Chapter 3: Gathering Old Allies

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Lukas had embarked on his quest to find the Crimson Blades, a secret society of demon hunters. With the hope of enlisting their aid against the Council of Shadows, he traveled through winding alleys and hidden passages until he reached an old, decrepit tavern known only to those in the know.

The Tavern of Shadows, The dimly lit tavern was filled with the hushed conversations of patrons who bore the telltale mark of demon hunters—a crimson insignia on their cloaks.

Lukas's entrance drew the attention of a woman sitting alone in the corner, her eyes concealed behind a veil.

Lukas:"Hey Selene..... Long time no see..."

This was Selene, a seer known for her ability to glimpse into the future. Her ability has always been helpful, especially at last war against the demons.'

Selene: (cryptic) " Long time indeed, we thought you were dead to be honest, but it looks like you're full of surprises aren't you. 

Lukas:" Well I would rather not talk about that, I.... need help Selene..."

Selene:" You seek allies. I knew that from the second you stepped into this tavern, but your path is shrouded in darkness, Lukas."

"Lukas: (determined) "I need to align our former group in the Crimson Blades. Can you help me?"

At the bar, a rugged man with a devil-may-care attitude caught Lukas's eye. This was Kieran, a fearless daredevil among the Blades.

Kieran: (raising his glass) "Lukas! You're back!

Lukas:" Hey Kieran, how's it going.

Kieran:" Hmmmm, you've changed Lukas, you weren't like this."

Lukas was dead silent.

Kieran:" Meh, enough of that talk, let's have a cheers to all the demons we've slain and the ones we've yet to meet!!!"

Lukas: (enthusiastic) "Well I guees you haven't changed much my friend eh?

By the fireplace, a woman with an air of mystique was quietly sipping her drink. Elara, an enigmatic enchantress, possessed a deep knowledge of arcane magic.

Elara: (intrigued) "I sense a powerful destiny intertwined with yours, Lukas. But you have the audacity dissapear for 5 years and come back acting like nothing's wrong?"

Lukas: (uncomfortable) "I'm sorry about that, but will you share your magic to help me free my beloved?"

A seasoned hunter known as Thorne stood at the entrance. He was a stoic strategist, renowned for his analytical mind.

Thorne: (assessing Lukas) "Well look at you, you're completely different from before. What happened to you."

Lukas hated all the attention he was getting from being absent from a long time, but he knew this was going to happen, and right now he needed help.

Lukas:" I'm happy that you're doing fine as well, Thorne."

Thorne:"(scoffs) You're not a novice, what do you want to do?"

Lukas: (confident) "To confront the Council of Shadows and break their hold on my beloved."

Lastly, Lukas noticed a nimble markswoman named Anara practicing her archery in a secluded corner of the tavern. Her precision with a bow was unmatched.

Anara: (nocking an arrow) "Actions speak louder than words. If you can keep up, I'll join your cause. Anyways, It's been a long time since I've been in action."

Lukas: (smiling) "I wouldn't have it any other way, Anara."

These guys are some of the Crimson Blade members who were a great asset in the last war, with these five diverse and formidable allies by his side, Lukas felt a newfound sense of determination.

The Crimson Blades, each with their unique skills and abilities, were now united in a common cause—to confront the Council of Shadows, uncover the mysteries of the Abyssal Taint, and free Elena from her demonic imprisonment.

As they raised their drinks in a silent toast, Lukas knew that the battle against darkness had just begun, and the bonds forged in that shadowy tavern would be their strength in the battles to come.

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