The World Tree towered over the frozen plains like a pillar connecting heaven and earth.

Its golden branches stretched beyond the clouds, glowing with ancient life despite the darkness swallowing the world.

At its roots...

An endless army waited.

Thousands of shadow warriors stood in perfect silence, their black armor reflecting the pale light of the Eternal Flame.

At the front of the army stood a single man.

His crimson armor shimmered like flowing blood.

A long black cape drifted behind him.

His silver hair reached his shoulders, and his crimson eyes burned with quiet confidence.

He rested a massive black sword upon his shoulder.

"I've been waiting," he said....