Chapter 3: Dark Moon Great Prince
Kukulin Bai Ye stood in the center of the room, his gaze fixed on the figure before him. The man was tall, clad in dark armor that seemed to absorb the light around it, and his face was partially obscured by a helmet shaped like a crescent moon. This was the Dark Moon Great Prince, a being of immense power and mystery.
"Bai Ye," the Dark Moon Great Prince spoke, his voice echoing with a hollow resonance. "You have come far, but the path ahead is treacherous. The Abyss stirs, and its shadows lengthen across the realms."
Bai Ye's hand rested on the hilt of his blade, the Dragon-Slaying Flash humming softly with latent energy. "I didn't come here for riddles. Speak plainly, or step aside."
The Great Prince chuckled, a sound like grinding stones. "Impatient as always. Very well. The Second Era: Alchemical Civilization has left behind remnants that the Abyss seeks to claim. Among them is a fragment of the Origin Stone: World. If it falls into their hands, the balance will shatter."
"And what do you want me to do about it?" Bai Ye asked, his tone flat.
"Retrieve it before they do. The fragment lies within the Eternal Light World, guarded by the remnants of the Alchemy Civilization. But be warned—the Archbishop of the Abyss has already dispatched his agents. You will not be alone in this hunt."
Bai Ye's eyes narrowed. "The Hunt List: Blood Pact. I'm familiar with the game."
The Dark Moon Great Prince nodded slowly. "Indeed. Your reputation precedes you, Kukulin Bai Ye. But even the strongest blade can be dulled by overconfidence. Take this."
He extended a hand, and a dark blue smoke coalesced into a small, crystalline token. It pulsed with a faint light, carrying the mark of the Void Tree.
"This token will grant you access to the sealed passages within the Eternal Light World. Use it wisely."
Bai Ye took the token, feeling its weight. "And if I fail?"
"Then the Abyss will consume more than just that world. The Transcendent Primordial World itself will tremble." The Great Prince's form began to fade, his voice growing distant. "Time is short, Bai Ye. The hunt begins now."
As the figure dissolved into shadows, Bai Ye turned and walked toward the door. Behind him, Bubu Wang, the dog-like creature with a shimmering coat, padded silently at his heels. In the corner, a small cat named Beini stretched lazily, her eyes glinting with intelligence.
"Looks like we're heading to the Eternal Light World," Bai Ye muttered. "Let's see what the Alchemy Civilization left behind."
He stepped out of the room, the token cold against his palm, and the weight of the coming battle settled on his shoulders.