ECHOES OF THE VOID

As soon as Kael made eye contact with the woman with the silvery eyes, the mild murmur of the tavern seemed to diminish. Her serene and perceptive gaze captivated him, and for a moment, the world appeared to shrink to just the two of them.

He introduced himself as Kael Voidbreaker in a manner that was both precise and composed. How about you?

The woman's head was slightly cocked to the side, and one of her brilliant eyes narrowed. "Names possess influence." Do you believe that you have not yet achieved my level of success?

Kael's lips were drawn upward by an ethereal grin as he spoke. The speaker invited the listener to discover the answer through his words.

Her delicate chuckle was reminiscent of the sounds of desiccated leaves rustling. It is audacious. However, Voidbreaker, this universe does not provide incentives for fortitude. "It is a reward for survival." She leaned forward and placed her chin on the hand she was holding. Kael, could you please provide me with information regarding the lengths to which you are willing to go in order to ensure your survival?

Kael's beaming visage vanished abruptly, giving way to a frigid demeanor. She appeared to be evaluating him in a manner akin to the way a predator evaluates its quarry. He stated with composure, "More than the majority."

A trace of delight was reflected in her silver iris. "That is satisfactory." In the upcoming events, that resolve will be essential.

At that moment, the tavern's entrance swung open, and Kael was stuck. A sudden blast of chilly air blew in, bringing with it the smell of wet dirt and rot. He limped into the room, his pale complexion drenched in sweat. A hush descended over the area.

He suddenly clenched his chest and spat out, "Shadows... in the woods..." "They are on their way."

The man's body began to convulse after he fell to the ground, and it eventually stopped completely. No one relocated during that limited period. Anarchy ensued. Patrons and customers raised to their feet and bellowed over one another in a state of apprehension.

Kael was already on his feet, and his senses were acutely aware, poised to act. Vexar arrived at his side with a despondent expression. The elderly guide was heard murmuring, "This is not a coincidence."

Additionally, the woman with the silvery eyes rose, her movements being both deliberate and seamless. She beseeched the remaining consumers, "Remain here if you wish to survive," her voice piercing the clamor of the crowd like a blade. You can also follow if you want to watch the pursuer.

She gazed in Kael's direction with a slight smile on her face. Are you intending to attend?

Kael did not waste any time. "Be the one to lead."

The Forest and Shadowy Woods

Kael, the woman with the silvery eyes, and Vexar were the only members of the group, and they advanced deeper into the forest in a state of tense immobility. The peculiar hum of the night replaced the cries of horrified peasants as they dissipated behind them. The dense canopy above prevented the moonlight from penetrating, resulting in lengthy and undulating silhouettes.

The energy of the sliver of Nothingness began to move, and Kael experienced an internal quickening as it resonated with the unnatural silence that enveloped them. He inquired of the woman, "What is your understanding of these shadows?" in a low voice.

In an enigmatic tone, she responded, "They are not black shadows." Murmurs are the words. The remnants of a long-gone entity remain, yet they haven't completely vanished.

Kael's expression curved into a grimace as he peered at Vexar for confirmation. The more senior gentleman provided a hesitant acquiescence. The assertion of Vexar is that "There are forces in this world that defy understanding." It is possible that this is one of them.

An abrupt murmuring sound that emanated from the distance brought them to a complete halt. In an effort to maintain her composure, the woman with the silvery eyes raised her hand. Kael extended his senses and interacted with the environment by utilizing his Void-attuned perception. The presence seemed weak and ever-changing, like a disruption in reality.

She spoke quietly, "They are present."

Emerging from the shadows were figures whose shapes were barely visible in the pitch blackness that surrounded them. Their movements were peculiar, as their extremities jerked and contorted as if they were being controlled by invisible strands. A shiver went down Kael's back when he noticed that their eyes were emitting a subtle, unusually pale light.

The initial figure advanced at an inconceivable velocity. The Void was placed under Kael's control as a consequence of his immediate response. A wave of energy that twisted the space around the creature caused it to be propelled back, causing its shape to unravel into individual fragments of darkness.

A woman with silvery irises was more nimble than the other individual, who charged from the side. As she drew a slender blade, her cloak ignited, and the blade's surface radiated an ethereal light. She struck the object with a single, precise blow, causing it to fracture into two pieces. The remains of the beast dispersed in the air.

Kael exclaimed, "Effective," as he walked in tandem with her as more individuals emerged from the crowd.

She exclaimed, "You are not that bad." Her countenance was illuminated by a smile.

Subsequently, Vexar released a torrent of intense energy that resulted in the destruction of two additional shadow creatures. The term "More fighting, less talking!"

Despite the ongoing conflict, the clearing continued to evolve into a tumultuous maelstrom of activity and motion. Kael's mastery of the Void enabled him to precisely disassemble the forms of his adversaries and navigate through them. Nevertheless, the shadows appeared to be infinite, and their number continued to rise with each passing instant, despite their efforts.

The woman with the silvery eyes blurted out, "Kael!" in an exceedingly gruff voice. "The epicenter of them!" The essence of their being should be identified.

Kael's concentration caused his irises to contract, and he allowed the Nothingness that inhabited him to extend beyond his physical form. He was able to discern a pulsating presence in the interior of the shadow swarm, concealed beneath layers of moving darkness, despite the chaos that was unfolding around him.

He pointed to a gnarled tree that was located on the boundaries of the clearing and exclaimed, "There!"

The lady advanced without hesitation, her sword piercing the shadows that threatened to obstruct her. Kael subsequently employed energy pulses from the Void to create a pathway. After collaborating, they arrived at the tree, where a spiraling mass of dark energy surged like a throbbing heart.

Put an end to it! Vexar then bellowed, effectively repelling the remaining shadows.

Notifying the woman with the silvery eyes twice was unnecessary. The surrounding woodland erupted in a penetrating lament as she plunged her blade into the center of the tree. Shadows receded, and their forms disintegrated into voidness as they disappeared.

Kael's respiration became increasingly labored as the tranquility returned, and he gazed around the area. The sword was retracted by the woman with the silvery iris, and the remnants of the opaque ichor were swept aside.

In a subdued voice, Kael declared, "That was an extraordinary event."

In agreement, she sheathed her weapon and uttered the word "no." And this won't be the last time you face something similar."

Kael's gaze intersected hers. I would appreciate it if you could furnish me with your identity. In order to guarantee that we survive this ordeal, it is imperative that I remain aware of my colleagues.

She appeared hesitant for a few minutes before exhibiting a grimace. My name is Selene.

There was a faint nod of agreement from Kael. Selene insists, "Let us guarantee that this is not our final confrontation."