Chapter Title: Chapter 5: The First Encounter
Chapter Content:
The alley was narrow and smelled of damp concrete. Aisha stopped suddenly, her hand tightening on Aryan's sleeve. "Be quiet," she hissed, her eyes darting toward the shadows ahead.
[Warning: Hostile Mana Signature Detected.]
[Enemy Type: Shadow Scout.]
A tall, thin figure detached itself from the darkness. It looked like a man, but its limbs were too long, and its face was a smooth, featureless mask of grey skin. In its hand, it held a blade that seemed to be made of solidified smoke.
"The shard, Aisha," the creature spoke with a voice that sounded like grinding stones. "Hand it over, and the Master might let you live as a slave."
Aisha didn't flinch. "In your dreams, beast." She turned to Aryan. "Run, Aryan. You're not ready for this."
But Aryan didn't run. His eyes were locked on the creature's smoke-blade.
[Target Identified: Shadow Scout.]
[Unique Skill Detected: Shadow Step (Rank E).]
[Copying in progress... 20%... 80%... 100%.]
As the creature lunged at Aisha with blinding speed, Aryan felt a cold shiver down his spine. The world around him seemed to slow down. Without thinking, he stepped into a shadow and—whoosh—he vanished, reappearing three feet behind the creature.
"What?!" Aisha gasped, her eyes widening.
The creature spun around, confused. It hadn't expected a mere human to use its own kin's magic. Aryan felt his heart thumping like a drum. Using the skill had drained a lot of his energy, but he felt more alive than ever.
"My turn," Aryan whispered.
[System Note: Shadow Step used. Mana remaining: 40%.]
[New Quest: Defeat the Scout to protect Aisha.]