“Bloodshed in the Shadow Gorge”

The mission was clear—eliminate Igris, the lowest disciple of Demon King Beru. But as Nero and his team stood at the edge of Shadow Gorge, staring into the abyss of darkness, an unsettling feeling gnawed at their hearts.

Kain tightened his grip on his blade. “Something’s wrong. I can feel it… this place reeks of death.”

Ezren smirked, trying to mask his unease. “A perfect place to die then, huh?”

Lena glared at him. “Shut it. Stay focused.”

Nero said nothing, his eyes locked on the darkness ahead. “He’s here. I can feel it.”

Suddenly, a chilling laugh echoed through the gorge. From the shadows, a tall figure emerged—pale skin wrapped in black markings, eyes glowing red like molten lava. It was Igris.

“Well, well… so these are the lambs sent to slaughter,” Igris sneered. “Beru did say the world was changing. Maybe I’ll enjoy tearing your hearts out.”

Without waiting, Igris darted forward, his speed blinding. In a flash, his claw swiped toward Kain.

“KAIN!” Nero’s voice boomed.

Kain barely raised his sword, blocking the strike but was flung backward, crashing hard against a boulder. Blood dripped from his mouth as he groaned.

Ezren reacted fast, manipulating his own blood, shaping crimson spikes midair. “Blood Thorn Barrage!” he roared, sending the projectiles flying.

Igris smirked, his body twisting unnaturally as he dodged with ease. “Blood user, huh? A rare breed.”

Lena unleashed fire spells, her hands glowing as she formed a spear of flames, launching it at the demon.

But Igris caught the spear midair, the flames sizzling against his cold skin. “You think that can hurt me?”

With one swift move, he hurled the fire spear back. It exploded on impact, sending Lena flying.

“LENA!” Nero shouted.

He rushed forward, sword drawn, his heart pounding. “Igris! Face me!”

The demon grinned. “Now this… is interesting.”

Their blades clashed—Nero’s sword meeting Igris’s claws, sparks flying. Nero pushed with all his strength, driving the demon back a few steps.

“You’re strong… for a mere human,” Igris chuckled, licking the blood from his lip.

Nero’s eyes flared with anger. “I’ll show you the strength of the Valtore bloodline.”

Igris snarled, “Then let’s dance!”

With a burst of power, Igris slammed his hands into the ground, summoning dark energy that exploded into a swarm of shadow beasts—twisted wolves with glowing eyes.

Ezren cursed, staggering to his feet. “Shit… he’s summoning!”

Nero turned. “Lena! Kain! Protect the disciples!”

Lena, wounded but breathing, forced herself up, fire blazing in her eyes. “I’ve got them.”

Kain gritted his teeth, wiping blood from his mouth. “Damn bastard… I’m not dying here.”

They fought hard—fire spells, blood weapons, and steel clashing against the dark beasts. The gorge lit up with the chaos of battle.

Ezren shaped his blood into a massive scythe, cleaving through the monsters. “I can’t hold much longer, Nero!”

Nero growled, his sword shining with aura. He met Igris blow for blow, his body screaming in pain but his will unyielding.

But then… Igris laughed darkly. “You’re good… but not good enough.”

In a flash, Igris abandoned the fight with Nero and darted toward the disciples, claws stretched wide.

Ezren’s eyes widened. “NO!”

Nero screamed, “IGRIS! DON’T YOU DARE!”

He dashed after him, pouring every ounce of strength he had left. But he was too far.