Yami and Rei's steps slowed as the mist thickened, casting an eerie glow over the Valley of Forgotten Shadows. An oppressive silence hung in the air, and every rustle in the darkened trees seemed to have a life of its own. Suddenly, there was a whisper of movement, a shadow among the shadows, and in a fluid motion, a figure landed smoothly in their path, crouched down with one hand resting on the ground.
As the figure stood, the cloak of mist seemed to part slightly, revealing him in his entirety. He was tall and lean, with an effortlessly composed posture. He looked almost ethereal, as though he was a living ghost within the valley. His skin was pale, contrasting sharply with his dark hair, which was long and straight, cascading down to his mid-back in a silky waterfall that shimmered like obsidian under moonlight. His bangs were artfully swept to one side, partially covering his left eye, giving him an air of mystery and intrigue that could capture anyone's attention.
His face was sharp, angular, and almost delicate, with high cheekbones and a defined jawline that gave him a sculpted, otherworldly beauty. His eyes were what drew the most attention—they were a brilliant shade of violet, with an unnatural sheen that made them look as though they could see beyond this world and into the next. There was an intensity within them, both intimidating and alluring. His lips were curved into a faint, almost lazy smirk, giving him an air of confidence and danger, like a man who knew his own power and didn't fear a thing.
His attire was intricate and refined, a blend of traditional and modern that made him look like a phantom warrior from an ancient tale. He wore a long, dark coat that reached just above his ankles, lined with silver threads that traced out strange, occult symbols along its edges. The coat was open, revealing a fitted, sleeveless top beneath it, which displayed his lean, muscular arms that bore intricate tattooed patterns that glowed faintly in the dim light. The designs appeared to shift slightly, almost like they were alive, adding to his air of mystery and the sense that he was inextricably bound to powers beyond mortal understanding.
Strapped across his back was a unique weapon—a large scythe, but unlike any other. The handle was sleek and metallic, made of a dark alloy with strange engravings that seemed to absorb light. Near the base of the scythe, several razor-edged chains wrapped around it loosely, each chain link decorated with tiny, engraved symbols. The blade itself was magnificent, curved and sharp, with a faint violet sheen that seemed to hum with an energy of its own. The blade was jagged along its inner edge, giving it a vicious, serrated appearance, while the outer edge was polished to a mirror-like sharpness. At the top of the handle was a carved gemstone—a vibrant violet that matched his eyes—and it pulsed faintly, as though it was alive, in tune with his own heartbeat.
As he shifted the scythe from his back to rest it casually across his shoulders, he spoke with a voice that was smooth, almost musical, but with an edge of cold detachment.
"I am Qwana Naguyoto, Fasmo #3," he announced, each word lingering in the air, his gaze piercing through Yami and Rei as though seeing into their souls. The way he spoke his title, with a casual yet deadly confidence, left no doubt that he was a high-ranking and dangerous figure within the Naguyoto Clan.