The chamber pulsed with a dim, hellish glow. A red mist clung to the air, thick and suffocating. At its center hovered a crystal... fifteen feet tall, suspended in midair by black iron chains driven into the cavern walls. Its surface pulsed with eerie light.
Below it, the demon known as Mal’kareth knelt on one knee, his obsidian armor creaked under the strain. Behind him stood his generals. Horned, robed, and silent...and flanking the walls, the Alliance soldiers he’d been gifted, lined up like cattle. A low hum filled the air as the crystal flared to life.
Then a voice, low and ancient rumbled through the chamber: “Is the new gate ready?”
Mal’kareth bowed deeper. “Yes, my lord. The human leader has promised to send some of their finest warriors through within the week.”
The crystal vibrated, the voice darker now. “Good.”
Mal’kareth hesitated. “My lord… there is something else.” A pause. The demon’s voice dropped. “It appears… the Golden Ones have interfered again. Someone has awakened a remnant of the past. The artifact we possess...it’s been glowing purple for nearly a week.”
Then the crystal let out a sharp screech. “Those golden bastards.” The voice snarled. “They’ve found their champion.”
The generals in the room shifted uneasily.
“So they’re making their move, are they?” the voice growled.
“Find this ‘champion.’ Bring him to me...alive. Before he awakens fully. Do not fail.”
Mal’kareth slammed his fist to his chest. “At once, Lord Hatred.”
The crystal pulsed brighter now. “We are close. When the seal breaks, this world will fall. And then…” The chains rattled. “…Earth will follow.”
Mal’kareth looked up, lips curled into a grin. “Earth,” he said. “Yes. A world worth conquering. Their resilience is maddening. Like those damn druids… and the machines.”
The crystal pulsed once, approvingly. “Good. Grow our numbers. Use this world as the forge. When I call again… be ready. And remind the little king, resistance will mean his death.”
The voice faded. Mal’kareth stood tall, clenched fist over his heart. Without a word, every soldier and demon in the chamber mirrored the gesture.
Their voices echoed through the sealed chamber as one. “Hail Hatred!”
A few days later, Blue and Kwan sat in his barracks room. Blue sat on the edge of his bed, while Kwan sat cross legged near the window.
"I had a choice once.” Kwan started. Blue looked up. “After Seori left,” Kwan said, voice low, “After she chose to go with Jaegal Li, the Alliance offered me a spot. Said I could join their elite division. But…” He shook his head slowly. “Even then, something about the Alliance Leader didn’t sit right with me.”
He stared out the window, watching the curtain sway with the wind. “Seori was too young to see it. And Jaegal Li… he seemed like a decent man. Strategic. Kind, even. I didn’t blame her.”
Blue nodded.
“Then I met the Sword Saint,” Kwan said. “He found me wandering, gave me a place to stay. To train. Updated me on the others through uncle. He didn’t ask questions. Just handed me a sword and told me to work.” His grip tightened around the hilt resting on his lap. “I’ve taken everything... my grief, my hatred, my failure, and buried it in this blade. I made it my purpose to kill the black-robed bastard who took your head. I became a grandmaster at twenty-six because of that promise.”
He looked at Blue. "You and So-Yeon… you were always the oldest. The strongest. But when you both disappeared, I couldn’t carry it all. The others were so young. They needed guidance and I wasn’t you.”
Blue didn't speak. He didn't need to.
"I let them go,” Kwan whispered. “Let them be persuaded. Some joined sects that welcomed them, others followed men I don’t trust. I’ve regretted it every single day." He took a deep breath. “But… they’re doing well. Most of them. Ryul’s strong. Seori’s brilliant.”
He paused, holding Blue's gaze for a moment. "... But Haejin." He looked down at his sword. “He’s become something else. A demon in all but name. If we wait too long… he won’t just be lost...he will forever be hostage to the Heavenly Demon Cult.”
Blue stood. "I have to believe that he is still the Haejin we knew. If the opportunity arises, I will do my best to bring him here. We should get going though. Everyone is going to be waiting."
As Blue and Kwan made their way to the courtyard they stopped. Ilho and Jinhu came sprinting down the path, breathless. "Wait!" They skidded to a stop.
"We’re coming with you,” Ilho wheezed.
"Wu Jin gave his blessing,” Jinhu added, hunched over with hands on his knees. “Probably because we wouldn’t stop asking.”
Gyeom approached the boys. "The more the merrier."
Kwan stared at Ilho and Jinhu. "If either of you become a burden... i will leave you in the gate."
Ilho straightened, grinning. “Sounds like Silent Edge just got a new Jinhu.”
Jinhu groaned. “I’m right here, man…”
Namgung elites led the march towards the gate. As night fell, the group settled into the abandoned house near the southern ridges. Its wooden walls creaked under the wind, but it was shelter, and for tonight, that was enough.
A fire crackled. The boys sat around it, bowls of reheated stew in their hands, laughter echoing through the room as stories and jabs flew freely.
The door creaked open. Gyeom entered, brushing dirt from his cloak. “The guards are posted. You boys get some rest.”
“Um, sir,” Blue leaned forward and spoke up. “Earlier… when you said this might not just be a gate-clear...what did you mean?”
Gyeom exhaled. “Ah, yes. That.” He lowered himself onto a nearby stool. “Every time my brother sends men to clear certain gates... most of them don’t come back. No screams, no bodies, no signs of battle. Just gone.”
Jinhu stopped mid-bite. “So… he’s feeding people to the gates?”
Gyeom shrugged. “Can’t prove it. The gates consume the evidence. It’s clever honestly. Even if I suspect him, I can’t tie anything to him directly.”
Blue frowned. “So they intend to use me and force you and Silent Edge into his games?”
Gyeom grinned. “It appears to be the case. But what he doesn’t know… is that I’ve invited some extra hands.”
He looked toward the door.
“The monk and Hanjo should be arriving shortly. If my brother has planned something... we'll be ready.”
Jinhu’s eyes widened. He looked at Ilho, pointing dramatically. “That’s why that bastard didn’t follow us! He was waiting for his master to show up and swoop in like some storybook hero!”
Ilho snorted. “I don’t think it’s that deep, Jinhu.”
Blue smirked. “Yeah… you’re the only one who would plot something that stupid.”
The fire crackled louder as laughter broke out again. Even Kwan cracked a smile.
Gyeom’s gaze shifted to Blue. Serious now. “You’re the key here, boy.”
Everyone fell quiet.
“Until now, no one but the Alliance has been able to close gates. Ever since you showed up... things have started changing. That’s why they’ll try to use you. Either to recruit you… or to force the rest of us to join their crusade.”
Blue’s jaw tightened.
Kwan stood suddenly, eyes burning. “Then we clear them.” He clenched his fists. “I’ve spent ten years chasing the monster in obsidian armor. I know he’s hiding in a gate somewhere.” His eyes widened. “We’ll clear them all, until my blade cuts through that abomination’s neck.”