Quas Blood

 Brother and Blood

The Reiss Brothers

Pax

Crossing – A Struggle for Survival

The sky above Pax Crossing was a dull shade of gray, as if even the heavens had long abandoned this land. The air smelled of damp earth and smoldering wood, carried by the wind from distant farmsteads. The dirt roads were uneven, lined with wooden houses that leaned on each other like old drunks. Life here was hard, and survival meant toil.

Among the many laborers of the slums, two brothers worked tirelessly to earn their keep. Kaiser and Kevin Reiss—born into hardship, raised by their own sweat and calloused hands. Their father was long gone, their mother buried beneath the fields they now tilled.

Kaiser,

the elder, was built lean but strong, with a sharp gaze that carried defiance.

Kevin, though younger, was more disciplined, his hands steadier, his temper

more controlled. Together, they had forged a life in Pax Crossing—a life of

struggle, but a life nonetheless.

At

midday, they took shelter beneath a crumbling wooden awning, sharing a meal of

stale bread and salted meat. Around them, laborers and merchants spoke in

hushed tones.

"They

say a man in the capital turned to smoke and vanished. Quas blood, they

say."

"Nonsense.

Those stories are for children."

"You

wouldn't say that if you saw it yourself. They say those with Quas blood can

call upon creatures not of this world."

Kaiser

scoffed, biting into his bread. "Every time someone does something unnatural,

they blame 'Quas blood.'"

Kevin

smirked. "And yet, if it's real, wouldn't that mean we could have it too?"

Kaiser

shook his head. "If we had it, would we be living like this?" He gestured to

the slums around them, where children begged for food and old men coughed into

rags. "Face it, Kevin. We're nobodies."

But

as he spoke, he felt an uneasy shiver crawl up his spine, like something inside

him disagreed.

A

Price to Pay for Justice

By

evening, after hours of hauling sacks of grain and repairing wooden carts, they

made their way to the market square. A food stall sat at the corner, its scent

of roasted meat tempting them. But before they could approach, a group of thugs

stepped in first.

The

stall owner, a frail man, looked up in fear as the largest thug—a man with a

scarred lip and a cruel grin—slammed his fist onto the counter.

"Time

to pay up, old man."

The

brothers watched from a distance. Kevin exhaled slowly. "Not our fight,

Kaiser."

Kaiser's

fists clenched. "Bastards like them shouldn't be allowed to do this."

Scar-Lip

grabbed the stall owner's collar. The old man pleaded, "Please, I have

children—" before being thrown to the ground.

That

was the last straw.

Kaiser

took a step forward.

The

Beating

"Oi,"

Kaiser called. The thugs turned, amusement flickering in their eyes.

Scar-Lip

laughed. "You got a problem, kid?"

Kevin

grabbed Kaiser's arm, whispering, "Don't. We can't win."

But

it was too late.

The

first punch came like a hammer to Kaiser's gut. He staggered, coughing as dirt

and blood mixed in his mouth. Kevin tried to pull him away, but another thug

grabbed him and slammed him against the wall.

The

beating was swift and brutal.

Fists

crashed into ribs. Boots struck against flesh. Kevin felt his lip split open,

Kaiser tasted blood pooling on his tongue.

Soon,

both brothers lay in the dirt, motionless.

The

thugs laughed. "Next time, mind your own damn business."

Scar-Lip

pulled back his foot for one last kick—

Then

he froze.

A

Presence in the Dark

The

air turned unnaturally cold.

The

laughter died in the thugs' throats as an eerie whisper slithered through the

alley.

"You...

dare... touch... my vessel?"

From

the shadows, a figure emerged.

It

was tall, cloaked in black mist, its form flickering between solid and

spectral. Hollow eyes glowed like dying embers, and its jagged mouth curled

into something inhumanly sinister.

The

thugs barely had time to scream before the entity lunged.

A

blur of black claws tore into flesh. Bones cracked. Blood splattered against

the dirt walls. One by one, they were dragged into the darkness, their cries

fading into nothing.

Kaiser,

barely conscious, felt the cold touch of something against his cheek.

A

voice, deep and ancient, whispered in his mind:

"You

are mine now."

Darkness

swallowed him.

Part

2 – The Weight of Survival

Waking

in the Aftermath

The

morning light seeped through the cracks of the worn-down wooden walls, casting

thin streaks of gold over the dirt floor. The air inside the small home was

thick with the scent of dried blood and sweat.

Kaiser

Reiss stirred awake, his entire body aching from the brutal beating the night

before. As soon as he moved, pain flared in his ribs, but... it wasn't as bad

as it should have been. He shouldn't have been able to move at all.

Across

the room, Kevin sat on a stool, wrapping a fresh bandage around his arm. His

expression was distant, his body tense. The bruises on his face were a stark

reminder of what had happened.

"You're

awake," Kevin muttered without looking up.

Kaiser

sat up slowly, gritting his teeth. "Barely."

Kevin's

Caution

Kevin

exhaled through his nose, finally meeting Kaiser's eyes. "Do you remember what

happened?"

Kaiser

hesitated. He remembered the thugs, the pain, the helplessness… and then—

"Call

upon my name."

The

voice from the dark. The thing that appeared. The way the air had turned cold

and wrong before the screams of their attackers filled the night.

"Not

everything," Kaiser lied.

Kevin

studied him carefully before shaking his head. "Whatever that was… it wasn't

normal. I don't think we should talk about it."

Kaiser

clenched his fists. He could feel something different inside him, like an ember

waiting to be stoked into a wildfire. But he nodded.

"Fine.

We move on."

The

Town's Whispering Eyes

Outside,

Pax Crossing was waking up. People moved through the streets, carrying sacks of

grain, hauling lumber, tending to livestock. Life continued as if nothing had

happened.

But

the moment the brothers stepped out of their home, they felt it.

Eyes

on them.

Villagers

stopped their work to glance at them—some in shock, others in suspicion. The

brothers weren't supposed to be alive after a beating like that.

Kaiser

overheard whispers as they passed through the market.

"They

should be dead."

"No

one survives a beating like that."

"Maybe…

maybe they're not normal."

Kevin

kept his head down, pushing forward. Kaiser, however, felt his fists

tightening. He hated being watched like an animal in a cage.

"They're

acting like we're monsters," Kaiser muttered under his breath.

Kevin

didn't respond at first. Then, in a low voice, he said, "That's because they

think we are."

Hiding

Kaiser's Secret

They

continued their work as if nothing had changed. Lifting, hauling, enduring.

Their muscles ached, their bruises burned, but they couldn't afford to stop.

But

Kevin was watching.

Kaiser

was recovering too quickly. The pain that should've crippled him was already

fading. His movements were smoother, his strength returning faster than it

should.

At

the well, Kevin grabbed Kaiser's arm, his grip firm. "You need to be careful."

Kaiser

raised an eyebrow. "Of what?"

"You're

healing too fast," Kevin whispered. "People are already talking. If anyone

thinks you have Quas blood—"

"They'll

turn on us," Kaiser finished for him.

Kevin

nodded, his face serious. "Don't let anyone notice. If something feels…

different, you tell me first."

Kaiser

scoffed but didn't argue.

The

Weight of Envy

That

night, as they sat on the floor of their home, sharing a modest meal of bread

and soup, Kevin finally spoke the thought that had been eating at him all day.

"I

heard something today," he said, staring at his bowl. "In the capital,

Quas-blooded people live better lives."

Kaiser

raised an eyebrow. "How so?"

"Some

join powerful factions. Some get recruited by nobles or become warriors. People

respect them, even fear them—but they don't starve like we do."

Kaiser

leaned back, thoughtful. "So you're saying, if we had Quas blood, we wouldn't

be nobodies anymore?"

Kevin

hesitated. He didn't want to admit it, but deep down… he envied those people.

The ones with power. The ones who weren't stuck in places like Pax Crossing,

breaking their backs just to live another day.

And

now, Kaiser had something that felt different.

Something

powerful.

Kevin

clenched his fist under the table.

The

Arrival of Gregory Malter

As

the night deepened, a stranger entered Pax Crossing.

The

first thing people noticed was the heavy sound of boots against the dirt road.

The man was tall, broad-shouldered, his worn leather armor scarred from

countless battles. A massive iron mace rested against his back.

His

eyes were sharp, scanning every face in the village. Not with curiosity—but

with purpose.

Gregory

Malter had come to Pax Crossing.

And

he was looking for people with Quas blood.

Part

3 – The Hunter in the Slums

Gregory

Malter Begins His Hunt

The

morning in Pax Crossing was different. The usual market chatter was still

there, the smell of dried fish and sunbaked earth lingered, but something

unseen had changed.

A

stranger had arrived.

Gregory

Malter walked through the streets with measured steps, his heavy boots kicking

up dust. His weathered leather armor bore the scars of past battles, and the

massive iron mace strapped to his back made the townsfolk uneasy.

He

wasn't here for trade.

He

stopped at a fruit stall, casually picking up an apple before locking eyes with

the vendor. "I'm looking for someone." His voice was calm, steady. Too steady.

The

vendor swallowed hard. "Who?"

Gregory

gave a slow smile. "Anyone… unusual."

The

vendor frowned. "Unusual?"

Gregory

leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "People who shouldn't be alive. People

who are… stronger than they should be."

The

vendor's breath hitched. He had heard the rumors—everyone had.

And

now, trouble had come looking for them.

The

Voice

Kaiser

hadn't slept well.

Even

as he worked, loading sacks of grain onto a wooden cart, something gnawed at

the edge of his mind.

A

whisper.

"You

are mine now."

His

body didn't feel right. He should still be in pain, but his bruises were

already fading. His ribs ached, but they weren't broken. And every time he

moved, he felt… lighter.

As

if his body wasn't completely his anymore.

"Say

my name…"

He

froze. The whisper was louder this time.

"Kaiser?"

He

snapped out of it. Kevin was watching him, concern in his eyes. "You

good?"

Kaiser

forced a grin. "Yeah. Just tired."

Kevin

didn't look convinced.

Kevin's

Growing Envy

As

the morning went on, Kevin kept stealing glances at his brother.

Kaiser

should still be struggling. His injuries should've made it hard to walk, let

alone work.

But

instead, he looked fine.

Kevin

tightened his grip on the wooden crate he was carrying. If Kaiser has Quas

blood… then what about me?

They

were brothers. They had always struggled together, suffered together. If Kaiser

had something more—a gift, a power—then what did that make Kevin?

Just

a shadow?

A

Fight in the Market – A Glimpse of Power

They

were passing through the market square when the fight broke out.

Two

drunk men, arguing over stolen goods, began shoving each other. One swung a

fist, knocking the other back into a fruit stall.

People

backed away quickly. But in the chaos, a small boy—no older than five—was

caught in the middle.

One

of the men stumbled, his fist flying toward the child.

Kaiser

moved before he could think.

The

world seemed to slow as his legs pushed forward faster than they should. His

hand shot out, gripping the child's arm and pulling him away—

A

second later, the man's fist crashed into the ground where the boy had been.

The

moment was so quick, so unnatural, that everyone nearby noticed.

And

among them, Gregory Malter was watching.

Gregory

Malter's Suspicion

Standing

on the far side of the square, Gregory narrowed his eyes.

That

movement. That speed. That wasn't normal.

He

had been in this business long enough to recognize the signs.

And

now, he had a lead.

He

started walking.

The

Confrontation Begins

Kaiser

felt it before he saw it.

A

presence. Heavy. Suffocating.

When

he turned, Gregory Malter was already there.

"That

was quite the reaction speed you had, boy," Gregory said casually, as if they

were discussing the weather.

Kaiser

tensed. Kevin, standing beside him, stiffened.

They

both knew what was happening.

This

man wasn't just curious.

He

was hunting.

Kevin

Strikes First

Kevin's

heartbeat pounded in his ears. Fear. Rage. Confusion.

Without

thinking, he threw a punch.

Gregory

barely moved.

In

a single motion, he sidestepped and drove his elbow into Kevin's stomach.

Kevin's

breath ripped from his lungs as he staggered back, collapsing onto his knees,

gasping.

Gregory

didn't even look at him. His gaze stayed locked on Kaiser.

"Are

you going to fight back, too?" Gregory asked, amused.

Kaiser

gritted his teeth. He had no chance of winning against this man.

So

he did the only thing he could.

He

ran.

The

Chase

Kevin

stumbled to his feet, clutching his ribs as he ran beside Kaiser.

They

weaved through narrow alleyways, kicking up dust and dirt, their lungs burning.

Behind

them, Gregory didn't rush. He followed at a steady pace, like a predator toying

with its prey.

"Faster,

damn it!" Kaiser growled, pulling Kevin forward.

They

turned a corner—

And

ran straight into a dead end.

Cornered

Like Prey

The

alley was blocked by a stone wall.

Kaiser

spun, heart pounding.

Gregory

walked into the alleyway, blocking their only exit.

He

cracked his knuckles, rolling his shoulders. "End of the road, boys."

Kaiser

and Kevin stood their ground, but they both knew—this wasn't a fight they could

win.

The

Beating

Gregory

struck first.

Kaiser

tried to dodge, but Gregory was too fast.

A

fist to the ribs sent him crashing against the wall.

Kevin

lunged forward, but Gregory swung his mace's handle into his side, sending him

sprawling to the ground.

The

next few moments were a blur of pain.

Kaiser

tried to fight, but every attack was countered effortlessly. Every strike sent

him deeper into the dirt.

Until

finally, he couldn't move anymore.

Gregory

stood over them, barely winded.

"This

is the difference," he muttered.

A

Whisper in the Dark

Kaiser's

vision blurred as blood ran down his forehead.

The

world around him grew cold.

Then—

"Call

upon my name."

His

breath hitched.

"Say

it."

He

felt something in the air shift. A pressure. A presence.

Gregory

was saying something—but Kaiser couldn't hear it anymore.

"Say…

Alzalel."

Through

cracked lips, barely above a whisper—

Kaiser

exhaled.

"Alzalel."

Part

4 – The Awakening of the Ghost

Alzalel!

The

word ripped from his throat, raw and desperate.

"Alzalel!"

The

name carried through the alley, slicing through the tension like a blade. The

moment it left his lips, everything changed.

The

air around them dropped to an unnatural cold, turning Kevin's breath into mist.

The alley, once dimly lit by scattered torches, was now engulfed in unnatural

darkness. Shadows twisted, stretching unnaturally along the walls, writhing as

if alive.

A

pressure settled over the alleyway, heavy and suffocating. Kevin, barely

conscious, felt his stomach twist in dread.

Something

had answered.

The

Manifestation of Alzalel

The

darkness deepened, forming tendrils of black mist that coiled and slithered

along the ground.

Then,

it took shape.

From

the depths of the shadows, a figure emerged. Its form flickered between solid

and spectral, never fully belonging to the world of the living. Its hollow,

glowing eyes burned like dying embers, and a low, distorted whisper filled the

air, sending chills down Kevin's spine.

Kaiser's

body twitched, his fingers curling involuntarily. The presence was inside him,

seeping into every fiber of his being.

Gregory

Malter Realizes the Threat

Gregory

took a step back, his grip on the mace tightening.

He

had seen many things in his lifetime. He had fought Quas-blooded warriors,

mercenaries, and monsters in human skin.

But

this—this was different.

His

eyes flicked between Kaiser and the entity forming behind him. His suspicions

had been confirmed.

"A

Contracting…" he muttered under his breath.

Then,

his expression hardened.

He

knew what he had to do.

Gregory's

Killing Blow

Gregory

moved.

Faster

than one would expect from a man his size, he lunged forward, his mace raised

high.

He

couldn't let the transformation finish. If Kaiser fully bonded with the entity,

this would turn into something far worse.

With

a burst of strength, he swung his mace down, aiming to crush Kaiser's skull.

But

before the blow could land—

The

Shadows Explode

A

blast of spectral energy erupted outward.

The

force sent Gregory skidding back, his boots dragging against the dirt as he

braced himself. The entire alleyway trembled, dust and debris shaking loose

from the cracked stone walls.

Every

torch and lantern in the area flickered violently—then died out completely.

For

a moment, there was only silence.

Then,

a whisper slithered through the void—Alzalel's voice.

"You

dare raise your weapon against my vessel?"

Gregory

gritted his teeth. It wasn't fully summoned yet. He still had a chance.

Kaiser's

First Fusion – The Take Over

Kaiser's

body convulsed as dark tendrils wrapped around him, sinking into his skin.

The

bruises and cuts from the beating? They vanished.

His

wounds sealed shut unnaturally, his breathing steadied, and when he opened his

eyes—they briefly flashed an eerie, pale white.

He

gasped as his senses expanded. He could see the world differently now, every

flickering shadow, every breath of movement.

It

was overwhelming.

It

was power.

But

he wasn't in control. Not yet.

Gregory

Malter Regains His Ground

Gregory

steadied himself, rolling his shoulders.

He

had seen something like this before.

This

was the second stage of a Quas-blooded awakening—the Take Over.

But

Kaiser had no experience. He couldn't wield this power properly.

Gregory's

eyes narrowed. "You're unstable. You don't even know how to use it

yet."

Kaiser's

Unstable Power

Kaiser

lurched forward, his body moving before his mind could process it.

He

felt weightless, faster, stronger—but his body wasn't entirely his.

He

swung at Gregory—a wild, erratic attack fueled by raw instinct.

Gregory

sidestepped effortlessly.

With

practiced ease, he brought the handle of his mace up, slamming it into Kaiser's

ribs.

The

impact sent Kaiser stumbling back, his body skidding across the dirt.

Alzalel's

Whisper

"You

are not ready… but I will guide you."

Kaiser's

head snapped up, his breath heavy.

This

wasn't over.

The

Dash

He

gritted his teeth, digging his heels into the dirt.

A

surge of power coursed through his veins, ghostly mist twisting around his

arms. His body felt lighter than ever before, and for the first time—he

welcomed it.

Kaiser

dashed forward.

A

blur of shadow and motion, heading straight for Gregory.

Part

5 – Clash of the Ghost and the Hunter

The

Contracting of a Quas Blood

As

the vessel speaks the name of the entity for the first time, something beyond

human understanding occurs—the Contracting.

This

agreement does not take place in the physical world. Instead, it happens within

the vessel's mind, a moment stretched into eternity, where the entity and the

vessel reach an unspoken understanding.

The

agreement is simple—power in exchange for a bond.

Some

entities demand sacrifices, others require loyalty or submission, and a few

simply wish to exist through their host. The exact details differ, but the

result is always the same:

Once

the agreement is made, the entity materializes in the real world.

The

process is instant, yet within the mind of the vessel, it feels like a long,

twisted negotiation.

And

in that fleeting moment, Kaiser Reiss made his agreement with Alzalel.

A

Clash Begins

Kaiser

surged forward, his movements far beyond human limits.

The

air around him rippled, his body moving in a blur as he closed the distance

between him and Gregory Malter.

But

speed alone wasn't enough.

Gregory

shifted his stance at the last moment, sidestepping with ease. Kaiser's dagger

barely missed his ribs.

The

bounty hunter's experience showed immediately. While Kaiser's attacks were

fast, they were wild, unrefined—driven by raw instinct rather than skill.

Gregory

responded with brutal efficiency.

A

mace strike to the ribs sent Kaiser staggering, but before he could recover—a

follow-up blow came crashing toward his skull.

Kaiser

barely twisted out of the way. The force of the swing shattered the crates

behind him, sending splinters flying.

Gregory

narrowed his eyes. Sloppy… but healing too fast. I need to end this now.

Kevin

Watches in Horror

Kevin

lay on the ground, clutching his ribs, watching the battle unfold.

His

brother was different.

The

way Kaiser moved—the way his body reacted before his mind could think—wasn't

normal.

The

more Kaiser fought, the more his strikes became sharper, more calculated.

And

the worst part?

Kevin

could see his brother wasn't entirely in control.

"Kaiser,

stop!" he shouted. "You don't know what you're doing!"

But

Kaiser wasn't listening.

The

Whisper of the Ghost

"Let

me guide you."

Kaiser

felt Alzalel's voice crawling into his mind, slipping between his thoughts like

a shadow.

"Do

not swing wildly—predict. Control. Adjust."

His

hands twitched. His grip on the dagger tightened.

Suddenly,

Kaiser's movements shifted.

His

attacks, once erratic, became deliberate.

He

feinted left, then struck low, forcing Gregory to move his footing.

Then—a

precise stab toward his exposed ribs.

Gregory

barely dodged, his eyes narrowing. The kid was learning mid-fight.

Gregory's

Counterattack

Gregory

exhaled, adjusting his grip on the mace.

Kaiser

was adapting too fast.

If

this continued, the fight would no longer be in his favor.

Gregory

made his decision.

Slamming

his mace into the ground, he created a shockwave, forcing Kaiser to back away.

Dust and debris kicked up, momentarily blinding the alley.

Gregory

charged forward, swinging his mace in a controlled arc.

Kaiser

barely dodged.

Then—he

disappeared.

Phantom

Step – Kaiser's First Ghostly Ability

Kaiser

hadn't meant to do it.

His

body just… reacted.

One

moment, he was in front of Gregory—the next, he was behind him.

He

didn't jump. He didn't run. He just… vanished and reappeared.

Gregory's

eyes widened. Phantom Step…?!

Kaiser

himself froze in shock. What just happened?

Alzalel's

voice whispered again.

"You

are finally beginning to grasp it."

Gregory's

Realization

Gregory

clenched his jaw. He couldn't let this fight drag on.

Kaiser

was evolving too quickly.

If

he didn't end this now, it would become a fight he couldn't win.

Gregory

adjusted his stance, bracing himself for the final exchange.

Kaiser's

Final Dash

Kaiser,

now more in sync with Alzalel, felt the surge of power.

The

dagger in his hand glowed faintly with spectral mist, vibrating as if alive.

His

breathing steadied. His mind was clearer.

He

didn't hesitate.

He

dashed forward.

A

blur of shadow and motion, heading straight for Gregory.

Part

6 – Breaking the Chains

The

Clash Continues

Kaiser

lunged forward, his spectral dagger aimed directly at Gregory's chest. His

movements were sharper, faster, more precise—far beyond anything he had ever

done before.

Gregory,

however, was no ordinary opponent.

With

practiced ease, he raised his mace just in time, the dagger's edge scraping

against the reinforced handle.

The

impact sent a shockwave rippling through the alley, dust and debris kicking up

from the sheer force. Both fighters were thrown back, their feet dragging

against the dirt.

Kaiser,

fueled by Alzalel's influence, felt no exhaustion. But Gregory? He was

beginning to notice the strain.

Kevin's

Desperation

Kevin,

still on the ground, forced himself up. His ribs ached, his limbs weak, but his

eyes never left his brother.

Kaiser

was changing.

His

movements, his stance—it wasn't him anymore.

Kevin's

stomach twisted in unease. "Kaiser, stop! This isn't you!"

But

Kaiser wasn't listening.

Gregory's

Counterattack

Gregory's

eyes narrowed. I need to stop this now.

He

suddenly changed tactics, shifting his weight before sweeping Kaiser's legs

with a low kick.

Kaiser

stumbled. That was all Gregory needed.

With

ruthless efficiency, Gregory swung his mace down, aiming to knock Kaiser

unconscious before the entity could fully consume him.

Phantom

Step – Again!

But

just as the mace was about to connect, Kaiser vanished.

Gregory's

attack hit nothing but air.

A

cold sensation crawled up his spine—Kaiser had reappeared behind him.

Gregory

barely had time to react as Kaiser's dagger flashed toward his throat.

But

Gregory wasn't just a brute.

Predicting

the move, he twisted at the last second, driving his elbow into Kaiser's ribs.

The

force of the strike sent Kaiser crashing against a stone wall.

The

Whisper Grows Louder

Kaiser

barely felt the pain. His body healed too fast, the injuries fading before they

could settle.

But

something was wrong.

His

fingers tingled with unnatural cold. His vision blurred, his heartbeat slowing.

Then

he felt it—a pull.

Something

was dragging him deeper into the abyss.

"Do

not hold back. Give in. Accept me fully."

His

body shuddered, shadows clinging to his skin like mist.

For

a moment, his form flickered—his fingers stretching into something inhuman

before snapping back.

Kaiser's

breath came out ragged. He was losing himself.

Kevin's

Intervention

Kevin

saw it—the way Kaiser's body was changing, shifting in ways that shouldn't be

possible.

Panic

surged through him.

Without

thinking, Kevin rushed forward and grabbed Kaiser's arm.

"Kaiser,

stop! Fight it!"

The

moment Kevin touched him, a spark of warmth pulsed through Kaiser's body.

The

abyss hesitated.

For

a split second, Kaiser was back.

But

it was too late.

The

Abyss Awakens

Gregory,

seeing the distraction, lunged forward, swinging his mace in a devastating arc

aimed at Kaiser's side.

The

blow connected.

Kaiser's

body jerked violently, crashing into the ground with a sickening thud.

Gregory

wasted no time—he stepped forward, ready to end it.

But

then, the world froze.

The

air grew thick and suffocating, the very atmosphere turning into something

unnatural.

And

for the first time, Gregory Malter felt fear.

A

voice, ancient and bone-chilling, whispered into his ear.

"Gaze

into the abyss..."

A

skeletal hand, wreathed in shadow, gripped Gregory's face.

Alzalel

had manifested.

The

entity's hollow, burning eyes locked onto Gregory's own.

A

second whisper came, low and dreadful—

"The

abyss gazes back."

Gregory

screamed.

An

invisible force crushed into his mind, a supernatural agony unlike anything he

had ever known.

His

own shadow twisted unnaturally, clawing at him like a living nightmare.

Gregory

staggered back, his body trembling violently, his vision darkening—as if

something was devouring his very soul.

Kaiser,

still on the ground, watched in shock.

This

was beyond him now.

Part

7 – The Ghost's Chains

Kaiser

Collapses

The

world around Kaiser spun, his breath ragged as he stumbled back, his body

finally reaching its limit. His vision blurred, dark edges creeping into his

sight. His limbs felt like lead, his mind drowning in exhaustion.

His

knees buckled beneath him, and he collapsed onto the cold dirt.

Even

as his body gave out, the presence of Alzalel remained.

The

Lingering Influence

The

alley still carried the entity's dreadful chill. The air felt thick,

suffocating, as if reality itself struggled to contain the unnatural force.

Alzalel

hovered over Gregory, his hollow, glowing eyes fixated on the bounty hunter's

trembling form.

Gregory

was still trapped in the abyss, his mind clawing against the indescribable pain

seared into his very being.

Kevin's

Desperation

Kevin

scrambled to his brother's side, his heart racing. He gripped Kaiser's

shoulders, shaking him violently.

"Kaiser!

Wake up!" His voice cracked with fear.

Kevin

had no idea what was happening, but he knew one thing—this wasn't normal. This

wasn't just Quas blood.

His

brother had called something terrible into existence.

The

Whisper in Kaiser's Mind

Deep

in the abyss of unconsciousness, Kaiser heard Alzalel's voice.

"You

are not ready… but you will be."

For

a moment, his mind was not his own.

He

saw visions—flashes of a world unlike his own.

A battlefield

drenched in shadows, men and creatures alike screaming as they were swallowed

by darkness. A towering figure, its skeletal form wreathed in black mist, gazed

upon the chaos with cold amusement.

And

then—it was gone.

Gregory's

Willpower

Gregory

gritted his teeth, his body trembling violently as he fought back against the

supernatural torment.

The

abyss still clawed at his soul, whispers tearing into his mind. But Gregory had

spent his life hunting Quas-blooded individuals.

He

had seen monsters, warriors, and abominations.

He

would not be broken by this.

With

sheer determination, he forced himself to move, lifting his trembling hand

toward his mace.

Alzalel

Releases Gregory

Alzalel's

gaze lingered on Gregory for a moment longer—then, with a motionless, eerie

grace, he finally released him.

The

abyssal energy vanished, and Gregory collapsed to his knees, gasping for air as

sweat poured from his face.

His

body was weak, shaken—but not defeated.

Gregory's

vision was hazy, but his mind was clear:

Kaiser

Reiss was too dangerous to ignore.

The

Ghost Speaks to Kaiser

As

the tension in the alley thickened, Alzalel turned to Kaiser.

For

the first time, the entity spoke directly to his vessel—not in whispers, but in

a voice that echoed through Kaiser's very soul.

"Sleep,

vessel. When you awaken, we will talk."

Kevin's

Horror

Kevin

watched as Alzalel raised a shadowy hand toward Kaiser.

An

overwhelming sense of dread filled his chest.

"Stop!

What are you doing?!" he shouted.

But

his words meant nothing.

Kaiser

Falls into Darkness

Kaiser

barely had time to react before his body suddenly grew heavy.

His

eyelids drooped, his limbs numbed, and his thoughts faded into silence.

A

crushing wave of exhaustion overtook him.

He

barely heard Kevin's desperate voice before his world turned black.

The

Vanishing Ghost

Kevin

watched in helpless terror as Alzalel's ghostly form slowly faded, dissolving

back into the void.

The

alley fell into absolute silence.

The

cold air remained. The fear remained.

But

Alzalel was gone.

And

Kaiser did not wake up.

Part

8 – The Farewell and the Aftermath

Awakening

in Silence

Kaiser's

eyes fluttered open to the dim glow of early morning light filtering through

the cracks in the wooden walls.

For

a moment, his mind felt empty—no whispers, no shadows, no pain. Just the

stillness of waking.

Then,

the memories flooded back.

The

fight. Gregory. The phantom step. The voice that had spoken to him from beyond.

His

body tensed, expecting pain. But as he slowly sat up, he realized—there was

none.

His

wounds… were gone.

An

Empty House

The

house was silent.

Too

silent.

Kevin

should've been moving around, cursing about the morning cold or preparing for

another day of labor.

But

there was nothing. No footsteps. No movement.

Kaiser's

stomach tightened.

Something

was wrong.

His

eyes swept the small, worn-down space—the old wooden table, the small pile of

blankets on Kevin's cot, the faint scent of dried bread lingering in the air.

Then

he saw it.

Lying

neatly in the center of the table was a folded letter.

Kevin's

Letter

Kaiser

slowly stood, his legs feeling heavier than before. He walked to the table,

picking up the letter with cautious hands.

The

handwriting was unmistakable. Kevin's.

His

heartbeat quickened as he unfolded the note.

Kaiser,

When

you wake up, I'll already be gone.

I

don't know what happened to you in that alley. I don't know what you've become.

But I do know that you're not the same brother I grew up with.

I've

always thought that we'd struggle together, fight together, survive together.

But after last night, I realized something—I don't belong in your shadow.

If

you have Quas blood, if you really have power… then I need to find out who I am

without you.

I

don't want to fear my own brother, Kaiser.

So

I'm leaving.

Don't

look for me.

–

Kevin

Kaiser

stared at the letter, unblinking.

The

words felt unreal, like they had been written by someone else—not Kevin. Not

his brother.

But

as he read the letter again, the truth sank in.

Kevin

was gone.

His

hands tightened around the paper, fingers trembling as emotions clashed inside

him.

Anger.

Confusion.

An

emptiness he couldn't put into words.

His

brother—the only person he had in this world—had walked away.

The

Knock at the Door

Before

Kaiser could even fully process what he was feeling, a sound echoed through the

house.

Knock.

Knock.

His

head snapped toward the door, his instincts sharpening instantly.

The

knock was firm, steady—not frantic, not hesitant.

Then,

a voice.

Deep.

Unfamiliar.

"Kaiser

Reiss."

His

pulse spiked.

His

first thought—Gregory had returned.

His

hands clenched into fists, his breathing slow and controlled.

As

he took a step toward the door, a cold whisper brushed against his mind.

"And

so it begins."

Part

9 – The Hunter's Warning

A

Visitor at the Door

The

air inside the small house felt heavy, thick with the weight of what had just

happened.

Kevin

was gone.

The

letter still trembled slightly in Kaiser's grip as his mind struggled to

process it all. The one person he had relied on—the only family he had left—had

walked away from him.

Then

came the knock.

Knock.

Knock.

The

deep voice followed, steady and composed.

"Kaiser

Reiss."

Kaiser's

body reacted before his mind could think. His muscles tensed, his heart

pounded, and his hands instinctively clenched into fists.

He

knew that voice.

He

turned toward the door, his thoughts racing.

Gregory.

Kaiser

reached for the handle, ready for another fight. If Gregory had come to finish

what he started, then—

He

swung the door open.

Gregory

Returns – But Not as an Enemy

Gregory

Malter stood on the other side.

The

morning sun cast a long shadow behind him, outlining his tall, broad frame. He

still wore his scarred leather armor, his massive mace strapped to his back—but

there was no aggression in his stance.

No

immediate intent to attack.

Kaiser

stayed on edge, but something about Gregory's expression was… different.

Calm.

Measured.

For

the first time, Kaiser saw something other than a bounty hunter in Gregory's

eyes.

Experience.

He's

not here to kill me.

Gregory's

gaze flicked past Kaiser, scanning the empty room behind him. His eyes landed

on the letter on the table.

He

didn't ask about it.

Instead,

he stepped inside without waiting for permission.

A

Cold Conversation

Kaiser

kept his distance, his fists still clenched. "What do you want?"

Gregory

let out a slow breath, crossing his arms. "Relax, kid. If I wanted to kill

you, I would've done it already."

Kaiser

didn't relax.

Gregory's

eyes locked onto him. "After last night, you should already know. You

can't stay here."

Kaiser's

jaw tightened. He didn't want to hear this—not now, not after Kevin—

Gregory

continued.

"You

think people here won't notice? After what happened in that alley, after what

you became?"

Kaiser's

breath slowed.

Gregory's

words cut deep—because they were true.

"The

people of Pax Crossing may not understand what you are, but they're not stupid.

They'll fear you. And fear leads to one of two things—worship or

execution."

A

Warning and a Lesson

Kaiser

turned away, his fingers tightening around Kevin's letter.

Gregory

watched him for a moment before sighing. "Look. I don't care what you do

after this, but I'll give you one piece of advice."

Kaiser

didn't respond.

Gregory

stepped forward. "You need to leave Pax Crossing. Now."

Kaiser's

shoulders tensed, but he didn't argue. He knew Gregory was right.

But

before he could say anything, Gregory narrowed his eyes and added, "You're

strong, but strength alone doesn't mean shit. You barely lasted against

me."

Kaiser

turned, his teeth grinding. "I was just getting used to—"

"You

were reckless," Gregory cut him off. "Fast, sure. But wild. You're

still weak. And if you don't get stronger, someone else is going to put you in

the ground before you even figure out what you are."

Kaiser

stayed silent.

Because,

deep down, he knew Gregory was right.

A

Path Forward

Gregory

shifted, glancing once more at the letter on the table before looking back at

Kaiser.

"You

have power now, whether you wanted it or not. But you don't understand it. And

until you do, you're a liability—to yourself and everyone around you."

Kaiser

clenched his fists, feeling a mix of anger and truth in Gregory's words.

"What

are you saying?" he muttered.

Gregory

exhaled. "I'm saying you need to leave Pax Crossing and wander. Test your

limits, figure out what that thing inside you really is. You're not meant to

rot away in a dead town."

Kaiser

looked away.

Kevin

had already made his choice.

He

was gone.

And

now, Gregory was telling him he had to do the same.

Gregory

turned toward the door, his heavy boots echoing in the silence. "I don't

care what kind of person you become, Kaiser

Part

10 – The Road Ahead

The

Weight of a Decision

Kaiser

sat in silence.

The

letter lay before him, its words burned into his mind. Kevin was gone.

Gregory's warning still lingered, pushing him toward the inevitable truth—he

couldn't stay in Pax Crossing.

The

house that had once been his refuge now felt empty, hollow.

His

hands curled into fists as he let out a slow breath. He had no choice.

It

was time to leave.

Gathering

What Remains

With

slow, deliberate movements, Kaiser began gathering his few belongings.

A

small pouch of coins, barely enough to last him a few days. A knife, not much

of a weapon, but better than nothing.

He

reached for his father's old satchel, the leather worn and cracked from years

of use. It was the only thing left of their family.

As

he slung it over his shoulder, his gaze drifted to Kevin's empty bed.

The

pain flared again—anger, loss, regret—all twisted together.

But

he forced himself to push it down. There was no turning back now.

Walking

Through a Town That No Longer Accepts Him

Kaiser

stepped outside, the cold morning air biting against his skin.

The

streets of Pax Crossing were alive with activity, yet strangely quiet.

People

whispered as he walked past. They did not meet his eyes.

The

bruises from last night were gone—a miracle, or a curse, depending on who you

asked. The town no longer saw him as one of them.

And

maybe… they were right.

A

Final Encounter with Gregory

As

Kaiser approached the outskirts of town, he saw him.

Gregory

Malter stood near a dirt path, arms crossed, waiting.

The

bounty hunter had no weapons drawn, no hostility in his stance.

Kaiser

stopped a few paces away, the tension between them still lingering.

Gregory

exhaled. "So, you're actually leaving."

Kaiser

didn't respond.

Gregory

studied him, then gave a slow nod. "Good. If you stayed, you'd be dead

within the week."

Silence

stretched between them.

Then

Gregory turned slightly, staring at the distant road ahead. "Remember

this, kid. You're strong, but strength alone doesn't mean survival."

Kaiser's

jaw clenched.

Gregory's

voice remained firm. "If you don't learn, if you don't grow, someone will

bury you before you even figure out who you are."

A

pause.

Then,

Gregory glanced back at him. "Survive. That's the only thing that

matters."

Kaiser

gave a single nod before stepping past him.

He

didn't look back.

The

Road to the Unknown

The

dirt path stretched before him—the first step toward an uncertain future.

He

had no plan. No destination. Only the instinct to move forward.

As

he walked, Alzalel stirred in his mind once more.

"Your

journey begins, vessel. Let us see what kind of warrior you will become."

Kaiser's

fingers twitched. There was still so much he didn't understand.

But

he would.

He

had to.

Watching

from the Shadows

Unbeknownst

to him, he was not alone.

Two

figures stood hidden within the trees, their gazes fixed on the lone traveler.

They

did not speak.

They

only watched.

And

then—they followed.