Cronicals of the Abyss

The weeks following Revan's audience with the Infernal Sovereign were marked by a growing tension. His participation in the Crimson Arena had elevated his reputation, but with it came an unsettling level of scrutiny. Fighters, spectators, and even nobles began whispering about the "Shadowborne of the Arena." Revan could feel eyes on him wherever he went, and it was only Kael's unwavering support that kept him grounded.

"You're painting a target on your back, kid," Kael said one evening, leaning against the counter of their rented room at the inn. His twin blades rested within reach, as always. "And not just any target—a big, glowing one. The kind people will kill to take down."

Revan sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the flickering lamp. "I didn't ask for this attention, Kael. But I can't afford to hide anymore. If I'm going to uncover the truth about the Abyss, I need to keep moving forward. That means staying in the spotlight, even if it's dangerous."

Kael grinned. "Spoken like a true fool. I like it."

Revan didn't smile. He could feel the Abyss shard at his side, pulsing faintly like a second heartbeat. It whispered to him at night, promising power and vengeance, but he knew better than to trust it.

---

The following day, Revan and Kael returned to the Crimson Arena for their next match. The crowd roared as they stepped into the battlefield, their cheers a cacophony of bloodlust and excitement. Today's opponent was no ordinary fighter; it was a duo known as the "Ash Twins," siblings renowned for their mastery of synchronized Fire Seals.

"Stay sharp," Kael muttered as the gates opened. "These two are infamous for their coordination. They don't just fight—they dance."

The Ash Twins entered the arena, their movements fluid and graceful. Both were clad in crimson armor that shimmered like embers, and their eyes burned with the intensity of their Seals.

"Revan of Shadow's Edge," the sister said, her voice laced with mockery. "We've heard of you. They say you're a ghost, a shadow that slips through the cracks. Let's see how well shadows burn."

The brother smirked, raising his hands. Flames erupted around him, forming a swirling vortex of heat. "And you, Kael the Tomb Raider—nothing but a scavenger. We'll turn you to ash."

Revan didn't respond. He raised his hands, the shadows around him coiling like serpents. "Let's see if you can handle the dark."

---

The battle began with an explosion of fire. The Ash Twins moved in perfect harmony, their flames weaving together in a deadly dance. Fireballs streaked toward Revan and Kael, forcing them to dodge and retaliate.

Revan summoned his Shadow Wreath, forming a barrier to absorb the flames. He countered with a barrage of shadow tendrils, aiming to disrupt the Twins' synchronization.

Kael darted around the battlefield, his twin blades flashing as he targeted the siblings with precision strikes. He forced the brother on the defensive, but the sister retaliated with a wave of fire that forced him back.

"They're too coordinated," Kael shouted over the roar of flames. "We need to split them up!"

Revan nodded, his mind racing. The shadows whispered to him, offering strategies and solutions. He focused on the sister, sending an illusion of himself to distract her. She fell for the trick, unleashing a torrent of fire at the illusion, only to leave herself exposed.

Revan closed the distance, his shadows forming a blade in his hand. He struck, forcing her to retreat. Meanwhile, Kael engaged the brother, using his agility to outmaneuver the flames and land a series of quick blows.

The crowd roared as the battle reached its peak. Revan's shadows clashed with the siblings' fire, the two forces creating a chaotic display of light and dark.

But the Ash Twins were not to be underestimated. They regrouped and launched a devastating attack, combining their flames into a massive firestorm. The heat was unbearable, and Revan could feel his shadow barrier beginning to crack.

"Revan!" Kael shouted. "Do something!"

Revan gritted his teeth, the Abyss shard pulsing at his side. He didn't want to rely on it, but he had no choice. He reached for the shard, letting its power flow through him.

The shadows around him darkened, becoming denser and more menacing. His eyes glowed with a faint violet light, and his voice was cold as ice. "Enough."

With a wave of his hand, the shadows surged forward, consuming the firestorm. The Ash Twins gasped as their flames were extinguished, leaving them vulnerable.

Revan moved like a phantom, his shadows striking with precision. He disarmed the sister and forced her to her knees, while Kael finished off the brother with a swift strike.

The crowd erupted into cheers as the announcer declared their victory.

---

Back in the preparation chamber, Kael collapsed onto a bench, his face flushed from exertion. "That was insane. Those two were no joke."

Revan leaned against the wall, his hands trembling. The Abyss shard's power still lingered in his veins, making him feel both exhilarated and uneasy. "We got lucky. If they had been any stronger..."

"Don't sell yourself short," Kael said with a grin. "That shadow trick of yours turned the tide. You're stronger than you think, kid."

Revan nodded, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking a dangerous path.

---

Later that evening, as they returned to the inn, Revan noticed a figure watching them from the shadows. He stopped, his hand on the hilt of his blade.

"You might as well come out," he said, his voice calm.

The figure stepped forward, revealing a tall man with piercing blue eyes and a scar across his cheek. He wore a dark cloak and carried a staff engraved with runes.

"You're quite the fighter," the man said, his voice smooth. "But your power... it's unnatural."

Revan tensed. "Who are you?"

The man smiled. "My name is Kaelar. I'm... familiar with the Abyss. Let's just say I'm here to help you understand the power you're wielding."

Kael stepped between them, his blades drawn. "Help? You don't look like the helpful type."

Kaelar chuckled. "Fair enough. But whether you trust me or not, the truth remains: the Abyss is dangerous, and if Revan doesn't learn to control it, he'll destroy himself—and everyone around him."

Revan narrowed his eyes. "Why do you care?"

Kaelar's expression darkened. "Because I've seen what happens when the Abyss is left unchecked. You're not the first Shadowborne, Revan. And if you're not careful, you won't be the last."

Revan exchanged a glance with Kael, his mind racing. He didn't trust Kaelar, but the man's words struck a chord. The Abyss was a part of him, and if he wanted to master it, he couldn't do it alone.

"Fine," Revan said. "But if you try anything, I won't hesitate to stop you."

Kaelar smiled. "Fair enough. Let's see if you're ready to face the shadows."

As they walked into the night, Revan felt a strange sense of foreboding. The road ahead was becoming darker, and the line between ally and enemy was blurrier than ever. But he had made his choice.

He would face the Abyss—no matter the cost.