Chapter: The Call of the Dark Moon
Deep within the fortress — in hallways so dark that even shadows seemed afraid to enter — Kraan and Nevan walked in silence. Ahead of them, a pale violet flame lit the walls, where shadow-carved symbols shimmered like stars in the night.
"This is the Forbidden Archive," Nevan said. "Here lie the truths the gods tried to erase. And... the only weapon they fear."
Kraan followed quietly, gripping his sword tightly. The Dark Moon Light felt heavier as they moved deeper, though it wasn't a burden—it was respect. The blade pulsed faintly, almost as if it understood what was coming.
At the end of the hall stood a circular door, marked with a single shadowy eye in its center, surrounded by runes in an ancient, unreadable script. Nevan opened his black grimoire and recited several incantations. The door trembled and slowly began to open.
A cold wind greeted them, brushing Kraan's face and sending chills down his spine. Inside, there was only one thing — a black stone coffin.
Kraan narrowed his eyes. "What is this?"
"The power that responded to your soul," Nevan replied. "You have awakened the Dark Moon Light. But it is only the beginning. One thing remains to complete its awakening—sacrifice."
Kraan stepped closer. On the coffin's lid, his name was carved: "Kraan."
"Am I supposed to die here?"
Nevan smiled softly. "No. You are here to bury yourself."
"What do you mean?"
"You are no longer the Kraan who once believed in light. Not the boy who lost his wife, his parents, his daughter. You've seen truth. Now, bury the old Kraan. Awaken the blade. Then... slay the gods."
Kraan took a deep breath, placed his blade upon the coffin, and watched. The sword flickered and ignited like a shadowy flame, illuminating the entire chamber.
The coffin began to quake violently. The carvings on the walls seemed to chant in whispering voices:
Let the gods fall... Let the light burn... Let the new moon rise...
The chant flowed into the sword and then into Kraan himself. Suddenly, the world spun, and before him appeared a dark moon—within it, he saw his former self: a gentle, happy, hopeful boy.
Gritting his teeth, Kraan spoke: "This world destroyed that version of me. Now I'll break the world."
He seized the sword and shattered the coffin. A surge of black mist exploded outward, cloaking him entirely. Still, he did not stop. Standing in the darkness, he raised the blade to his chest and whispered:
"Dark Moon — hear me. I am no longer alone."
Silence.
The mist receded, and from within, a new power erupted. His eyes burned with violet fire, and the Dark Moon Light had transformed — larger, sharper, and blazing with blue-black flame.
Nevan whispered as if in song: "Today... a new master of darkness is born."