Kazaf: The upside down

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Kazaf's vision blurred as an overwhelming force surged through him. The moment his fingers grazed the Void Shard, an icy chill crawled through his veins, seizing his body in place.

A deep void swallowed his consciousness, dragging him into darkness.

Then, the visions came.

Visions of the Past

He stood in a vast, desolate landscape. Towering ruins stretched into the distance, their once-majestic structures now reduced to crumbling stone. The sky above was an abyss of swirling black clouds, crackling with unnatural energy.

And at the center of it all stood Jalwa.

The Dark Master's crimson eyes gleamed with wicked amusement as he looked down at a figure shackled in heavy iron chains.

Kazaf's breath caught in his throat.

It was his father.

Beaten. Bloodied. Barely breathing.

Jalwa knelt beside him, speaking in a voice thick with malice.

"You are nothing but a broken man now. Forgotten by your own blood."

Kazaf's hands clenched into fists. He wanted to move, to strike, to do something—but his body remained frozen, trapped in the vision.

His father, despite his weakened state, lifted his head. His gaze was fierce, unwavering.

"You will never break me."

Jalwa smirked.

"I don't need to."

Then, without warning, a dark spear materialized in his grip.

And he drove it straight through Kazaf's father's chest.

Kazaf screamed.

The world around him shattered.

Back to Reality

Kazaf gasped, his body convulsing as he was wrenched back into the present. His friends stood around him, faces tense with concern.

"Asma?" His voice was hoarse.

She was the first to move, gripping his shoulders. "Kazaf, you—"

He shoved her hands off and staggered to his feet.

"We have to move. Now."

Farhan narrowed his eyes. "What did you see?"

Kazaf clenched his fists, his heart still pounding from the vision. "Jalwa has my father. And he's running out of time."

Rahim stepped forward. "Then we need a plan."

Kazaf took a deep breath, steeling himself. "We're going after him."

The Road Ahead

The group made their way out of the Ruins of Kael'Thar, retracing their steps through the Ghostwood Forest. Though the Silence Keepers no longer lurked in the shadows, the weight of their mission pressed heavy upon them.

They set up camp that night under the starlit sky. As the fire crackled softly, the conversation turned grim.

"We're outnumbered," Dulla pointed out. "Jalwa's forces are strong."

Farhan nodded. "And he's not just powerful—he's strategic. Attacking recklessly will get us killed."

Kazaf stared into the flames, deep in thought.

"I won't let fear decide this for me," he said finally. "I made a promise. I will save my father—no matter what it takes."

Asma watched him, her expression unreadable.

Then, quietly, she spoke.

"I'm going with you."

Kazaf's eyes met hers.

"You don't have to—"

"I want to," she interrupted. "I chose you, Kazaf. And I'll stand by your side."

A rare warmth flickered in Kazaf's chest.

The others exchanged glances before nodding one by one.

Rahim smirked. "Then let's bring the fight to Jalwa."

A Grandfather's Arrival

Before dawn, as they prepared to move, a presence descended upon them.

A powerful presence.

The air grew thick with spiritual pressure as an elderly figure stepped out from the shadows, his long robes billowing in the wind. His gaze was sharp, his movements deliberate.

Kazaf immediately recognized him.

His maternal grandfather, Suleiman.

The man who had once disowned Alaca for choosing love over duty.

Silence settled over the group as Suleiman regarded his grandson with piercing eyes.

"So," he said, voice deep and unwavering, "you have finally come."

Kazaf straightened. "Not for you."

Suleiman's expression remained unreadable. Then, he turned his gaze to Asma. "I see you've made your choice, child."

Asma hesitated but did not look away. "I have."

Suleiman studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Then you will face the consequences of it."

Kazaf stepped forward. "I don't have time for your judgment. My father is in danger."

Suleiman remained calm. "And do you truly believe you can stand against Jalwa alone?"

Kazaf's jaw tightened.

Suleiman sighed. "Foolish boy."

Then, to everyone's shock, he removed a golden amulet from his robes and tossed it to Kazaf.

Kazaf caught it instinctively.

"This will grant you passage into Jalwa's domain," Suleiman said. "It is an ancient relic of the sects—one that even he cannot deny."

Kazaf stared at the artifact. "Why help me?"

Suleiman's gaze darkened. "Because I will not stand idly by while my blood is erased."

Kazaf held the amulet tightly.

For the first time, Suleiman had acknowledged him as family.

The Journey to the Dark Fortress

With the amulet in their possession, the group set out toward Jalwa's stronghold—a towering fortress hidden deep within the Valley of Shadows.

Each step brought them closer to the inevitable battle.

And as Kazaf tightened his grip on his sword, he knew one thing for certain.

This war was far from over.

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