The Extra's Supremacy

The staging area outside Kythera was a whirlwind of controlled chaos. Makeshift tents dotted the landscape, their flickering lanterns casting long, dancing shadows. The air, though thick with the smoke of dying fires, carried a current of anticipation. Tonight, they would leave the ruins behind. Tonight, they journeyed toward an uncertain future.

Kain watched Elara from a distance. She was helping Lily pack a small, worn knapsack, her movements gentle but efficient. Even amidst the turmoil, she remained a steady presence, a beacon of calm for their niece. The wyvern, now a subdued and somewhat unsettling companion, rested nearby. Its massive head was low, occasionally emitting a low rumble that vibrated through the ground.

A throat cleared behind him, and Kain turned to see one of Zander's men, a stern-faced Ascender with close-cropped hair. "The principal wishes to see you," the man said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Kain nodded, his gaze lingering on Elara and Lily for a moment longer before following the messenger. He found Zander inside a small, nondescript tent, the interior illuminated by a single lantern that cast long shadows on the canvas walls. Maps and documents were spread across a makeshift table, a testament to the strategic planning already underway.

"Kain," Zander greeted him, his voice calm but serious. "We have much to discuss."

Kain leaned against the tent pole, his arms crossed. "I'm listening."

Zander's gaze was piercing, his eyes seeming to see right through Kain. "Your actions in Kythera were... noteworthy," he began, his tone neutral. "Especially that final display. Obliterating a Terror-ranked creature with a single strike. Not many could manage such a feat."

"It was necessary," Kain replied, his voice devoid of emotion. "And it won't happen again. Not for a while, at least." He didn't elaborate on the specifics of his second attribute, the golden energy that had surged through him. He didn't fully understand it himself, and he wasn't about to share that vulnerability with anyone, not even Zander.

Zander studied him for a long moment, then nodded, as if accepting his explanation. "Regardless, your power is undeniable. And it's clear you have a certain... experience that could be valuable in the days to come." He paused, then shifted the conversation. "You were known as the Reaper. A contracted hunter, working for the government."

It wasn't a question, and Kain didn't bother to deny it. "Well not anymore."

"But the skills remain," Zander countered. "And the knowledge." He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "We both know the attack on Kythera was just the beginning. The conspiracy is far-reaching, their influence deeper than we initially thought. They've infiltrated organizations, governments... even the academy, perhaps."

Kain's jaw tightened. He'd suspected as much. "The City Lord," he said, the words tasting like ash in his mouth.

"Yes," Zander confirmed grimly. "Bewitched. A powerful pawn, now removed from the board. But there will be others." He sighed, the weight of his responsibilities evident in the lines etched on his face. "We need someone who can operate outside the usual channels. Someone who understands the shadows. Someone who can anticipate their next move."

Kain met Zander's gaze, a flicker of something that might have been amusement in his eyes. "You want me to be your spy."

"I want you to be prepared," Zander corrected. He reached into a drawer and pulled out a small, intricately carved wooden box. He placed it on the table, the faint scent of sandalwood filling the air. "This will help."

Kain approached the table, his gaze fixed on the box. Zander opened it, revealing a small, opaque crystal nestled within. It pulsed with a faint, dark energy, a stark contrast to the warm light of the lantern.

"An Umbra-Source Crystal," Zander explained, his voice low. "Incredibly rare. This crystal grants the user the attribute of Minor-Umbrakinesis."

Kain's breath hitched. Umbrakinesis, the power to control shadows and darkness. it said to be as dangerous as it was powerful.

"It's safe," Zander said, as if reading his mind. "Relatively speaking. In a controlled environment, like your mind chamber, you can explore its potential without risking undue harm. It is attuned to you, so only you can use it."

Kain looked up, meeting Zander's gaze. "Why are you giving me this?"

Zander's expression was unreadable. "Because we need every advantage we can get. And because I believe you have the potential to wield this power responsibly. You did save a city, after all. Also, it was your sister's request. A request, I might add, from the Lightning Empress, I am obligated to fulfill."

"And what about my identity as the Reaper?" Kain asked, his voice laced with barely concealed skepticism. "Will that be a problem at the academy?"

Zander's lips curled into a thin smile. "Only few know. Officially, the Reaper is a ghost story, a cautionary tale. Unofficially, well, let's just say your skills are recognized. You may even find some at the academy who appreciate your unique talents. Besides," he added with a glint in his eye, "your sister's influence carries a certain weight".

Kain reached out and took the crystal. It felt cool to the touch, almost alive. He could sense the power within it, a dark, swirling energy that seemed to beckon him. He knew he couldn't afford to refuse. Not now. Not with everything that was at stake.

"I understand," Kain said, his voice low. He closed his hand around the crystal, a sense of grim determination settling over him.

Zander nodded. "Good. We leave for Regalia in two days. Be ready." He paused, then added, almost as an afterthought, "And Kain... that golden energy you displayed. It has the power to decay, to rot, to disintegrate anything it touches. I've never seen that kind of power before, and it wasn't wielded by an Ascender. Be careful with it. We don't know its full potential, or its consequences."

With that, Zander turned his attention back to the maps on the table, effectively dismissing him. Kain left the tent, the Umbra-Source Crystal heavy in his pocket.

He looked toward Elara and Lily, their figures silhouetted against the flickering lantern light. But the world outside was growing darker, and the game had just begun.