The desert-like tundra stretched as far as the eye could see, a desolate expanse of barren land. The earth was cracked and parched, its once vibrant colors reduced to a monotonous palette of sandy browns and pale yellows. There was an eerie stillness in the air, broken only by the occasional gusts of wind that sent swirling spirals of dust into the sky.

A young boy, no older than ten, trudged through the frigid wasteland, his clothes in tatters, clinging to his exhausted frame.

His body bore fresh scars from a harrowing ordeal, and where his right forearm should have been, there was only an empty void. Bloodied and battered, he had wandered through the barren wilderness, a strained yet resolute spirit carrying him through the harshest of conditions.

Days turned into weeks as he wandered through the desolate tundra, his weary footsteps leaving faint imprints in the dusty, lifeless earth.

Then, in the distance, a faint glimmer caught his attention. Squinting against the piercing sunlight, the boy's eyes widened as he beheld the sight—a city. It stood like a mirage, rising from the barrenness, promising refuge from the desolation he had traversed.

***

The first rays of dawn pierced through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across Karim's modest room. Stretching his arms above his head, he rose from his bed, the worn wooden floor cool beneath his feet. Another day of serving the Rasulov Raj family awaited him.

Karim washed his face, the cool water refreshing his senses. He donned a fresh robe, intricately embroidered with silver symbols, a n outfit testament to his status as a mage-servant different that of the other servant of the house.

As he made his way through the bustling hallways, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the clattering of dishes greeted him.

"Good morning, Karim," Mrs. Patel, the head cook, greeted him with a warm smile. "Did you sleep well?"

"Good morning, Mrs. Patel," Karim replied, returning her smile. "I slept peacefully, thank you. And how are you today? I hope the kitchen is abuzz with delectable preparations."

Mrs. Patel, a middle-aged woman, was one of only two Arbian servants of the Rasulov family, a family she had been serving for far longer than Karim had.

Mrs. Patel chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "Oh, you know me, Karim. The kitchen is my realm, and today, we shall conjure up culinary wonders.”

"I do not doubt that," Karim nodded. In no time, he deftly prepared a tisane, boiled it, and poured it into a pitcher placed on a tray alongside a tea cup, and finely cut lemons.

Karim made his way to Kassim 's room, his footsteps silent on the polished staircase. He gently pushed open the door and entered the dimly lit chamber. Kassim , the young Master of the mansion, lay sprawled across the bed, still in the clutches of sleep, his tousled hair falling over his eyes.

"Good morning, Master Kassim ," Karim greeted with a soft voice, approaching the bed. "It is time to rise and greet the day."

Kassim groaned and shielded his eyes from the intrusive sunlight. "Karim, I feel like my head is about to split. What happened last night?"

Karim offered a sympathetic smile. "It seems the party you stealthily attended last night got the best of you, Master Kassim . But worry not, I shall take care of your hangover before the Master takes notice of it."

He moved to the small side table, where a glass of water and a natural remedy awaited. Karim gently handed them to Kassim , who accepted them gratefully and sipped the concoction, the herbal blend soothing his unsettled stomach.

"Thank you, Karim," Kassim mumbled, his voice laced with honest gratitude. "You’re saving me from a long lecture about life. I don't know what I would do without you."

"It is my duty and honor to attend to your needs, Master Kassim . Now, take this, after this a good shower, a quick fixing of this breath, and a light breakfast will do wonders to invigorate your spirit."

“Aye. Will do that.”

Upon leaving the Young Master’s house, Karim proceeded to the master's chamber. The door was slightly ajar, and he entered to find Hassan already awake, his gaze fixed on the bustling cityscape beyond the window.

"Good morning, Master Hassan," Karim greeted, his voice carrying an air of respect.

Hassan turned his attention to Karim and offered a faint smile. "Good morning, Karim. I trust you've already tended to Kassim 's condition after that party?"

Karim nodded. "Indeed, Master Hassan. Master Kassim is on the road to “recovery”. He had quite the night there."

A flicker of amusement danced in Hassan's eyes, betraying the idea he was giving his son, implying that he disliked his partying habits. "I feel like I should be more upset about him attending this party without my knowledge—or, to be exact, thinking it was. But I also feel that sometimes it's best to let the young ones have their moments of revelry."

Karim's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Indeed, Master Hassan. Such occasions can provide valuable “life” lessons. Especially so when hit with consequence."

Hassan's smile widened. "You always seem to understand, Karim. Well, I have some business to attend to in the city today. Would you care to accompany me?"

Karim paused for a moment, considering the invitation. "Thank you for your kind offer, Master Hassan, but I believe it is best if I remain here and attend to matters within the manor. As per usual."

Hassan chuckled, although a faint frown crossed his face. "You still refuse to step out of the shadows, Karim. Kassim aside, I believe the one who truly needs to go out from time to time in this house is you. But very well, I don't intend on insisting about this. Please, at least take care of Kassim 's hangover before I return in the evening. I would like to have a talk with him."

Karim bowed respectfully. "Of course, Master Hassan. I shall ensure that that’ll be done.."

Of course, Master Hassan. I shall ensure that that'll be done," Karim replied with a nod, his voice filled with a quiet determination.

The day passed swiftly, with Karim attending to his customary tasks, moving through the manor with grace and efficiency. He ensured that every room remained impeccable, that the shelves were dust-free, and that the ambiance of the entire household retained its welcoming charm.

With a role akin to that of a butler, Karim held a position of authority over the household staff, including both the guards and the servants. However, it was not through condescension or haughtiness that he garnered their respect, but rather his convivial and approachable nature.

During the four years he began working under the Rasulov family, Karim fostered an environment of camaraderie and mutual appreciation among the servants. He treated each member of the staff with genuine kindness and respect, regardless of their rank or role, creating a sense of unity and belonging within the workforce.

As the hours passed, time seemed to slip away swiftly within the walls of the Raj manor. As evening approached, the sun began its descent, casting a warm glow over the Raj manor. Karim's final preparations were complete, and the aroma of a delicious meal filled the air. The dining table was set with precision, each piece of cutlery and every plate perfectly aligned.

Master Hassan returned, his presence filling the room with a sense of authority. Karim met him at the entrance, bowing respectfully. "Welcome back, Master Hassan. I trust your affairs in the city went well?"

Hassan smiled warmly, his weariness lifting at the sight of Karim's familiar face. "Thank you, Karim. Yes, it did.”

As Karim escorted Hassan to the dining room, Kassim noticed his presence and offered a warm smile. Karim gracefully settled into the seat beside them, seamlessly becoming a part of the conversation already flowing between father and son.

As the dinner gradually approached its conclusion, Master Hassan sensed the opportune moment to address the events of the previous night. With a composed demeanor, he turned his attention to Kassim , his son, and spoke in a measured tone. "Kassim , Son, I believe it is time we had a serious conversation about your actions last night."

Kassim 's expression shifted, a mix of apprehension and guilt flickering across his features. He knew his father's lectures well, and the weight of his disappointment settled upon him.

Hassan continued, his voice laced with a mixture of concern and authority. "I understand that as a young man, you want to enjoy yourself and have your share of fun. But there must be limits, Kassim . Behaviors like excessive drinking, losing control and causing a scene shapes people's perception of you. And trust me, they are rarely good ones."

“I know, Father.”

“As Raj, there is a certain code of conduct we all must adhere to.”

Karim observed the exchange between father and son, recognizing the struggle within Kassim 's eyes. Sensing an opportunity to lend his support, he interjected, his voice gentle yet firm. "Master Hassan, if I may."

Hassan turned his gaze towards Karim, his brows slightly furrowed but willing to listen. Karim continued, his words carefully chosen. "Master Hassan, while it is important to emphasize the significance of responsible behavior and the impact it can have on one's reputation, it is also crucial to remember that Kassim is still in the process of discovering himself. He is navigating the complexities of youth and learning valuable lessons along the way."

Hassan sighed, his expression softening as he considered Karim's perspective. "You speak the truth, Karim. It is a delicate balance we must strike as parents. We want to guide our children while allowing them to grow and make their own choices."

Karim nodded, his eyes reflecting empathy. "Indeed, Master Hassan. By imparting our wisdom and setting boundaries, we help mold them into responsible individuals. But it is also important to extend our understanding and support as they navigate their own journey."

Kassim , grateful for Karim's intervention, mustered the courage to speak up. "Father, I understand your concerns, and I appreciate your guidance. I will strive to be more mindful of my actions and the image I project to others."

Hassan regarded his son with a mixture of sternness and affection. "Remember, Kassim , your actions shape people's perception of you. It is not just about the present, but also about the future you want to build for yourself."

Feeling a sense of relief, Kassim offered a grateful smile to both his father and Karim. The weight of his father's scolding lifted slightly, and he felt a glimmer of hope for a more understanding conversation. Undoubtedly seeking to steer the topic towards a lighter note, Kassim turned his attention to Karim. Curiosity tinged his voice as he asked, "Karim, what do you envision for your own future? Do you have any aspirations or dreams?"

Karim's gaze softened, his eyes reflecting a quiet introspection. "For now, my focus remains on serving this esteemed household to the best of my abilities. If I am allowed to continue in this position, it brings me contentment and purpose."

Both Hassan and Kassim nodded, genuine appreciation for Karim's presence evident in their gaze. "Karim, we value your commitment. Your contributions to our family have been immeasurable. Especially as a mage, it is clear that you possess the potential that could lead to numerous opportunities in different fields."

“I appreciate your kind words Master Hassan.”

As the conversation lingered, Kassim 's curiosity persisted. He gazed at Karim, his curiosity shining through. "Before serving our family, what were you doing? How did you become a mage?"

A fleeting shadow crossed Karim's eyes as he hesitated briefly, memories resurfacing within his mind. Eventually, he sighed softly before responding, "I was made a mage at the age of 18 by my master. However, he was not a raj. He was simply a wise and knowledgeable mage."

The revelation piqued the curiosity of both Hassan and Kassim . Hassan inquired further, "Was? Did something happen to your master?"

Karim's gaze drifted, a mix of emotions playing across his face. He sighed, his voice carrying a touch of sadness, but swept over by a face of acceptance. "He is no longer with us."

As the words left Malik's lips, a subtle change came over Karim. His usually composed countenance shifted, his eyes widening with a sudden intensity. A ghostly pallor washed over his features, draining the color from his complexion. Both Hassan and Malik exchanged concerned glances, sensing that something was amiss.

"Karim, are you alright?" Hassan asked, his voice laced with worry.

Karim blinked, as if snapping out of a trance, and attempted to regain his composure. His voice trembled slightly as he responded, "I... I apologize, Master Hassan. It was just a momentary... lapse."

A moment of solemn silence settled upon the room as the weight of Karim's words sank in. He offered a heartfelt apology, "I am sorry, but I am not yet ready to share the details of his passing. One day perhaps."

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Understanding the significance of Karim's reluctance, Hassan and Kassim exchanged a brief glance before nodding in acceptance. They reassured him, their voices filled with empathy. "Karim, we understand what the pain of a loss is and the need for privacy. We do not wish to intrude upon your sorrow.”

Malik nodded in agreement.

Karim offered a grateful smile, touched by their understanding. "Thank you, Master Hassan, Malik. Your compassion means a great deal to me."

Hassan rose from his seat, signaling the end of the dinner. "Karim, if you would accompany me to the first floor, I would like to have a private conversation with you."

Karim stood up, his demeanor respectful yet curious. "Of course, Master Hassan. I am at your service."

As they made their way to the first floor, their footsteps echoing in the quiet stairway, a sense of anticipation hung in the air.

Upon reaching the first floor, they headed for Hassan’s room. Within the cozy room, he gestured for Karim to take a seat as he went to retrieve a bottle of fine booze and two glasses. Offering one glass to Malik, he then settled into a comfortable armchair, the warm glow of the fireplace casting dancing shadows across the room.

"Before I say anything, just know, Karim, that whenever you are ready to talk or need something, we—well, I am, are here to listen."

"Thank you, Master Hassan. I won’t forget those kind words.”

"Karim, you see,” he started, sipping a gulpful into his glass. “I must admit that I have always wondered about your past. Who were you, how did you become a mage and your reasons for serving our family."

Karim met Hassan's gaze, his eyes filled with a certain concern.

"Don't worry, as I mentioned, I do not intend to pry. I simply wanted to initiate an honest conversation with you. It has been three years since I began pondering these questions, so I am patient enough to wait a little longer."

Karim nodded, his eyes filled with appreciation.

"Besides, Karim, you have become an integral part of this household family. Your presence has brought stability, guidance, and warmth to our lives. We are grateful enough for just your presence. So don’t feel compelled to confess to ourselves. We’ve already accepted you as you are."

Karim's gratitude shone through his eyes as he replied, "Master Hassan, it is an honor to serve you and young master Kassim. It is your kindness and trust that have allowed me to thrive in this role."

Hassan's gaze softened, a warm sense of amicable affection shining through. "Enough of that facade already. We're amongst ourselves, my friend. In private, there's no need for such formalities," Hassan declared, raising his glass to his friend.

Karim couldn't help but smile, touched by his Master's genuine camaraderie. Raising his glass in kind, he started to express his gratitude, "Thank you, Master Hassan. It is—" His words were abruptly cut off by a piercing scream that shattered the tranquility of the moment.

"What on earth was that?" Hassan reacted swiftly, springing up from his chair to a standing position beside Karim.

Despite the fact that the scream was muffled by the enclosing walls of the room, Karim was almost certain that the voice belonged to Mrs. Patel, the esteemed cook of the manor. The initial scream was soon accompanied by another layer of desperate cries, this time exhibiting a much more masculine tone.

As if the hair-raising events weren't unsettling enough, the entire house suddenly convulsed, catching the duo off guard as they made their stride toward the room’s door. The violent tremor persisted for a duration of approximately five to eight seconds, abruptly silencing the screams that had filled the air moments ago.

“A earthquake?” Hassan mumbled in his confusion.

“No,” Karim mumbled, his expression ghastly. “That was not an earthquake.”

With urgency consuming him, Karim lunged towards the door, swiftly opening it and bolting into the corridor. Hassan followed closely behind, their footsteps echoing through the dimly lit passage. As they raced towards the stairs, Karim abruptly halted, causing Hassan to collide into him from behind, both momentarily stunned by the unexpected interruption.

“Karim what happ—”

Taken aback by this sudden halt, was about to ask Karim what it was about but before he could even voice out his question, a glance above Karim’s shoulder revealed to him the reason for his sudden halt.

On the ground, something was crawling—bloodied, tattered, and cut, resembling a butchered piece of living meat. The duo caught a glimpse of it crawling at the base of the stairs before a sudden and strange breeze burst forth, extinguishing all the lights on the wall sconce along the stairs, leaving the duo in complete darkness.

It was in the midst of the enveloping darkness, within the eerie silence, that the duo heard a chilling sound, like the haunting whistle of a blade slicing through the air before finding its mark. It was the auditive texture of the said-target that froze the duo in place.

As the chilling sound of the blade meeting its target echoed in the air, a wave of fear washed over Karim, threatening to engulf him. His breath caught in his throat, and his body stiffened in terror.

The facade of composure that he had maintained for so long shattered in an instant. His hands trembled uncontrollably, his fingers curling into fists as he struggled to regain control. The weight of the darkness bore down on him, squeezing his chest and leaving him gasping for air.

"Karim?" Hassan's voice cut through the darkness, filled with concern as he noticed the erratic rhythm of Karim's breath. Stepping closer, his arm extended before him, he summoned a flickering light from the crackling electro-elementalis between his fingers. The provisional illumination revealed a horrifying sight that etched itself into their minds—a grotesque tableau of mangled flesh and severed limbs.

Before them lay a once-living being, now reduced to a sorry state. The body was a macabre patchwork of bloodied and tattered remnants, bearing the unmistakable marks of a merciless assault. The scene was nothing short of a nightmare made manifest, a chilling display of violence and brutality that defied comprehension

The word "horror" seemed inadequate to describe the ghastly scene that unfolded before their eyes. And yet for Karim, it was nothing compared to what he saw next.

“A child?” Hassan mumbled out of confusion.

Emerging into view at the base of the stairs, a haunting figure appeared, unfazed by the gruesome scene before them. Stepping serenely into a pool of blood, their silhouette was shrouded by a long coat that seemed to absorb the darkness. From beneath the hood, a pair of golden appendages caught the faint light, resembling the delicate branches of wood or, more fittingly, the ethereal antlers of a mythical creature.

The little figure, with its haunting presence, slowly raised its head, its gaze piercing through the darkness. Blue eyes, luminous and almost ethereal, locked onto Karim, the intensity of their stare cutting through his very being.

Karim, rooted to the spot by a paralyzing fear, felt a chill crawl up his spine as the figure's gaze bore into him. It was as if those penetrating eyes tore its way through the depths of his soul, overwhelming him, leaving him scrambling backward in a desperate attempt to distance himself.

In his panic, Karim acted swiftly, pushing Hassan, who stood behind him, back into the safety of the room they had emerged from. His actions were driven by a primal instinct to protect, to shield himself and his master from the looming threat that sent shivers down his spine.

"Karim?" Hassan's voice trembled with confusion and fear as they stumbled backward, dragged away by Karim across the corridor, before seeking refuge within the room. The door closed with a resounding thud.

Karim's breathing was ragged, his heart pounding in his chest as the weight of the encounter settled upon him. He struggled to find his words, his mind still reeling from the shock of the unknown. The sense of urgency and the need for safety compelled him to take charge, to protect his master at all costs.

Hassan looked at Karim, his eyes wide with panic and uncertainty. "Karim, who was that? What is happening?" he pleaded, his voice filled with a mixture of fear and the need for answers.

Karim, still grappling with the shock of the encounter, felt a mixture of terror and recognition welling up within him. His mind raced, memories of past years flooding back. "He's come for me," Karim whispered, his voice barely audible, the weight of those years of waiting and apprehension evident in his words. "He never forgot about me.”

"He's come for me, after all these years. He's here," Karim whispered, his voice laced with a mixture of resignation and dread.

Watching his master try to make sense of the situation, a thought traveled through Karim's mind—a desperate plan to ensure his master's safety. "He's coming, Master Hassan, but not for you. You must leave," Karim urged, his voice tinged with urgency. He lunged towards a nearby window, opening it wide for his master to escape.

"Master Hassan, you must leave. Run wherever you can. I..." Karim's voice trailed off, his face contorting with a mixture of sorrow and despair.

Hassan interrupted, his concern for his son overriding his own safety. "Malik, my son," he pleaded, the realization of the danger befalling his family dawning upon him.

Karim's face turned ghastly, his heart heavy with the burden of the truth. While he had no concrete evidence, he knew in his core that Malik, the young master, was no more.

"Master Hassan..." Karim trailed off, his voice filled with sorrow. "I'm sorry, Master, there's no saving the young master now. But you..." His voice quivered as he tried to find the right words.

"No... no, it can't be," Hassan whispered, his voice trembling with a mixture of sorrow and desperation.

He reached out a trembling hand, grasping onto Karim's arm, as if seeking reassurance or a shred of evidence to contradict the grim reality that unfolded before them.

"I’m sorry about all of this, Master but you, you can still leave. Run away as far as you can from this place. I'll hold him off for—"

Before Karim could finish his sentence, his words were cut short by a strange sound, rustling almost metallic noise as the rustling noise filled the air, the growing sense of dread consumed Karim and Hassan. The foreboding sound seemed to reverberate through the very walls of the room, amplifying the weight of the impending danger. But just as abruptly as it had started, the noise ceased, leaving an eerie silence in its wake.

The suffocating stillness was shattered by a jolt of movement that sent a surge of adrenaline coursing through Karim and Hassan's veins. Without warning, a splintering sound filled the room as a wooden burst erupted from the sealed door. A small arm broke through the fragmented wood.

The sight sent a shiver down Karim and Hassan's spines, their momentary paralysis giving way to a surge of adrenaline-fueled instinct.

Reacting swiftly, Hassan surged forward, his mastery over electro-elementalis igniting with raw power. Lightning crackled in his palm as he directed a focused blast of energy toward the intruder's hand. The electrifying force surged through the air, propelling itself through the door with explosive force, aiming to take down the source of the intrusion.

Karim, his initial shock fading, tapped into the depths of his cryo-elementalis, embracing the icy essence that flowed within him. Ice crystals swiftly formed around his outstretched hand, glimmering with an intense cold. With unwavering determination, he unleashed a salvo of spike-like stalactites, propelled by his cryogenic power. The frozen projectiles shot forward, aiming to incapacitate the intruder or, at the very least, halt their advance.

The combined efforts of Hassan and Karim filled the room with an electrifying aura, the clash of lightning and ice creating a symphony of elemental forces. The air crackled with tension as their powers collided, each unleashing their full potential without reservation and that for almost half a minute straight.

Unleashing all they had, the duo finally ceased their assault, their powers subsiding. Silence settled in the aftermath, broken only by the lingering scent of electricity and the cold mist that enveloped the room. The air seemed to hold its breath, as if in anticipation of what would come next.

Karim and Hassan stood there, their chests heaving from the exertion, their gazes locked on the spot where the intruder had been. The room was shrouded in yet another eerie stillness, the only movement being that of the lingering mist.

Karim's heart skipped a beat as he heard the unsettling rustling sound, and his breath caught in his throat as his gaze pierced through the dissipating mist. Two piercing blue orbs stared back at him, sending a chill down his spine. Before he could react, a surge of lightning crackled through the mist, striking him with brutal force and hurling him against a wall. Pain radiated through his body, leaving him dazed and disoriented.

“Karim!”

Struggling to regain his bearings, Karim heard his name being called amidst the chaos. Through blurry vision, he saw Hassan preparing to unleash his own electro-elementalis attack, fury blazing in his eyes. But before he could release his power, the intruder's own elementalis streaked towards him, crashing him against another corner of the room. Karim's consciousness wavered, his mind barely holding onto the thread of reality, as he witnessed his master's anguished scream pierce the air.

"No!" Karim's own voice erupted, a desperate cry of despair and anguish. Though barely conscious, his eyes locked onto the scene unfolding before him.

Consumed by the intruder's relentless onslaught, the screams stopped. His Master, the head of the RasulovRaj family, Hassan Rasulov, was reduced to an unrecognizable shell, transformed into a grotesque, fuming, crusty and lifeless form.

Tears welled up in Karim's eyes as a wave of grief, rage, and helplessness engulfed him at the sight, intensified by the assailant's approaching with a casual stride.

Standing mere meters away from Karim, the assailant stepped into the light, revealing his face to Karim.

"Hi, Karl," the assailant said, a smile, nothing short of malevolent curling his lips. “Hi, Karl, it’s been a while since the last time we saw each other.”

Karim's eyes widened as he witnessed the antlers retract with a strange rustling sound, allowing the assailant to remove his hood, before the antlers sprouted forth once more, causing the unsettling noise to echo once again.

“You… Ethereal Breeze.”

Hoodless, Karim saw the same face he, four years remembered, so clearly escorting along with his fellow “travelers,” the face of that of a young boy—no older than ten. That was what was in his memories and yet today in front of him was the sight, the same boy, who aside from the golden antlers he bore in his head still looked the same—in an absolute sense. It was as if time itself had stopped for him.

The boy's smile widened upon hearing the name he had once been known by. "Yes, you remember me," he said, his tone carrying a hint of satisfaction. "So much time has passed since that day, four entire years, was it? I thought you’d have forgotten about me. After all, it was a whole new life that you lived and a whole new identity that you started under."

Ethereal Breeze paused momentarily, as if anticipating a response from someone, before continuing with a derisive scoff directed at him. "Yes, Karim, isn't it?" he said mockingly. "A whole new name, and yet it changes nothing. Karl, I hope you don't mind me calling you Karl. I don't see myself calling you Karim or whatever. Did you really believe I wouldn’t come for you?"

Though he did not answer, internally Karim—formerly Karl, knew what was the answer to that question.

No, he didn’t.

Just like everyone else who had stumbled upon him, he knew his day would eventually arrive. However, this knowledge wasn't a reason to surrender easily, to succumb to despair before death would claim him. Despite the impending certainty of that fateful day, he had made the courageous if not somewhat desperate choice to forge himself a new life under a new identity, leaving behind all that had associated himself to his comrades, masters, and fellow travelers.”

For a long time, as the looming threat of being found by the Ethereal Breeze hovered above him like the sword of Damocles, he often pondered how he had managed to lead an ersatz of a normal life under the weight of that constant apprehension. The mystery of his endurance, of sustaining a facade of normalcy despite the ever-present danger, eluded him. However, deep within, he acknowledged that it was due to the persistent flicker of hope, however futile it may have been.

Fueled by the same kind of hope that had sustained him thus far, Karim's determination surged within him. Summoning his cryo-elementalis, he materialized a dagger-like stalactic in his hand. With a swift motion, he swung it horizontally towards Ethereal Breeze, aiming to catch him off guard and take him down. Given the proximity between them, the feat seemed within reach, so Karim went for it.

He went for it, and yet that was not enough to change the fated outcome.

Shielding himself with his left arm, Ethereal Breeze narrowly avoided having his neck sliced by Karim's dagger-like stalactic. The contact with his arm caused the ice weapon to shatter into fragments, scattering like shards of glass.

Karim stood momentarily stunned, a mix of disbelief and frustration washing over him. Not only had it been unsuccessful, but it had also done nothing more than scratch a small part of Ethereal Breeze's coat on his forearm. As the fabric parted, it revealed what Karim's ice-dagger had shattered against: an arm made of a gold-like substance, akin to his antlers—something known as Odo.

“Finally something,” Ethereal Breeze muttered. “That is something I recognize the old Karl for, underhanded tactics. You fooled me once—You and your people fooled us once, it won’t work twice—not against us: This new us.”

With a deliberate motion, Ethereal Breeze retrieved a blade from his coat, never breaking eye contact with Karim.

"For four long years since that day, I dedicated myself to a singular purpose: to track down each and every one of you, to hunt you relentlessly, and to ensure that nothing remains of you but rotting corpses upon this earth."

He unsheathed a dagger, its gleaming presence hanging in the air like a chilling omen. "Tonight, I have found you," he declared, his words carrying the weight of a death sentence, for that’s what they were.