AK : RISING MYTHIC

The moonlight streamed through the half-open window of Arslan's room in the Mythic Base. The room was dim, its ambiance quiet and still, perfect for introspection. After a long day of exhausting training with the other Mythics, Arslan sat cross-legged on his bed, eyes half-closed. He wasn't meditating—he was listening. Deep within his consciousness, Kar'Thael stirred.

"If we want more information about our families," Kar'Thael's voice echoed from within, low and calm, "we have to capture a demon. But not just any demon—a mid-level one."

Arslan's eyes opened slowly. "Mid-level? Why not a low one like before?"

"Because low demons know nothing of value," Kar'Thael explained. "Only the mid-tier demons serve directly under demon lords. They know locations, plans, and histories. The kind of secrets we need."

Arslan leaned back against the wall. "So how do we get one? They're not just wandering around waiting to be captured."

Kar'Thael let out a soft, amused chuckle. "They only come when they're angry. That's how demons operate. Pride and rage. So... we need to anger them."

"And how do we do that exactly?" Arslan asked.

"Simple," Kar'Thael replied, his tone mischievous. "We give them fake stones."

Arslan sat up straighter. "But how can we give them fake stones? The fake ones yot put in Bound Threshold are now in the King's vault. We don't have access."

"Oo sweetie," Kar'Thael mocked affectionately. "Who said anything about using the that fake ones? Fake stones can be re-created. With the right ingredients and energy signature, we can make them almost indistinguishable from the originals. Enough to trick a demon."

Arslan blinked, gears turning in his head. "That's... a brilliant plan. So once the demons realize they were tricked, they'll lose it and send in stronger units. Mid-level demons."

"Exactly," Kar'Thael confirmed. "But you must understand, mid-level demons aren't like goblins or imps. They're on par with your Zeniths. And worse... some of them possess regeneration magic."

Arslan's expression tensed. "Regeneration? You mean... they can heal their damaged body parts?"

Kar'Thael sighed. "Something like that. They're not invincible, but they recover fast. Sever a limb? It starts regrowing. Pierce their heart? They rebuild their core essence. It's not endless, but it makes them deadly."

Arslan took a moment to absorb that. Then he nodded. "So before we pull this off, we need to be stronger. Much stronger."

"Yes," Kar'Thael agreed. "We need to master at least ten techniques. Not just form them, but use them without exhausting your energy or dulling your focus."

Arslan looked thoughtful. "And the others?"

"We'll train with them," Kar'Thael said. "Let them grow, too. We can't protect Lumisgrave alone. Once they're ready, I'll tell you the plan to fight, survive, and help the others."

Arslan chuckled lightly and said jokingly, "You small penis... has got a sharp mind."

There was a brief pause. Then Kar'Thael responded in mock outrage. "All techniques have been cancelled. No more techniques for you."

They both laughed.

Kar'Thael, still chuckling, whispered, "I've seen you fight. I've seen you bleed. But this... this is the first time I've seen you laugh."

Arslan smiled, his eyes softening. "All the credit goes to you, brother."

From within, Kar'Thael manifested a shadowy hand, placing it gently atop Arslan's head.

"You're not just a vessel," he said quietly. "You're becoming a partner. And someday... we'll change this world together."

For a moment, neither spoke. There was no strategy, no technique, no shadow practice. Just two beings, bound by fate, pain, and now brotherhood, sharing a rare moment of peace.

Outside, the wind howled softly. Far in the distance, the demonic realms stirred, unaware that somewhere in Lumisgrave, two souls were preparing to defy their destiny—together.

Kar'Thael (voice smooth, almost proud):

"We've come far, Arslan. Your body, your aura, your soul... they're sharpening into something I never saw in any of my vessels. It's time to look at what we've forged so far."

Arslan leaned forward slightly, curious. The dark energy within his veins pulsed gently as Kar'Thael continued:

---

These weapons which we shape from dark energy

> 1. Abyssal Fangs

"Our dual curved daggers made of condensed shadow energy. Sharp enough to tear through armor, fast enough to blink through air. Perfect for close combat."

> 2. Dark Bow

"Formed from your spine's aura stream. It fires bolts faster than sound, especially when infused with Phantom Rift energy."

> 3. Shadow Blades

"Your original skill. Now upgraded. These are swift, mid-range projectiles that follow the motion of your thoughts."

> 4. Dark Shield

"A solid shield of compressed dark aura that can absorb and reflect energy. Combine it with your movement for maximum protection."

---

Techniques we Mastered

> 1. Shadow Merge

"Your ability to melt into shadows, vanish or travel through darkness. It grants brief invisibility and dodging."

> 2. Black Halo

"An aura-based circular defense that infects enemies with weakening pulses. Limited time use due to its energy drain."

> 3. Recoil Spiral

"A defensive dome that spins around you, binding and exploding if disrupted. Best used when surrounded."

> 4. Phantom Rift

"A teleportation slash — you vanish and reappear with a cut. Useful for offense and escape."

> 5. Shadow Vein Channeling

"This technique enhances your weapon conjuring speed and durability by linking it directly to your aura veins. It reduces delay when switching weapons."

---

⚔️ Combination Skills Developed:

> 1. 1C – Core Combination

"The first synergy we forged. It uses the Dark Shield, Shadow Blades, and Dark Bow in one continuous attack chain. Shield deflects, Blades distract, Bow delivers the final strike."

> 2. First Combination Skill

"The real powerhouse. It combines:

Black Halo (to weaken enemies),

Lightning Shadow Blades (fast, electrified slicing projectiles),

Dark Bow (for ranged execution), and

Phantom Rift (instant teleport slash to finish).

> It's a devastating sequence — but burns energy fast."

---

Arslan nodded slowly, absorbing everything.

> Arslan:

"So far we have... 4 weapons, 5 techniques, and 2 combination skills. Not bad in just a few weeks."

> Kar'Thael (chuckling):

"And we're just getting started. But remember — the more techniques we build, the more your stamina must grow. Next phase will demand both precision... and pain."

> Arslan (grinning):

"Bring it on. Let's show the demons what these shadows can do."

The dark aura flared briefly in Arslan's eyes as he clenched his fist, already looking forward to what comes next.