Veil of Dusk A dystopian world

They waited patiently as the minutes stretched endlessly. Finally, one of the fighters fell. The other, panting and exhausted, began picking up the gathered crystals. Rex shot Kyro a quick glance.

"Ready?"

Kyro nodded, drawing his blade, a determined spark flashing in his eyes. "Ready."

Rex moved first. With a swift motion, he pulled back his bow and released an arrow made of pure resonance energy. The arrow struck the exhausted fighter, sending him crashing to the ground. Before the opponent could react, Kyro was already upon him—his movements lightning-fast, precise as a predator.

"Stay down," Kyro hissed as he took the crystals. The fighter groaned, too weak to resist.

With the crystals in hand, they slipped back into the shadows before the sounds of battle could attract any lurking monsters.

Back in their hideout, Rex leaned casually against a wall, inspecting the crystals Kyro had placed on the ground.

"See? Two fewer fighters and four more crystals for us."

Kyro studied him skeptically. "You could have betrayed me just as easily. Why didn't you?"

Rex chuckled softly, a genuine, warm sound. "Because I keep my deals. We're partners—as long as it makes sense. Besides…" He gestured toward Kyro. "You're far too talented to backstab. I'd rather work with you than fight against you."

Kyro nodded slowly. For the first time since their alliance had begun, he felt a real connection to Rex.

"And now?" Kyro asked.

Rex grabbed another piece of scrap metal and began sketching a new map. "We move forward. This time, we're taking on a bigger group. I hope you're ready."

The hunt had only just begun.