"Look around you," the voice sneered, sharp and cold. "You're nothing without your friends. You can't even meet my eyes."
Rayan's breath caught in his throat as he turned in a slow circle. The lush trees that once surrounded him had vanished, replaced by a barren field shadowed by gathering clouds. Lines of armored soldiers stood in eerie silence, their weapons gleaming dully beneath the dim light.
From among them, a figure emerged. each step he took made the ground quake beneath Rayan's feet, as if the earth itself feared his presence. The man was tall and imposing, his long silver hair flowing like mercury, and his piercing blue eyes shimmered with a cruel intelligence.
"Who are you?" Rayan demanded, his voice trembling. "Why are you here? What do you want from me?"
The man stopped a few paces away, a smirk curling his lips. "Welcome, intruder. I am General Mordrek," he said, his tone laced with contempt and amusement.
Rayan glanced around again, fear tightening his chest. "Where are my friends?"
No answer came. Only silence, and then, slowly, Mordrek raised a hand.
"They're around you," he said. "I control their minds now. But you... you don't seem like much of a threat. Perhaps I'll let them return to themselves."
Rayan blinked in disbelief. "But I don't see them."
Mordrek let out a low, mocking laugh. "Of course not. I control your mind too. You're blind, boy. But now... open your eyes."
As if a veil had been lifted, the illusion shattered. Orien and Malrick stood nearby, dazed but alive. Relief washed over Rayan like a crashing wave.
"Don't worry, guys," he said, stepping toward them. "It's just magic. We're together now."
But Orien narrowed his eyes, his voice hushed and wary. "I don't have a good feeling about this place."
Mordrek snapped, "Enough nonsense. Why are you here? Speak, or I'll crush your minds again."
Malrick stepped forward boldly. "We came to meet the king. We wish to understand the Dark Side."
The general raised an eyebrow, then let out a dark chuckle. "You mean King Aravak? And why, pray tell, would he waste time with you?"
Rayan steadied his breath and spoke clearly, his voice resonating with resolve. "I bear the Integrated Side. I've already learned the Fire and Cold sides. The Dark Side is the final piece. I must learn it, to gain the strength to destroy the man who slew the Dragon."
Mordrek's laughter faltered. For the first time, his expression shifted, not to amusement, but to something closer to disbelief.
"You're joking," he said. "You think the king will teach you just so you can go off and fight Vortan? That monster?"
Rayan said simply "Yes,"
The general stared at him for a long moment. Then, with a slow nod, he spoke again. his voice more serious, though still laced with skepticism.
"You're either mad... or far more ambitious than you look. I can't take your word at face value, but I sense there's something burning inside you. Something real. I'll speak to the king. Perhaps he'll grant you an audience... and a chance to prove yourself."