Sharper. Deadlier than anyone he'd fought since his rebirth.
> She's stronger than before, Kael thought. Aserion must've unlocked her second Binding…
---
She struck again — and this time, her blade caught his side.
Blood sprayed.
System alert pinged.
> [HP -27%]
Wound status: Moderate (Bleeding)
Kael dropped and rolled, shadows wrapping around him to slow the blood loss.
> "You've grown weak," she sneered. "Attachment does that."
---
Just then—
> "KAEL!!"
Lyra's voice cut through the chaos like a flare.
She stood, defiant, staff in hand, light glowing in her palm.
The Executioner grinned.
> "Ah. Her. Now it makes sense…"
She shifted her stance — blade pointed at Lyra.
Kael's heart lurched.
> "NO!"
---
He moved instinctively.
Shadows exploded from his feet — launching him forward.
He tackled Lyra out of the way just as a crimson shockwave tore through the air.
---
They landed hard.
Kael shielded her with his body as fire rushed past.
His HUD screamed.
> [Corruption Level Rising… 67% → 73%]
Anchor Bond detected: Stabilizing...
Passive Triggered: Unbreakable Resolve (Lv. 1)
You are immune to fear.
You are immune to despair.
You will not fall.
---
Kael stood.
Bloodied.
Shadow-wrapped.
Eyes burning violet.
> "You want a monster?" he snarled. "Then I'll show you the one you helped make."
---
The Executioner paused — just for a moment.
And that was all Kael needed.
He disappeared.
---
He reappeared behind her — arm wrapped in shadow-blades — and slammed her into the stone wall.
She coughed blood.
But laughed.
> "Good. The old Kael is still there…"
> "No," Kael said coldly. "This one doesn't serve."
---
From behind, Lyra raised her staff.
> "Bind!"
Light wrapped around the Executioner's limbs — not enough to hold her forever, but just long enough.
Kael's HUD blinked again.
> [Combo Skill Unlocked: Anchor Bind – Shadowlight Convergence]
Dual Cast: Kael Valen + Lyra Ellenthall
Effect: 5-second full restraint + 12% defense drop
Cooldown: 120 sec
---
Kael surged forward.
Struck her blade arm.
Crushed it.
Steel and bone shattered.
The Executioner screamed, shadows unraveling from her body in a spray of embers.
---
But before he could end her—
She exploded in a puff of blood-mist and vanished.
---
> [System Alert]
Target has used: Crimson Veil – Bloodstep Escape (Unique Skill)
Tracking disabled.
---
Silence fell over the battlefield.
Only fire and heavy breaths remained.
Lyra dropped to her knees.
Kael stumbled, still bleeding.
But they were alive.
And together.
---
She looked up at him.
"...So. You still know how to make an entrance."
Kael chuckled — bitterly, painfully.
> "That wasn't an entrance."
> "That was a warning."
---