Kasib instantly grabbed his sword and lunged at the tar-like figure, slashing down with full force. However, the man shouted, "Force Push!" A wave of invisible energy repelled the attack, sending Kasib’s sword flying back, embedding itself in the wall.

  Without hesitation, Kasib yanked the sword free and dashed forward, sliding across the wooden floor before delivering a powerful kick. The impact sent the figure crashing through the window, shattering glass as he landed in the middle of the dark street outside.

  Hearing the commotion, Khonsu jolted awake, still groggy. "What's going on?" He quickly stood up and rushed outside, spotting Kasib facing off against the man. His eyes narrowed as he got a better look.

  "Wait… that’s Elias Solen." Khonsu realized. "The writer… and the owner of this house."

  "Kasib, what’s happening?" he asked, gripping his weapon.

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  Kasib kept his eyes locked on Solen, ready for another attack. "This man was controlling us," he said. "I think he can make people see dreams or nightmares… I’m not sure what else he’s capable of."

  Khonsu scoffed, drawing his sword. "That’s more than enough to know."

  Solen chuckled darkly. "You two… no regrets at all. Especially you." His finger pointed directly at Khonsu. "I tried so hard to make you both face your greatest fears… but it simply didn’t work. I wonder why."

  Khonsu tightened his grip on his blade. "Let’s end this quickly. We need to get the others back."

  Solen smirked. "In a hurry? Why try so hard to save them when you forget what I can do?"

  He spread his arms wide, his tar-like form shifting and twisting unnaturally. "I am Elias Solen, the one and only true master of fear!"

  The ground beneath them trembled. From the dirt, pale, withered hands emerged, clawing their way out. The air filled with the eerie moans of lost souls. Solen’s smirk widened.

  "Soul Puppets, rise!"

  One by one, the tormented dead pulled themselves from the earth, their hollow eyes locked onto Kasib and Khonsu. Their bodies moved unnaturally, puppets of Solen’s will, waiting for his command.

  The battle had only just begun.