The Last Hunter's Rise

"To wield a weapon that rejects the system… is to be rejected by the world it governs."

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📍 Shadow Flame Stronghold – Medical Wing

Kael lay unconscious.

His body trembled with waves of residual rejection. Nullfang—the anti-system blade—had carved not just through enemies, but through his own connection to the world.

Syl sat beside him, holding a damp cloth to his forehead.

"He bled from the eyes," she whispered. "What kind of sword does that?"

Myrla replied without looking up from her notes.

"One that doesn't belong in this reality."

> [System Restoration: Partial]

[Warning: Shadow Core Stability Compromised – Regeneration Slowed]

[Class Conflict Detected: Shadow Executor vs. Chainbreaker vs. Null-bound Path]

[Risk of Fracture: 18%]

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📍 Dreamscape – Between Systems

Kael drifted in a void.

Around him: fragments of old memories—his sister's laughter, the Guild's betrayal, the shadow of Vel'Zhara.

Then… his father's voice.

> "Every time you swing Nullfang… you sever more than just chains. You cut through the rules. Through fate. Through yourself."

Kael clenched his fists.

"I can't stop now."

> "I didn't say you should stop, Kael.

I said you have to be ready for what it costs."

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📍 Reality – Outer Edge of Velmire

In a city far from the Stronghold, subtle chaos had begun.

Portals—unstable, shimmering with red mist—appeared above rooftops.

Creatures not catalogued by any guild emerged.

Silent.

Wrong.

Arcontes were no longer hiding.

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📍 Guild Central – Ezrien's Office

Ezrien received the reports with clenched jaw.

"Three portal breaches in 24 hours. And not a single traceable system tag?"

The analyst nodded.

"No hunters were able to lock mana signatures. These creatures exist outside the system."

She stood, facing the massive window.

"Prepare a council alert."

"And what about Kael?"

Ezrien hesitated.

"…We may not have a choice anymore."

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📍 Shadow Flame Stronghold – Kael's Recovery

Kael sat up.

The pain lingered, but his grip on Nullfang had grown steadier.

The Hollow Watcher stood beside him.

"You've tasted the edge between power and oblivion," he said. "Now you must walk it."

Kael nodded.

"I'm not afraid of losing myself."

The Watcher raised a brow. "You should be."

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📍 Final Scene – Hidden Chamber Beneath the Guild

Deep below Guild Central, a hidden vault stirred.

A single name pulsed on a locked file—sealed since the System War.

"Project OBLIVION: Raven Ardan's Legacy"

The file cracked open.

And someone—unseen—began to read.

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