Church of Elleh – Nightfall
The sun dipped beneath the trees, casting long shadows over the ruins. The sky above shimmered with unfamiliar constellations, stars glowing brighter than anything Kai had seen on Earth.
He sat at the Grace again, watching it swirl. The golden light hummed low, steady… waiting.
Then it pulsed.
And the air changed.
A wind shifted—not cold, but still. Like the world paused to take a breath.
Then came the voice.
“Tarnished…”
Kai turned slowly.
She stood there—barefoot, cloaked in dark robes, hood drawn low over her face. The flame of Grace illuminated her softly. Her presence didn’t bend the grass or disturb the air, but something inside Kai shifted.
Melina.
Her expression was calm, unreadable. “I offer you an accord.”
Kai studied her. “You always get right to the point, don’t you?”
She blinked. Hesitated.
He smiled. “I know who you are.”
That seemed to throw her off.
“I see,” she said quietly. “Then you understand the nature of this offer.”
“I do,” he said. “But I have a question first.”
Melina tilted her head.
“Why now? Why here?”
She glanced toward the Grace. “Because… you are different.”
“Is that your opinion or Grace’s?”
A pause.
“Both,” she said.
Kai chuckled and stood. “Alright then. I accept.”
“You do not even know what I require in return.”
“I’ll carry you to the Erdtree,” he said. “You offer your guidance, your presence, and… something else.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“Company,” Kai said. “You don’t have to say it. I’ve played this game.”
“You speak strangely.”
“Let’s just say I’ve seen a lot of paths already. But I’ve never walked them like this.”
Melina nodded once, slowly. “Very well.”
She raised a hand, and a soft golden rune embedded itself in Kai’s chest—just under the skin. The connection flared to life.
[Torrent is now available]
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
A spectral horse neighed somewhere distant.
Kai rolled his shoulder. “Okay. Now we’re getting somewhere.”
Melina turned, but hesitated again.
“You are… at ease,” she said, almost surprised.
“With you? Yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Most Tarnished… recoil from the unknown.”
Kai smirked. “I am the unknown.”
?
They left the Church of Elleh before dawn. Torrent appeared like a storm-wind in the grass, loyal and radiant. Melina sat sidesaddle behind Kai, silent, calm.
They passed ruins and wolves and slumbering trolls. None dared challenge them. A few soldiers near a cliff made the mistake of raising their weapons.
Kai lifted a hand.
Limit Breaker Skill: Gravity Crush [Localized Impact Zone]
They dropped—swords, armor, bones, and all—crumpled by a single pulse.
Melina said nothing. But Kai felt her shift slightly behind him.
“You alright?” he asked.
“I… did not expect such… ease.”
“I’ve had practice,” Kai said. “But don’t worry. I know when to hold back.”
“Do you?”
The words weren’t teasing. They were curious.
Kai didn’t answer.
?
They made camp near a twisted tree by a shallow stream. The stars hung heavy overhead, reflecting in the water.
Kai laid his cloak down and sat by the fire. Melina sat across from him, legs folded neatly beneath her.
Neither spoke for a while.
Finally, she said, “You are not like the others.”
“Yeah, I figured.”
“You do not seek Grace. You… enjoy this. Even the blood.”
Kai tilted his head. “I don’t enjoy killing. But I enjoy winning. And I’ve died enough times to know what it’s worth.”
Melina nodded slowly. “There is… something inside you. Not rot. Not madness. But… resistance.”
“Limit Breaker,” he said. “It rewrites rules.”
“Whose?”
Kai met her eyes. “All of them.”
?
She stared at him, firelight flickering in her calm blue gaze.
“Are you afraid of me?” he asked.
“No,” she said instantly.
He raised a brow.
“I do not fear those who walk in strength,” she continued. “But I wonder… if you fear yourself.”
Kai looked into the fire. “…Maybe.”
Melina’s voice dropped to a whisper. “If you are truly beyond death… what, then, anchors you to life?”
The question hung in the air between them.
After a long pause, he said quietly, “You.”
Melina’s breath caught—but only for a second.
Then she stood. “We should rest.”
Kai nodded. But sleep didn’t come easily.
Not because of nightmares.
But because for the first time… something in this world actually mattered.
?
Morning – Near Gatefront Ruins
They rode quietly under the morning sun. Melina held tighter now. Not fear—just presence.
Soldiers patrolled the Gatefront in thick armor and practiced lines. They hadn’t yet seen Kai.
He handed the reins to Melina.
“Stay here.”
“Kai—”
“I won’t kill them unless they try,” he said. “But I want you to see what I can really do.”
Then he dropped.
Torrent vanished into mist. Kai hit the ground in a crouch. Enemies turned, too slow.
Skill: Phase Displace – Chain Activation
Perk: Area Lock
State: Unleashed
In three seconds, seven soldiers collapsed—pressure points ruptured, helmets imploded, armor sliced by air alone.
The mounted knight galloped toward him, greatsword drawn.
Kai didn’t flinch.
He stepped forward—once.
Then launched.
A single upward strike shattered the horse’s ribs and launched both rider and beast into the trees.
Silence followed.
Then the trees creaked—and the armored body crashed down beside a fallen banner.
Kai walked back through the wreckage, dusting his hands.
Melina met him halfway.
She said nothing.
But her eyes were wide.
And she didn’t let go of his arm for the rest of the ride.
?
Evening – Overlooking Stormgate
They set camp near a cliff. Ahead lay Stormgate—the first true trial.
Melina watched the clouds, quiet.
Kai leaned back, arms folded behind his head. “You know, you’re different too.”
She glanced at him.
“You’re more… present. Less scripted.”
“I do not understand.”
Kai smiled. “That’s the point.”
She turned her gaze back to the sky. “Then perhaps… you are changing me as well.”
He looked at her.
“No,” he said. “I think I’m just seeing who you really are.”
She didn’t respond.
But she didn’t move away either.
