*Kryzen*

The time had finally come. We had all gathered to take the fight to Tian and his shadows. With all of us in one place ready for battle, I would have expected rallying cries and motivational speeches. But what met me was a calm before the storm.

The stillness was unnerving, a silent symphony that rang in my ears. I had seen it before—the pause as if the very air held its breath, bracing for the chaos to come. Soldiers around me sat clutching their weapons, ...