Dawn came tentatively, barely daring to chase away the darkness that still hung over the swamp where Alaric and Kaizen were. The place had a gloomy atmosphere, as if it was always twilight.
The undergrowth, intertwined with skeletal trees, created ghostly shapes, while a thick, almost supernatural mist rose from the ground, hiding what might be lurking in the shadows.
Kaizen walked cautiously, his eyes alert to his surroundings. Each footstep seemed to sink slightly into the damp earth, making a subtle but constant noise. He was used to difficult terrain, but something about this swamp put even his heightened senses on high alert. It was as if the air itself was charged with tension, with quiet expectation.
Alaric, beside her, moved with a natural grace, his wings now retracted almost imperceptibly as he maintained a vigilant posture. His face was serene, but his eyes scanned the swamp with careful attention.
Kaizen broke the silence with a question that had been on his mind since they left Zukas: "Where is Cephal?" He asked, turning his face towards Alaric.
Alaric answered naturally, without stopping his steps, although there was a slight note of regret in his voice. "Cephal had some things to take care of in real life. Things that couldn’t wait."
Kaizen nodded slowly, taking in the information. Cephal would have been a welcome presence on this mission, with his carefree demeanor and almost supernatural ability to defuse tension in any situation. Kaizen couldn’t help but express his disappointment.
"It’s a shame," he said, a sigh escaping his lips. "His manner would have been useful in easing the tension here."
Alaric looked at Kaizen, his expression understanding. "I agree. Cephal has a unique ability to turn even the worst moments into something... bearable. But don’t worry, Kaizen. We’ll both make it."
Kaizen smiled slightly, despite the surrounding darkness. "I know. I just hope we don’t need the kind of ease Cephal brings when we find Yan."
Yan’s name hung like a shadow in the air between them. Yan was one of the Evolved who, according to Odin, possessed immense potential, but who leaned dangerously to the side of corruption.
"It’s likely," Alaric replied, crossing his arms, "but he hasn’t made any aggressive moves yet. That might be a good sign."
Kaizen nodded and took a deep breath before taking the next step. He knew that any mistake could be fatal, not only for him and Alaric, but for the delicate balance they were trying to maintain.
"Let’s go to him," Kaizen said, his voice full of determination. "We have to find out where he is in all of this. If we can get him on our side, great. If not..."
Alaric finished the sentence, his tone serious. "If not, we’ll do whatever it takes."
With that decision, the two moved forward, their presence firm but cautious as they crossed the short distance that separated them from Yan. As they got closer, Kaizen could feel the intensity of the energy around Yan grow, as if the swamp was whispering dark secrets, feeding the power of the Evolved.
Finally, they stopped a few meters from Yan, who still hadn’t moved or shown any reaction. His form, now more visible, was imposing. Yan was tall and lean, with a defined musculature that indicated strength and agility. His long black hair was tied into a ponytail, and his eyes, when they finally opened, shone with a silvery hue, reflecting Alaric’s golden light.
"Kaizen. Alaric," Yan greeted, his voice sounding almost calm, but with a cold note that sent a shiver down Kaizen’s spine. "I knew you’d come."
"You did?" Alaric replied, his voice firm. "Or were you just hoping?"
Yan shrugged, an enigmatic smile appearing on his lips. "Both, perhaps. I knew you wouldn’t leave me alone for long. Not with all that’s going on behind the scenes."
Kaizen took a step forward, trying to decipher the intent behind Yan’s words. "So you are aware of the situation."
"Of course I am," Yan replied, his silver eyes focused on Kaizen with a disturbing intensity. "And that is exactly why I will not join you."