Rygilya Semtek was more than scared.

He narrowly dodged the black ax made of ice slicing through the air as Memphis slapped his face.

Pain rippled across his face and the hit sent him tumbling along the ground before he quickly regained his footing.

If he didn't fight back, his master would kill him. He conjured spears made of black lightning in both hands.

A throbbing, stinging sensation spread throughout his abdomen. He doubled over and vomited. He stumbled backwards, holding onto his injury while trying to suck in air.

The young Darkness Tamer felt as if his brain had been slammed against his skull when Memphis knocked him to the ground. His mentor pressed his heavy boot on his chest, and Rygilya struggled to breathe.

Rygilya Semtek was more than scared. He was terrified.

"You almost cost me my treasure, boy!" The older Darkness Tamer spat. "Why didn't you tell me Kezell had been taken?"

"To avoid this, Master," Rygilya blurted out quickly.

Memphis snorted and lifted his foot. "Little good that did you, eh?" He dug his boot into Rygilya's side, sending him sliding along the cold bone surface that felt like glass.

His entire body hurt from the clobbering.

Memphis sat on his throne.

The sound of Rygilya catching his breath kept away the silence before he finally asked, "What's so special about her?"

The older Darkness Tamer went through the trouble of gathering mercenaries and darklings just to save a healer. Sure, they were uncommon but healing items could be brought for the right price.

"She's Nadire blood," Memphis answered plainly.

Rygilya sat up at the mention of Nadire.

"Like... Kaden."

Memphis nodded.

Now Rygilya understood why she had such a high life force even with zero fighting ability. He knew the Nadires were endowed with incredible life force from birth.

It made sense. Kezell's life force would continue to grow even without training. When she reached her prime, she would have the life force of a high-tier Divine Knight, maybe even greater. Memphis planned to kill her then and absorb her life force.

Monster.

"The history books say you massacred that branch, leaving only one survivor. Why are there three of them?"

"Kezell I kept as a slave, and the other two escaped me that day. To think the boy would be able to tame the dark god just like his father," Memphis added with a far-off look.

Rygilya's eyes grew wide. "He what?"

"It's how he defeated Dracula."

Memphis cackled. "If a child can wield such power, imagine what I could accomplish! Excellent! Kaden Nadire, you are worth killing!"

The Darkness Tamer continued to laugh as if he'd heard the most funniest joke in Lore.

Rygilya couldn't believe his ears. While he stood no chance against the Vympiri lord, Kaden had beaten him.

So, you've mastered that power. Took you long enough, loser.

The young Darkness Tamer fell on his back and a slow smirk formed on his face.

Recollections of fighting alongside and against Kaden flashed in his mind. Eagerness bolded within.

If his rival had control over the dark power then that meant the two could settle things fairly.

Soon, Kaden, Rygilya thought. Soon I'll claim your head and take that power for my own.

********

Kaden stood in one of the many infirmaries of the underground city. He, along with Aya, Iris, Akio, Lax-Rim, and Mae Lu waited for Kariah-Belle to awake from her coma. Everyone was still in bandages.

The doc said today would be the day her hazel eyes open.

Everyone was waiting in anticipation to hear her voice again. Kaden especially couldn't wait to talk to his sister.

Even if it was only for a few hours.

Sure enough, Kariah-Belle's eyelids flew open. She sat up and looked around in a daze. Her eyes landed on the small group and Kaden watched realization dawn on her face. "I... I'm alive," she uttered in disbelief.

Kaden saw tears form. She exhaled almost as if she had been holding her breath for a very long time. "I... I thought I was a goner for sure."

"Oh, Riah," Mae Lu sobbed. Kaden watched the violet-haired young woman rush over and embrace her in a tight hug. "You've risked your life for me twice now. I-I don't think I can ever repay you."

The tears in his sister's eyes began to overflow and Riah hugged her friend tightly. "You're like a sister, Mae. You don't owe me a thing."

The two women held each other for a moment before Mae Lu pulled away.

"Mae Lu can't be the only one who wants a hug," Kariah-Belle said, smiling through her tears of joy.

"Finally," said Lax-Rim, getting to her first. He wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace. "Was worried I'd never see that massive head again."

Akio was next to wrap her arms around Kariah-Belle.

"You youngsters. I'm her master so I should be the one to hug her first," Iris said playfully. She wrapped her arms around the trio. "I'll allow it this time."

Aya joined the group. "Aren't you gonna join us, Kaden?" she asked.

Kaden shook his head. "I'm good. Don't want that cry baby's snot on my shirt."

"Get over here, jerk," Kariah-Belle said to him.

Kaden grinned and did as he was told.

The group stayed huddled while Kariah-Belle continued to sob.

Kaden was glad to have his sister safe. He was doubly glad she was surrounded by comrades who cherish her.

It hurt his heart to know he'd have to leave her.

Especially when they recently found out about each other.

Later that night, Kaden watched his sister wolf down a meal courtesy of Akio. In the three days since they'd been in the massive underground city, Kaden had gotten to know the green-haired Stoneheart. Kariah-Belle would talk about her fondly and Kaden could see why they got along so well.

Personality-wise, they were opposites, but it was their fierce loyalty that kept the two at each other's side.

Kaden knew Kariah-Belle would be left in good hands...

"Slow down there, living vacuum," said Lax-Rim with a grin. "We just got you back. It would be sad if you died because you inhaled your food instead of chewing."

"I haven't eaten in days!" Kariah-Belle said. "If I die choking down Akio's amazing cooking, then so be it!"

Kaden and Lax-Rim chuckled. Akio gave a barely noticeable smile.

After being so close to death, Kariah-Belle hadn't changed. She was still goofy and carefree.

Just then Monty and Kyanè walked into the dining hall. The biohuman moved about using crutches.

"Monty!?" Kariah-Belle said with a mouthful of food.

She tried to stand but fell back down. Kaden relaxed when Lax-Rim rushed to aid her. Being comatose for three days left her body somewhat weak. She wouldn't be at full strength for about another day or two.

The dark-skinned drakon beamed at Kariah-Belle. "Long time no see. Heard you tangled with Dracula. You must have the biggest pair in all of Lore."

Kariah-Belle laughed. "Don't get the wrong idea. The guy was terrifying. I think I pissed myself a few times."

"Oh yeah," Kaden chimed in. "I could definitely smell it when you came out that crystal."

She stuck out her tongue before saying, "Shut up, doofus."

Kaden mimicked her.

Kyanè chuckled. "So, you're Kariah-Belle Nadire. I've heard a lot about you, but Aki hadn't told me you were so adorable."

Akio shook her head and massaged her temple.

"You must be Kyanè," Kariah-Belle said with a warm smile, blushing a bit. "Akio has spoken highly of you. A pleasure to finally meet you. Thanks for rescuing me."

"Likewise," Kyanè said, returning her smile.

The group hung out in the dining hall, catching up and telling each other of their adventures.

When Kariah-Belle had learned that not only Sir Jericho was killed trying to rescue her but many others as well, she began weeping. Kaden wrapped an arm around his sister and he too shed tears for their fallen comrades.

"Where's Mae Lu?" Kariah-Belle asked Lax-Rim.

"The training hall. She's more determined than ever to hone her skills."

After telling them he'd see them later, he fist-bumped Kaden and Monty before leaving.

Kaden hugged his sister once more before giving them an excuse of why he had to bail. Kariah-Belle held him tightly, almost as if she was afraid to let go.

"See you later, big brother," she whispered

His heart began aching. He knew what he was about to do would cause her even distress.

Nonetheless, a deal is a deal.

Kaden kissed the top of her head and gently pulled away.

Kariah-Belle smiled and kissed his cheek, making him rethink his decision. However, he needed to do this.

He hated going back on his word.

With one last goodbye, Kaden turned to leave.

It had gotten deeper into the night when Kaden was wandering the jungle that hid the entrance to the underground city.The young Knight tried his hardest to fight back tears.

It wasn't the fact that he would be seeing the Darkness for the first time that struck fear.

Will you hate me for leaving, Riah? he thought.

After getting her back, he was leaving her behind. Not only was he leaving Kariah-Belle, but Iris, and Aya as well.

A single tear slid from his eye.

Someone is tailing you. Darqus spoke in his mind for the first time since the fight with Dracula.

Kaden halted as he wiped his cheek. He whirled to find Rygilya Semtek watching him from atop a cliff. He stared down at Kaden.

The Knight's heart started to race. "Rygilya—"

"Memphis told me how you defeated Dracula," Rygilya interrupted. "You can control that dark power of yours now?"

Kaden nodded.

"Then we both know what comes next."

Kaden stepped forward. His voice was calm as he spoke. "It doesn't have to be this way."

"It does, Kaden. Everything has been leading us to this moment."

"We are brothers in arms!" Kaden shouted.

"Were!" Rygilya corrected. "We were brothers! Now the only thing I care about is destroying the Supreme Council."

Fuck!

Kaden knew the day would come when Rygilya sought to kill him and absorb the dark power for himself. His former friend had no idea what this power actually held.

"I don't want to kill you, Rygilya," Kaden said, narrowing his eyes, partially unsheathing his sword.

"You!? Kill me!?" Rygilya laughed and Kaden could feel mana coming from him. He stopped laughing abruptly before giving Kaden a blank stare. "You're the one dying here, Kaden."

A pillar of green flames engulfed his entire body. They soon turned to green ambers that faded in the wind to reveal Rygilya had taken a new form.

He now resembled a large humanoid dark green and black dragon that was more dragon than human.

"I survived Dracula so I could get stronger and fight you, Kaden!" Rygilya shouted. "Show me your power so I can take it for myself!"

He launched at Kaden. He was upon him almost instantly, the curly-haired Knight barely had time to activate a mana hull and Lightning Cloak.

Just as he put up his guard, Rygilya smacked him, sending Kaden sailing through trees. He recovered to find Rygilya in front of him.

Rygilya punched for Kaden's face but the Knight used his dragon-scaled arm to block.

Rygilya roared, and Kaden felt an increase in force. Even though he was maxing out his mana output, Rygilya was still able to crack the black scales. Rygilya sent him sailing into the cliff.

What's with that power? Kaden thought as he caught his balance, landing onto the cliff.

It appears he has a piece of my essence. Darqus spoke in Kaden's mind. If you don't get serious, you'll die. We had a deal, human.

"Is that how you killed Veridian? Where'd you get power like that?"

"That doesn't matter!" Rygilya hollered as he appeared through the trees. "Show me that hidden power of yours! Show me or die here, Kaden!"

A green ball of flames surrounded by black lightning shot from Rygilya's mouth, hurtling towards him.

Human, Darqus urged.

"Tch. No choice," agreed Kaden.

For a moment, everything went black before Rygilya could be seen with a satisfied look at seeing Kaden's Black Dragon Knight form for the first time.

Kaden felt an increase in strength, but it wasn't the same as when he faced Dracula. It seemed weakened.

A vessel's first time in control is when he is granted the most of my power. Darqus spoke, reading Kaden's thoughts. Keep fighting and your strength will be sure to increase. Avoid any fatal blows.

So, you can be useful, Kaden thought to Darqus.

I do not wish our agreement to go unfulfilled.

Rygilya moved in a blur.

Kaden mimicked him. The two clashed and shockwaves knocked over trees. Kaden's blood boiled with excitement. Goosebumps appeared on his skin.

He summoned another sword next to him and grabbed it. Spinning rapidly, Kaden attacked with both weapons and Rygilya defended. The Darkness Tamer grabbed Kaden's tail before socking him with a fist covered in green fire.

The impact sent the Master Knight sailing upwards. He recovered midair to find Rygilya above him. With a flaming fist, he smacked Kaden back down to earth where he crashed, making a crater and destroying nearby trees and boulders.

"What's the matter!" Rygilya mocked with an arrogant grin as he looked down on Kaden from a cliff. "Memphis said you had unfathomable power! You can't even keep up with me!"

Rygilya dashed at him. This time, the Master Knight leaped upwards at the Darkness Tamer, increasing his mana output.

When the two met in the air, Rygilya tried to hit Kaden with green flames but Kaden sailed over the attack. He flipped and slammed his heel against Rygilya's skull with enough force that his former friend created a hole in the earth.

Kaden landed on the cliff Rygilya was on. His helmet shifted to show his face. He grinned mockingly. "Looks like you're the one who can't keep up, Rygilya."

Rygilya roared with rage, and Kaden felt his mana output spike.

Kaden started to sweat as his whole body shivered with pain. Boy.

I know, Kaden responded, already knowing what Darqus was going to say. It was only a matter of time before his body gave out due to the mana he was emitting.

Dashing toward each other, they came to blows.

As they fought, the landscape around them deteriorated. Trees were blown away, and each powerful punch that struck the ground generated craters in the earth. Lighting, flame, and corrosion escalated the destruction of the terrain.

He felt bad about the poor critters caught up in their bout, but there was nothing he could do about it. He hoped Kariah-Belle would forgive him.

Kaden spun horizontally midair, attacking with his two swords, but this time using his tail for a third strike. Rygilya blocked each assault but was caught off guard when the Master Knight kicked him hard in the chest, propelling him through a small cliff.

Rygilya roared under the rubble, and green flames exploded to life, detonating the rocks and melting the ground like lava.

"How'd you get such a buff so fast in such a short time!?" Rygilya demanded to know. "Is it that power of yours?!"

"This power is not something you want," Kaden said. "Rygilya, it would destroy you."

Rygilya snorted. "I can tame it if you can!"

The Darkness Tamer roared, fueled by rage and anger. Kaden felt his mana output increase yet again.

Seems as though he's bent on killing you, Darqus told Kaden. Why are you holding back?

Rygilya lunged and Kaden flipped and spun into a kick, which the Darkness Tamer blocked.

The two combatants exchanged blows again.

Rygilya summoned a black lightning spear and tried to pierce Kaden. He dodged only to meet a spinning backhand.

He slammed into the planet but was quick to dodge the lightning spears covered in corrosive flames.

The two warriors went back and forth, each gaining the upper hand only momentarily before the regained advantage.

Kaden swung his sword and missed. Rygilya capitalized, stunning the Knight with a punch that ejected him toward the trees.

He tried to recover his balance after coming out of the daze, but found Rygilya already upon him. Kaden put his guard up and fell victim to Rygilya's faint—something he always had trouble reading when it came to his rival.

The Darkness Tamer grabbed him by the face of his helmet and slammed him into a cliff.

Kaden howled in pain, the immense power of the dark god now taking a toll.

Through his fingers, Kaden could see the black lightning spear Rygilya formed in his hand. His grip tightened on his helmet as he thrust.

Kaden reacted by conjuring the summoned sword to his hand and blocking the spear. The force sent a jolt through his arms and the impact caused green and black shockwaves that destroyed the cliff behind him.

The Knight quickly planted his two feet onto Rygilya's chest and pushed hard, forcing his rival's grip loose and sending him tumbling along the ground.

The Knight wagged his finger as the Darkness Tamer rose. "Gotta be quicker than that," he teased.

"Kaden!" Rygilya said, furious as he launched himself at the Knight.

Kaden retaliated and both resumed their relentless attacks.

Nearly a minute later, Kaden's armor had broken off in various places. So had Rygilya's. They were now lying on their backs not far from each other. Their armor shattered as they lay on the ground, breathless.

Rygilya screamed in frustration.

Everything around them became silent as the former friends watched the stars in the sky, letting their breathing slow down.

"You were holding back," said Kaden, breaking the silence. "Why?"

"You know why, loser. We made a pact."

Kaden remembered. They swore to fight each other once they reached their prime. They made the pact back when they were on the same side.

"Why'd you kill Arralynn?"

"That day...," Rygilya began. Kaden could hear the pain and anger in his voice. "That day was the day I found out you were special."

Kaden stayed quiet.

Rygilya continued, "My sister had been investigating deep in Supreme Council affairs. Something to do with your power. When she got too close to something, they sent mercenaries after her. She was sick and couldn't defend both of us. She forced me to..."

Kaden heard his voice crack. Kaden was hurting for his friend. The young man had no idea he'd slain his sister because of him. Then something dawned on him.

Could it be the traitor? he thought to himself.

"Rygilya... I'm—"

"Save it!" he shouted. "This isn't the time for sorrys. You may know the truth but I still want that power of yours."

"We have a common enemy, idiot!" Kaden snapped. His former friend's stubbornness often caused them to bump heads in the past.

Rygilya laughed. "You don't honestly believe I'll be allowed to go back to a normal life, do you? After all the crimes I've committed, I'm lucky they let Memphis take me alive."

"Rygilya...Rygilya...," Kaden didn't know what to say. He desperately wanted to save his friend from the dark path he was on.

He wanted to but deep down he knew he couldn't.