The Forbidden Element

Phantom Eclipse Arc

The sky burned.

Flames engulfed the grand city of the Seventh Kingdom, turning homes, towers, and streets into smoldering ruins. Screams echoed through the air, mixing with the clash of steel and the crackling of fire.

Surya and his crew raced toward the capital, their hearts pounding.

They were too late.

As they entered the city gates, the sight before them was pure chaos.

The kingdom's soldiers were fighting desperately, but they were outmatched. Cloaked figures moved through the battlefield like shadows, cutting down anyone who stood in their way. Their movements were too precise, too calculated—they weren't ordinary warriors.

They were assassins.

Shadow Order's elite.

Surya clenched his fists, his golden aura flaring. "Split up! Help as many people as you can!"

His crew nodded, immediately scattering into the battlefield.

But deep inside, Surya knew—this wasn't just an invasion.

It was a massacre.

As Surya rushed through the burning streets, cutting down enemy assassins, a sudden chill crawled up his spine.

A presence.

No—a pressure.

Something powerful was approaching.

Then, the flames shifted.

Surya turned sharply—just in time to see a lone figure walking through the fire, untouched by the heat.

A man with long, dark crimson hair and piercing golden-red eyes. His black and gold armor shimmered under the firelight. A single emblem was etched onto his chestplate—

The sigil of the First Kingdom.

Surya's blood ran cold.

This was not just another assassin.

This was someone far worse.

The man stopped a few feet away, his gaze scanning Surya like a predator sizing up its prey.

Then, he smirked.

"So, you're the prince of this wretched kingdom." His voice was deep, smooth—yet laced with undeniable arrogance.

Surya didn't move. He didn't blink.

His instincts screamed at him.

This man... is dangerous.

A moment of silence stretched between them.

Then, Surya spoke.

"Who are you?"

The man chuckled, his crimson hair swaying slightly. "I suppose you wouldn't know me. The weak rarely concern themselves with the strong."

His smirk widened as he unsheathed his blade. A long, black sword with golden engravings. The air itself seemed to bend around it.

Then, he spoke a name that sent shivers down Surya's spine—

"I am Lord Varun of the First Kingdom."

Surya's eyes widened.

Lord Varun.

The strongest warrior of the First Kingdom. The man who led countless wars, who crushed kingdoms without breaking a sweat.

He was called the Tyrant Blade.

And now—he was standing in front of him.

Surya exhaled slowly, gripping his sword tighter.

This was bad.

Varun tilted his head. "You're not running?"

Surya raised his blade. "I don't run."

Varun let out a short laugh. "Brave. Stupid, but brave."

Then—he disappeared.

Surya's body reacted on instinct.

CLANG!

He barely managed to block the strike.

The impact sent a shockwave ripping through the air, shattering the ground beneath them. Surya's feet dug into the stone as he was pushed back, struggling to hold his ground.

He's fast!

Varun smirked. "Not bad." He stepped back, flicking his sword to the side. "Let's see how long you last."

Then—he attacked again.

Surya dodged, countered, slashed.

But Varun was too fast, too precise. Every move Surya made was met with an effortless counterattack.

A kick to his stomach—Surya was sent flying.

He flipped midair, landing on a crumbling rooftop. His ribs ached.

But he didn't have time to recover.

Varun appeared above him, sword raised.

BOOM!

Surya leapt away just as the rooftop exploded, debris flying in every direction.

He landed on the streets below, breathing heavily.

Varun landed a few feet away, completely unscathed.

He sighed, shaking his head. "I expected more."

Surya wiped blood from his lip. "I'm just getting started."

Golden energy crackled around him.

His body ached, but his resolve burned hotter than ever.

He wouldn't let this man win.

Not here. Not now.

To Be Continued...