Unknown forest,
The black aura coiled violently around Arin's transformed body as the sinister laughter faded into a low, rasping growl. The forest air grew heavy — the trees themselves seemed to flinch under the pressure.
The entity's glowing, scarlet eyes narrowed at Zane.
"You…" the voice was layered — deep, distorted, and far from human. "You could sense me… even when I was controlling the artifact inside this mortal boy…"
He tilted his head slightly, the black energy swirling around him like smoke drawn to a storm.
"You seem strong," he said, a smirk twisting Arin's lips. "But in front of me… kneel."
Zane didn't move. His calm gaze remained fixed on the being before him, amusement flickering in his eyes like faint starlight.
With a flick of his hand, the corrupted Arin raised his arm and aimed his palm at Zane.
From his fingertips, black lightning erupted — crackling with unnatural ferocity — and shot straight toward him.
