Scar

Deep down the darkness

Marco stood frozen in horror as the vision faded. 

His dark self stood beside him, its expression unreadable.

Welcome to the Darkest Night, Marco Valenti. 

Your deepest fear.

The room was silent, except for the sound of Marco's ragged breathing.

 He stared at the scene before him – his hands covered in Sophia's blood, her lifeless body at his feet.

No... Marco whispered, his voice trembling.

 This isn't true...

His dark self spoke, its voice cold and detached.

It is true, Marco. This is your destiny. 

The power of the Shadowborn courses through your veins. 

You will have to destroy Sophia, and everyone you love, to save the whole world .

Marco shook his head, tears streaming down his face.

I won't do it... I won't hurt her, I won't hurt my family ....

His dark self laughed, the sound echoing through the chamber.

You already have. 

In this moment, you have destroyed her, you have destroyed them all . 

The darkness has consumed you.

Suddenly, the room began to fade away.

Marco felt himself being pulled back through the door, back into the bright sunlight.

Marco materialized back at the mountain, gasping for breath. 

The Ancient One waited for him, concern etched on his face.

Marco, how did it go? 

Were you able to face it?

Marco stumbled forward, still reeling from the vision.

I... I don't know , I don't know if it worked.

Suddenly, a searing pain burned through his flesh. 

Marco looked down to see a scar etched into his skin – the Scar of Strength.

The Ancient One rushed to his side, congratulating him.

You did well, Marco Valenti. 

You have faced your deepest fear , Six trials remain.

Marco's mind reeled. 

He had been gone for what felt like hours, but...

How long was I gone? he asked.

The Ancient One's expression turned grave.

A week, Marco Valenti. 

You have been gone for a week.

A week! Marco yelled, stunned.

 What about Sophia? 

What about the others?

The Ancient One placed a hand on his shoulder.

Go and rest, Marco.

 You will tell me all about your journey when you are ready.

Marco nodded slowly, still trying to process everything. 

He made his way to his quarters, his mind racing with thoughts of Sophia and the others.

What had happened while he was gone?

 Were they safe?

He lay down on his bed, the Scar of Strength throbbing on his skin.

Marco closed his eyes, trying to rest, but his mind refused to quiet.

Marco woke up feeling refreshed and anxious for news about his friends and family. 

He sought out the Ancient One, who reassured him that everyone was safe.

Now, Marco Valenti, we must discuss the artifacts.

 We have secured the Tear of the Moon Goddess from her tomb. 

Two remain: the Heart of the Sun god and the Trident of the Sea god.

Rumors suggest a collector named Lyrien possesses the remaining two artifacts .

 You must find him and retrieve the artifact, as it plays a crucial role in stopping Ruby.

But where is Lyrien? Marco asked, confused. 

I thought the artifacts were hidden in Mexico and Japan.

The Ancient One smiled enigmatically.

Lyrien resides in Tenebrous – a mystical town hidden from mortal maps.

 Sorcery and black magic reign supreme there. 

Seek out Mystic, a young woman with unparalleled knowledge.

 She will aid your quest.

The Ancient One opened a shimmering doorway.

Go, Marco Valenti. 

Marco navigated Tenebrous' narrow streets, asking townspeople about Mystic. 

Most cowered in fear, refusing to speak. 

One small girl, however, pointed him towards a secluded hideout.

Inside, Marco found Mystic – but she was not who he expected. 

Mystic was Kila, the girl who had told him the story of Scar and Ruby back in his village.

Kila? Marco exclaimed.

You're Mystic?

Kila nodded, a hint of surprise on her face.

Marco Valenti, I never thought our paths would cross again.

Marco explained his quest for the remaining two artifacts : the Heart of the Sun god and the Tridentof the Sea god . 

Kila's expression turned grave.

Lyrien is powerful and seriously dangerous. 

His master is even more ruthless. 

Lyrien will not give up the artifact easily.

Kila paused, studying Marco's face.

But I can help you , I know Lyrien's hideout.

 We can sneak in tonight, under the cover of darkness.

Marco nodded, determination rising within him.

Let's do it.

 I need that artifact to stop Ruby.

Kila smiled faintly.

Ruby... yes, She must be stopped. 

My sister was one of her victims.

Marco's eyes widened in shock.

Your sister? What happened?

Kila's eyes clouded over, her voice barely above a whisper.

My sister was a healer. 

Ruby sought her out, pretending to be ill. 

When my sister discovered Ruby's true nature... Ruby killed her.

Marco's heart heavy with sorrow, he placed a hand on Kila's shoulder.

I'm sorry, Kila. 

Ruby will pay for what she's done.

Kila nodded, composing herself.

Lyrien is holding an auction tonight.

 He'll be selling the Heart of the Sun god and the Trident of the Sea god to the highest bidder. 

We can attend, pose as bidders, and steal the artifact.

Marco's eyes narrowed.

An auction? That's perfect. Let's do it.

Marco and Kila arrived at the auction house – an opulent mansion hidden behind a secret door in Tenebrous. 

Marco glanced around, noticing various magical wards and guards.

Where did you get the tickets? Marco asked Kila quietly.

Don't worry about it, Kila replied with a sly smile.

She led him to a balcony overlooking the auction floor, pointing out various individuals.

Our competition awaits, Kila said. 

Let me introduce you to the bidders.

Bidder one : Lady Aurelia

Kila gestured to a statuesque woman with long silver hair and piercing emerald eyes.

Lady Aurelia, a vampire noble from the Night Court. 

She seeks the Heart of the Sun God to enhance her bloodline's power. 

Her bid will be high, but she's not our greatest concern.

Bidder two : Lord Arcturus

Kila pointed to a muscular man with short black hair and a thick beard, clad in plate armor.

Lord Arcturus, a warrior-mage from the Dragonfire Kingdom. 

He desires the two artifacts to amplify his magic and conquer neighboring lands.

 His magical prowess is impressive, but he lacks subtlety.

Bidder three : Mistress Lyraea

Kila indicated a mysterious woman shrouded in shadows, her face hidden behind a veil.

Mistress Lyraea, a powerful sorceress from the Shadowhand Clan.

 She seeks the trident to resurrect her ancient magic and reclaim her clan's former glory.

 Her abilities are unpredictable and dangerous.

Bidder four : Baron Valtor

Kila pointed to a lean figure with slicked-back blond hair and a charming smile.

Baron Valtor, a charismatic demonologist from the Underworld Empire.

 He wants the Heart to summon powerful demons and overthrow his rivals.

 His demonic pacts make him a wild card.

Bidder five :  Archon Xandros

Kila gestured to a towering figure with chiseled features and piercing blue eyes, clad in golden armor.

Archon Xandros, a fallen angel seeking redemption. He believes the Trident will restore his divine powers and allow him to reclaim his place in Heaven. 

His strength is formidable, but his motives are unclear.

Marco's eyes widened as he scanned the crowd.

How are we going to win against these competitors?

 You mentioned the top five, but there are over thirty people here, and we have no money.

Kila looked at him, a mischievous smile spreading across her face.

We're not here to bid, Marco. 

We're here to rob the place.