Beyond Worlds, Beneath the Star God

The sun dipped low behind the scarlet hills of Vareth's Reach as Kun and his companions approached what was once a grand stone coliseum, now broken and half-swallowed by the sands of time.

From afar, it looked like the ribs of a sleeping giant, curved walls rising from the earth, their edges blackened by fire and years of blood sport. A cold wind blew through the fractured arches, and even the birds dared not perch upon its crown.

Rein pulled his cloak tighter. "This is the place," he said. "Locals call it the Crimson Arena."

Lyra wrinkled her nose. "Smells like old death."

"Because it never stopped bleeding," Rein replied. "The first of the Nine—they say his domain was born here."

Kun looked up at the weathered statue near the entrance. A knight clad in jagged armor, holding a twisted sword, gazed down at them with no face beneath the helm—only darkness carved in stone.

"The Bloodshadow Lord," Elandor whispered. "One of the Nine."

---

🩸 The Message in Blood

Inside the coliseum, shadows stretched long across the sand-covered floor. The team moved cautiously past broken pillars and shattered chains. At the center, where once crowds screamed for blood, stood a fresh corpse—impaled on a spike, arms outstretched like a warning.

On his chest, a message written in blood:

> "The trial begins. Only one may leave."

Suddenly, the ground trembled.

A roar echoed from deep below, followed by the rising clatter of iron gates.

One by one, four entrances around the arena slid open—and from each, emerged a warrior clad in black-red armor. Their bodies moved stiffly, as if puppets strung by magic.

Their eyes glowed faint crimson.

Lyra stepped back. "Those aren't alive."

"They were once," Elandor said grimly. "Arena champions. Reanimated with blood seals."

"Can we take them?" Kun asked, already shifting his stance.

Rein unsheathed his sword with a metallic whisper. "We don't have a choice."

---

⚔️ The Battle Begins

The undead warriors charged with brutal speed.

Kun ignited his palm, casting a narrow flame to intercept one—but the warrior slid past the attack and slammed a massive axe toward him. He ducked and rolled, using the momentum to launch a focused burst at the creature's leg, sending it toppling.

Lyra summoned a wall of fire, separating two opponents. Rein clashed blade to blade with a dual-wielding knight, sparks flying with each strike.

They were faster than expected. Stronger than the reanimated beasts they had faced before.

"Something's controlling them," Elandor shouted, weaving runes mid-air to slow another attacker. "They're linked to a blood core—destroy it, or they'll keep coming!"

Kun's eyes swept the arena.

There.

Above the statue's base, a glowing sigil pulsed in red—a floating crimson orb surrounded by skeletal runes.

He took a breath, focused, and leapt.

---

🔥 Kun Awakens Again

The world slowed.

As Kun flew upward, time seemed to stall. He felt heat rise within him—not from fear, but from something deeper.

The starfire stirred.

He thrust his fist forward mid-air, and a small flare of pure golden-blue flame erupted from his hand, lancing straight toward the orb.

It struck.

The orb screamed.

A shockwave rippled outward. The reanimated champions froze… then shattered, their armor falling hollow to the sand.

Kun landed, breath ragged, hand still glowing faintly. He clenched it shut before anyone could comment.

But Rein had seen.

---

🧨 A New Challenger

The silence didn't last.

From the shadows of the upper stands, a slow, rhythmic clapping began.

A tall figure emerged—wrapped in blood-colored cloth, face hidden behind a full-face helm carved with a wicked smile.

His voice echoed through the empty arena.

> "So... the starborn walks among mortals. The Bloodshadow will be most pleased."

Rein stepped forward. "Who are you?"

The figure tilted its head. "I am but a servant. The Bloodshadow Lord does not reveal himself to worms. But I—" he raised one hand, summoning a blood-forged greatsword— "will be your welcome."

"Name yourself," Kun said coldly.

The figure bowed mockingly.

> "I am Kael'thas the Crimson Vow, bloodsworn knight of the Ninth. And you—will not leave this arena alive."