Kazaf: The upside down

The Elara Sect was alive with energy. After Kazaf's match with Asma, whispers about his strength spread even further. His swift movements and precise strikes had earned him admiration, but also envy. Some still saw him as an outsider, a half-breed who didn't belong in the Down world.

But Kazaf didn't care about their opinions. He had more important matters to focus on.

That evening, as he walked through the sect grounds with Rahim, Samir, and Harun, he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The feeling had been creeping up on him since they left the tomb, but now it was stronger than ever.

"You feel it too, don't you?" Rahim muttered, glancing around.

Kazaf nodded. "Yeah. We're being watched."

Harun frowned. "Think it's just jealous disciples, or something worse?"

Before Kazaf could answer, a sect elder approached them. It was Elder Safwan, a strict but fair instructor known for his sharp eyes.

"Kazaf," Safwan said in a firm tone. "The sect leader wants to see you."

Kazaf exchanged glances with his friends before nodding. "I'll go."

As he followed Safwan toward the main hall, the uneasy feeling in his gut only grew stronger.

---

A Visitor in the Night

Inside the grand hall of the Elara Sect, Jamal Kassim, the sect leader, sat on his throne, his expression unreadable. Beside him stood Elder Nadim and Elder Rafiq, both watching Kazaf carefully as he approached.

"Kazaf," Kassim began, his voice steady. "You've done well since arriving here. Your strength in the tomb did not go unnoticed."

Kazaf inclined his head slightly. "I only did what I had to."

"That may be, but your actions have drawn attention," Kassim continued. "Not just from within the sect, but from outside it as well."

Kazaf's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

Before Kassim could answer, a loud commotion erupted outside the hall. Shouts and hurried footsteps echoed through the corridors.

"Enemies at the gate!" a disciple yelled as he burst into the room.

Kassim's expression darkened. "Who dares attack the Elara Sect?"

The disciple bowed hurriedly. "They claim to be travelers seeking entry, but their aura is unnatural. They refuse to identify themselves."

Kazaf felt a chill run down his spine. He already knew the answer before Kassim spoke.

"Jalwa's men," Kassim muttered.

Kazaf clenched his fists. So the Dark Master had finally made a move.

---

A Battle Begins

Outside the sect gates, a group of cloaked figures stood silently, their faces hidden beneath their hoods. At the front was a tall warrior with a jagged scar across his cheek—Rami, one of Jalwa's enforcers.

"Elara Sect," Rami called out. "We have no quarrel with you. We seek only Kazaf. Hand him over, and we will leave in peace."

Atop the sect walls, several disciples stood ready with weapons drawn. Among them was Asma, her eyes burning with defiance.

"You think we'd just hand him over?" she called back.

Rami smirked. "We hoped you'd be wise. But if not…" He raised a hand, and in an instant, his men drew their weapons.

A moment later, the battle began.

Jalwa's warriors charged forward, clashing against the Elara Sect's defenses. Blades clashed, energy surged, and the air was filled with the sounds of battle.

Kazaf wasted no time. He dashed toward the front lines, his energy flaring as he engaged the nearest enemy. With a swift movement, he dodged a sword strike and countered with a powerful kick, sending his opponent flying.

Rahim, Samir, and Harun weren't far behind, each fighting their own battles. Rahim's movements were quick and unpredictable, Samir wielded his spear with deadly precision, and Harun's brute strength crushed any foe in his path.

"Kazaf!" Asma called from above. "More are coming from the east side!"

Kazaf barely had time to react before another enemy lunged at him. He ducked, grabbed his attacker's arm, and twisted it before delivering a sharp elbow to the chest. The man crumpled to the ground.

Then, a powerful aura surged forward.

Kazaf turned just in time to see Rami step into the battlefield, his eyes locked on him.

"So, you're the famous half-breed," Rami said, unsheathing his sword. "Let's see if you live up to the stories."

Kazaf smirked, rolling his shoulders. "You'll regret this."

And with that, they clashed.

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