Chapter 4: The Forbidden Map
The early morning mist rolled over the village of Tenryu like a silent veil, but inside Elder Hiroshi's hut, tension filled the air. Ryo sat across from the village elder, who now looked at him not as a boy without a Shadow—but as a mystery that defied all rules of existence.
"You said… the Shadow spoke to you?" the elder asked, voice low.
"Yes," Ryo replied. "Its name is Vex. He said we're both weak, but… together we'll grow stronger."
Elder Hiroshi leaned back, eyes narrowing. "There's something ancient about your bond. Shadows don't speak like that… unless they're bound to something deeper. Something forgotten."
He turned and unlocked a hidden drawer in the wooden desk, retrieving a fragile scroll sealed with ancient markings.
"This map was sealed long ago. It shows the ruins of Velkaria, an ancient temple once known as the resting ground of the First Shadow. Legends say it holds knowledge... or something far more dangerous."
Saya's eyes sparkled with curiosity, while Kaito frowned. "And you want us to go there?"
The elder nodded. "The map reveals itself only to a chosen bearer. I believe Ryo is that bearer."
Ryo stepped forward and placed his hand over the map. As if reacting to his touch, the scroll unraveled, revealing hidden glowing paths and symbols.
"This is your fate now," Hiroshi said. "But be warned—others are already searching for these ancient powers. And not all are as noble."
---
The Journey Begins
The trio packed their supplies and left Tenryu at dawn. The world beyond their village was a land of forgotten paths, where each step brought new questions.
Through thick forests and rocky ravines, they followed the map's cryptic instructions. Vex's voice echoed in Ryo's mind as they walked.
"That place… Velkaria. It's familiar. I don't remember why. But I feel something calling us."
Two days into the journey, the weather turned harsh. Rain pelted the ground, and thunder roared overhead. Just as they began to look for shelter, the terrain shifted.
Hidden beneath the overgrowth was a crumbled stone arch, carved with strange symbols. As they stepped through it, the air grew colder.
Suddenly, they were not alone.
---
The Assassin from the Shadows
A dark figure emerged from the fog. Clad in black, face covered, only two glowing eyes visible. A shadow moved behind him, its form sharp and fluid—like a living blade.
"You carry the forbidden map," the assassin spoke, voice chilling. "Hand it over… or fall here."
Ryo stepped forward, Vex's black aura beginning to swirl around him.
"We're not giving it to anyone," Ryo said.
The assassin smirked. "Then die."
In a blink, he lunged forward. His shadow extended into a chain-like weapon, hurling toward Ryo like a whip.
But Vex reacted instantly. His form bent and twisted, transforming mid-air into a shield that blocked the strike with a loud clang.
Saya summoned her flame dagger. Kaito unleashed his wind-shuriken Shadow, the fight escalating fast. Blades clashed, shadows tore into the earth, and lightning lit the sky.
But just as the assassin was about to land a fatal blow, Vex surged, merging briefly with Ryo to amplify his strength. Ryo's fist collided with the ground—creating a shockwave that knocked the enemy off his feet.
The assassin hissed, retreating into the shadows. "Enjoy your victory. The others will come. You've drawn their attention."
And just like that, he vanished.
---
A Step Closer
Bruised but not broken, the group pressed on. That night, Ryo stared into the fire, thinking about what the assassin had said.
"The others will come…"
"Who are they?" he asked Vex.
"There's more to this world than you know," Vex replied. "And now, you're a piece of a much bigger game."
Ryo tightened his grip on the scroll.
Whatever was waiting in Velkaria… he was ready to face it.