The sky above Elystria Prime darkened unnaturally as rumors of shadow disturbances in the city spread. Kiyoto, sensing a spike in Umbracore energy, frowned. His Pulse Mode Ascendant warned him that something—or someone—dangerous was approaching.
Meanwhile, Mitsui Tachaina had been running errands for her small family, unaware of the looming threat. The crowded streets became eerily quiet as shadows twisted unnaturally, creeping along walls and corners.
Kiyoto appeared just in time to intercept a group of Abyss Order scouts attempting to corner Mitsui.
> "Step back!" he commanded, aura flaring golden-white.
A battle erupted. Shadows surged with terrifying speed, but Kiyoto, blending his divine power with clever strategy, easily countered.
During the fight, Mitsui's eyes glimmered faintly. Unbeknownst to her, a hidden energy within her—Soulflux—reacted to the danger. Small bursts of protective energy shielded civilians around her, hinting at powers she didn't yet understand.
After the battle, Kiyoto looked at Mitsui, a mix of curiosity and caution in his eyes:
> "You… have something inside you. Did you feel it just now?"
Mitsui shook her head, embarrassed and confused:
> "I don't know… it felt like… heat or light… inside me."
Kiyoto smiled faintly, a rare serious tone in his voice:
> "Then you're more important than you think. That energy could change everything."
The chapter ends with a distant silhouette watching them from above—an Abyss Order lieutenant, marking Mitsui as a person of interest.
> Foreshadowing: Mitsui's hidden power, the Abyss Order's interest, and Kiyoto's protective role set the stage for further adventures.
---