Dawn was breaking on the horizon as Kaine, leaving Ares behind in the hideout, set out once more. His feet carried him through the city’s still-sleeping quarters. He knew his time was limited—the "Guardians of Balance" would not cease their hunt, and any delay would only give them the upper hand. The city's streets gradually began to fill with life: merchants opened their stalls, and passersby hurried to work, but Kaine felt like a stranger in this world of simplicity and routine.

He moved instinctively, like a shadow, gliding through the streets, and before long, he found himself at the city’s large square. Here stood a massive building with columns and majestic statues adorning the façade—the Guild of Seekers, one of the largest organizations in the city, dedicated to the study and control of supernatural abilities.

"Maybe I’ll find answers there," he thought, looking at the building. However, before he could make a move, a tall man approached him from the crowd. He was dressed in simple clothing, but there was something in his gaze that hinted this man was no ordinary citizen.

"If you’re looking for answers, you won’t find them here," the stranger said in a quiet but confident voice.

Kaine tensed but didn’t let his confusion show.

"And what do you suggest?" he asked dryly, crossing his arms over his chest.

The man merely smiled.

"My master would like to speak with you," he said, and without waiting for a response, turned and headed towards a narrow alley, expecting Kaine to follow.

It could have been a trap. However, some invisible force compelled Kaine to move after the stranger, as if an unseen thread was binding him to this man. The alley led them to an old mansion with broken windows and peeling paint on the walls. It seemed as though no one had set foot there for many years.

The man opened a massive wooden door and gestured for Kaine to enter. Kaine walked in, never taking his eyes off the guide.

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"My master will be here shortly," the man said, disappearing into the shadows.

Left alone, Kaine looked around. The room he had entered was almost empty, except for a fireplace where embers still flickered and a large wooden table, upon which lay a single item—a strange blade forged from black metal.

"What is this?" Kaine thought, reaching out towards the weapon.

"That’s yours," a voice echoed from the darkness.

Kaine spun around and saw a man standing by the entrance. This time, he looked different. His jet-black hair fell over his shoulders, and his eyes burned with an amber light.

"Who are you?" Kaine demanded, feeling his instincts screaming danger.

"You may call me Dorian," the man answered softly, stepping closer. "And I am someone who knows who you really are. Or at least, who you can become."

"I'm not looking for answers," Kaine lied, feeling his hand reach for the blade. "But it seems you won’t leave me alone."

"Of course not," Dorian smiled. "Because you are special. You... are one of the few chosen by the god of death. Your soul is bound to him, and once you realize this, your abilities will be limitless."

Kaine tensed, but Dorian didn’t seem intent on attacking. He simply observed him, as though studying every reaction.

"And what do you want from me?" Kaine asked, barely holding back his irritation.

"I want to help you," Dorian nodded towards the blade. "This weapon can kill even those who possess immortality. With it, you will be able to find the answers to your questions and gain the strength you need."

"And what’s the catch?" Kaine scoffed. "Why do you want to help me?"

"Because our goals align," Dorian answered quietly, sincerity evident in his voice. "You seek the truth. And I seek a way to free this world from the shackles imposed by false gods."

Kaine pondered this. Perhaps there was some truth to the man's words. Perhaps he could really help. But something still bothered him.

"If I take this blade, will I find the seal?" he asked, his gaze returning to the black blade.

"You will find more than just the seal," Dorian replied. "You will find your path."

Kaine hesitated for a moment, then reached out and grasped the blade. It was cold, but as soon as his fingers wrapped around the hilt, Kaine felt energy surge through him, as if awakening something inside.

"The path is already chosen," he said quietly, raising the blade to the light. His reflection stared back at him from the black metal, but in the reflection, his eyes glowed with white light.

Dorian watched him with a barely noticeable smile.

"Then let’s begin," he whispered, and the shadows in the room thickened, engulfing them both.