The Illusion Of Life

In the depths of the dark castle, Cardinal Toberos sat in quiet contemplation, his gaze fixed on the scattered maps and documents before him. Recent events clearly indicated that darker, more powerful forces were on the move. Finally, he lifted his head and spoke with a stern tone, "Alicia, Lady of Silence, it is time."

From the nearby shadows, Alicia emerged. She was clad in a flowing black robe, her features exuding a mysterious beauty. Silence accompanied her like an aura; it wasn't just the absence of sound, but a tangible presence that commanded the space.

"Toberos," she spoke his name softly, her expression revealing little.

The cardinal scrutinized her for a moment before asking, "Did the royal family send you? Or are you acting on your own?"

She responded with a faint smile, "A direct order. There have been recurring incidents in the east, and my research has led me to this village."

Toberos' face darkened as he reconsidered the situation, "If the royal family is involved, this is more serious than I thought. The Pope also believes the Abyssal Heralds have started to move. Based on my research, there may be someone at least at level five of the Abyss Path behind these events."

Alicia nodded, her tone decisive, "We must act quickly. Any delay will have dire consequences."

Toberos replied firmly, "We move tonight. We cannot allow this threat to take root any further."

---

In a distant hut, Marlin sat bound, enveloped by a heavy atmosphere of tension. Coming from a different world entirely, he was unprepared for this kind of ordeal. Now, he found himself in the clutches of the Abyss followers, facing an uncertain fate.

The sinister leader stood before him, scrutinizing him with gleaming eyes. "You possess the energy of the Abyss, boy. Perhaps you are unaware, but it flows through your veins. It's likely one of your parents was one of us."

The leader's words hit Marlin like a bolt of lightning. He tried to steady his fear, but his body wouldn't comply. He remained silent, struggling to process what he'd just heard.

Seeing his confusion, the leader smirked disdainfully, "Don't understand? That's to be expected. Those who dwell in the shadows rarely grasp such truths. But know this, even if you escape, any high-ranking figure who discovers your presence will eliminate you instantly. In this world, there is no place for the weak or the ignorant."

Marlin's face grew paler, and questions swirled in his mind. This was a pivotal moment, as he began to realize that his fate was intertwined with forces far beyond his control.