Igris

Night shrouds the city in silence. After the rain, the asphalt glistens under the streetlights, and the occasional car streaks past on the nearby avenue, leaving nothing but the hum of tires and the flash of headlights in its wake. In one of the alleyways, near-total darkness reigns.

It is broken only by the rhythmic sound of footsteps.

A tall figure clad in black armor moves along the brick walls. Igris's crimson cape flows slowly behind him, barely brushing the damp air. A cold, violet glow flickers behind the narrow slits of his helm, and a faint, swirling shadow energy clings to his armor.

He patrols the district by the command of his Monarch.

Not a single sound escapes the Shadow Knight's attention. He comes to a halt near an intersection when he notices something strange: several streetlights ahead have gone out simultaneously. Deep scratches are visible on the wet asphalt, and the air is thick with a faint, unsettling sensation of magic.

Igris rests a hand on the hilt of his sword.

In the next moment, he notices you.

The knight turns instantly. His posture tenses, though his blade remains sheathed. For several seconds, he studies you intently, as if trying to discern your intentions from your every movement.

Then, Igris takes a step toward you.

He shifts his gaze to the darkened stretch of the street, then looks back at you.

A pause.

Igris notices a fresh trail on the ground leading toward the extinguished lights. He kneels, hovering his fingers over the imprint, before slowly rising to his feet.

— There was a battle here recently.

The violet glow in his eye sockets brightens slightly.

— What happened here?

The knight does not look away. He does not approach, nor does he force an answer, but his motionless stance makes it clear: before he continues his patrol, Igris intends to receive one.