ECHOES OF THE VOID

As they moved deeper into the woods, Kael and Vexar noted that the forest's lush canopy got darker. The earlier meeting with the mystery woman had left a palpable sense of tension in the air. While Kael's mind raced, she scrutinized every cryptic statement Vexar had said. Vexar's silence was louder than any words said.

For the first time, Kael broke the silence. "Vexar, you seemed to know who she was." What was her name?

While Vexar did not slow down, he did breathe deeply and spoke carefully. "I am unable to tell definitively. She exuded an aura that seemed quite ancient. Additionally, her mastery of energy was unusual. If I had to guess, she may be a member of the Circle of Obsidian.

It's the Circle of Obsidian, correct? I was interested, so Kael asked.

Vexar explained that "they are a group of cultivators who have abandoned the traditional paths of power." Their research focuses on the primordial forces that existed before the cosmos was created. These forces bear a striking resemblance to your shred of nothingness.

Kael's glare got more determined. The possibility that others would know about his power worried him. What is their position on me?

"That's not necessarily the case," Vexar said, glancing at Kael. Nonetheless, they provide a hazard. They hold the belief that everything serves a larger purpose. If they consider you an important part of their ambitions, they will support you. If you do not comply, you will be removed.

Kael's hand tightened into a fist. If that's the case, I'll emphasize my importance.

Vexar's lips twitched slightly as he sneered. Confidence is a virtue, but arrogance will lead to your downfall. Keep in mind that power alone is not enough. To be successful, you must be patient, strategic, and have supporters.

Kael did not respond immediately to the inquiry. The words were a reiteration of the woman's warning, and while he didn't enjoy seeing them, they were true. Although his piece of Nothingness was large, it was raw and primal in character. Even as he continued to use it, he grew more aware of how little he knew about it.

As they approached a clearing, the woods thinned out, and Kael spotted a little settlement in the distance. It was a little village surrounded by wooden palisades, the sort of place that seemed too fragile to face the harsh realities of the larger world.

"What is the purpose of our stop here?" Kael inquired. Kael asked about it.

Vexar just stated, "Supplies." As well as information. This type of setting tends to elicit more information than one might anticipate.

When they reached the town, Kael saw that the residents looked at them suspiciously. Strangers were clearly rare in this environment, and their arrival caused quite a stir. Vexar took them to a little tavern at the heart of the hamlet. The wooden sign swung in the air.

Inside, there was a calm and collected demeanor. Only a few people sat at the separated tables, and their conversations were muted. The grizzled man behind the bar, who was scarred on his cheek, glanced up as they walked into the business.

"What will it be?" he said sternly.

"Food and drink," Vexar responded, tossing a few coins into a little bag and setting it on the counter. Here's some news. Is there anything unusual going on in the neighborhood?

Without hesitation, the bartender placed the cash in his pocket, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What's the matter?" What does the term "strange" mean to you? The question of bandits and monsters is frequently brought up. On the other hand, people have recently begun talking about shadows.

Is it the shadows? When Kael inquired, his curiosity was piqued.

The bartender dropped his voice and appeared to lean in somewhat closer. "Darkness exposes figures. The figures in the forest are in motion. People are disappearing. Some say it's the spirits. Some think farmers are taking too much.

Kael and Vexar exchanged a look, and Vexar seemed indifferent to the situation. Vexar said, "It could lead to nothing." Furthermore, conducting an investigation could be beneficial.

Before Kael could react, the bar's door creaked open, and a new visitor entered. She was tall and slim, and most of her features were concealed by the black cloak she wore. On the other hand, Kael caught a glimpse of her sharp and lovely face as she moved, framed by shoulder-length black hair. As she scanned the room with quiet focus, her eyes, which were an unusual shade of silver, gazed around.

Her eyes remained fixated on Kael for a fraction of a second longer than he had expected, and a little grin spread across her lips. Without saying anything, she walked to a seat in the restaurant's corner, and the other patrons exchanged a few curious glances.

"She's not from around here," Kael whispered.

Vexar gestured with a nod. She is also quite strong. Be cautious of this.

There was no doubt that Kael's curiosity had peaked. Without considering Vexar's admonition, he stood up and approached her table. As he drew closer, the woman didn't show any signs of looking up, but her voice pierced the air with a sharp edge.

"I am impressed by your bravery," she replied with a hint of levity. Alternatively, "or foolish."

Kael smiled as he took his seat opposite her. "That is dependent on who you ask."

Finally, she raised her head, her glittering eyes fixed on his. There was something disconcerting about her expression; it appeared that she could see straight through him, despite his looks. What are you carrying? It's not a common occurrence. I could sense it the moment you entered through the door.

Kael showed no symptoms of flinching. How about you?

Her smile widened as she leaned back slightly. Let's just say that I've been looking for someone who is comparable to you.

Kael's smirk faded somewhat. "Why is that?"

"Power like yours does not come without consequences," she said, her tone becoming more serious. "Because these consequences are expected." The world is poised to become significantly more perilous for those we hold accountable.