Shadows Of Deception

The figure stepped forward, his presence commanding and serene. His tall frame radiated authority, and his long, flowing black hair, streaked with strands of silver, shimmered faintly under the golden light of the dimension. His golden eyes, sharp yet kind, seemed to pierce through time itself. Clad in royal robes embroidered with intricate Mayan patterns, he stood like a living relic of an ancient world.

Jin's breath caught as he took in the regal figure before him. "Father?" he whispered, his voice shaky with disbelief.

The man smiled, a warmth filling his expression. "Yes, my son," he said gently. "You've grown so much—almost taller than Me when I was at your age."

Jin's eyes widened, emotions swirling in a chaotic storm within him. His heart raced as he stepped closer. "You're alive?" His words spilled out, an unfiltered rush of excitement, confusion, and relief. "I… I don't know what to say!"

Festus tilted his head with a patient smile. "Tell me, son. How have you been?"

Jin took a deep breath, his words tumbling out in a torrent. "Where do I even begin? I've made friends good ones. I've struggled. I've always been on the run, fighting to survive. And… I've never even had a girlfriend." He laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "But hey, at least I've had good meals when I could find them." His voice softened. "And I've had a sensei who taught me everything I know. But…" His face darkened. "I've been betrayed. My heart… it hurts."

Festus's smile faded slightly as he listened, nodding in understanding. "I know, son," he said gently. "I've been hurt too. Perhaps more than you can imagine."

Jin's eyes searched his father's face. "Why can't Mengi see you? He's been waiting for this moment too."

Festus sighed. "The power you and I share is unique," he explained. "It's what allowed you to access this hidden dimension of Atlantis. Mengi… he doesn't possess this ability. But don't think for a moment that I love him any less."

Festus stood and rubbed two fingers together. A golden light enveloped them both, and in an instant, the shimmering dimension shifted.

Jin blinked as they appeared in a vast expanse of stone, glowing with ancient runes. The air was thick with power, humming in a rhythm that seemed to resonate with the heartbeat of the universe. Golden flames floated in midair, and towering statues of Mayan deities loomed over the scene, their watchful eyes carved with precision.

Festus stepped forward, his voice calm but urgent. "You don't have much time here, Jin. Your body isn't used to the energy of Atlantis yet, but there's much to learn."

Jin steadied himself, feeling the weight of the place pressing down on him.

"Tell me," Festus said, turning to face him. "Have you been able to harness the Source?"

Jin hesitated. "A little," he admitted. "But I always lose control."

Festus chuckled softly, placing a reassuring hand on Jin's shoulder. "That's because you've been using it incorrectly. You're not just any host of the Source, Jin. You're its king—a Mayan descendant. Once you embrace your true heritage, the Source will bow to you."

Jin's eyes widened. "But… why haven't I unlocked it yet?"

Festus smiled knowingly. "Because you've only scratched the surface of who you are. Mengi has told you much,and your teacherd taught you ,but there are things they dont know."

Festus's expression grew serious. "Tell me, Jin. Do you think I made a mistake by letting Jiangshi live?"

Jin's jaw tightened. "If it were me," he said after a pause, "I wouldn't have followed your footsteps. I'd follow my own."

Festus nodded, his golden eyes glinting. "Very well. A harsh answer, but an honest one."

Festus's tone grew heavy. "Jiangshi… he's more dangerous than anyone realizes. His cunning, his strength—they surpass what the world has seen. You must never let him capture you, Jin. Never let him take the Source. If he does…" Festus's voice faltered for a moment before hardening. "The world as you know it will cease to exist."

Jin swallowed hard, the weight of his father's words settling on him like a boulder.

Festus sighed deeply. "I'm sorry, son. I could have eliminated Jiangshi and his council that night. I could have paved the way for a safer world. But I chose not to. I chose you and Mengi. And I don't regret that."

Jin's voice was steady and firm. "I don't care about what you see as failure. All I see here is love. And I'm grateful I got to meet you, Father."

Festus's expression softened, pride shining in his gaze.

Suddenly, Jin's body began to tremble, his knees buckling under the weight of the dimension's energy. Festus moved quickly, placing a glowing hand on his son's back to stabilize him.

"This place is overwhelming you," Festus said gently. "But there's more you need to know."

He looked deeply into Jin's eyes. "You've noticed your psychic abilities, haven't you? Those come from your grandmother. She was a witch of immense power. It's surprising, but fitting, that her gifts manifest so strongly in you."

Festus began pacing. "You're not just a psychic user , Jin. You're also an original—a pureblood vampire which you inherited from your mothers lineage. And then there's two special abilities you inherited jin,The Architect and The Hunt—abilities inherited from your grandfather, Daemon the Conqueror."

Jin tilted his head. "The Hunt?"

"It's an absolute ability," Festus explained. "It lets you match—or even surpass—your opponent's level strength and power. A gift unlike any other."

Festus placed a glowing hand on Jin's head, and golden strings of energy spiraled into him. The ritual ground seemed to tremble, the statues shaking as stars rippled, galaxies trembled, and even the universe seemed to crack open.

Far away, Jiangshi sat on his shadowy throne, his cold gaze narrowing as a surge of energy rippled through the air. A sly smile spread across his lips. "Problem, eh?" he muttered, his voice laced with malice.

Back in Atlantis, Jin gasped, clutching his chest. "I feel… different. Like I know everything, but it's locked away, waiting for me to access it."

Festus nodded. "I've given you everything. You are now a super hybrid, capable of wielding all our family's powers in full. But tell me, Jin…" His voice grew serious. "If Jiangshi is your brother, what will you do?"

Jin's expression darkened, his voice cold as steel. "Your love was your weakness, Father. I won't make the same mistake. I'd kill Jiangshi without hesitation."

A raspy laugh echoed through the ritual ground. An old woman hobbled forward, her crooked staff tapping against the stone floor. Her wrinkled face twisted into a mischievous grin. "That's why the family chose him," she cackled. "Ruthless. Just as he needs to be."

Festus smiled faintly. "And that's why you will succeed where I faltered."