Creation Of All Things-Chapter 72: Return Of Wraith

Clap. Clap. Clap.

A slow, deliberate applause echoed through the arena.

"Not bad. You kids really are something else." The man smirked, tilting his head slightly. "Back in my world, they would've called you children of the universe."

A moment of silence followed. Then—

"Brother," Selene's voice cut through the tension.

"Uncle."

"Uncle."

Both Alexandria and Mark spoke at the same time.

"Damien."

The man's smirk twitched. His eyes flickered between them before his expression soured.

"Who the hell is 'Brother'? 'Uncle'? 'Damien'?" His voice was sharp as he scanned their faces. Then, something clicked. His eyes narrowed as he spotted Selene, Thomas, Raphael, and Freya. Recognition flashed across his face.

"Ohhh…" He let out a slow, amused hum. "I remember now. You lot—prison dimension, right? And you—" His gaze locked onto Freya. His grin widened. "You're the one who killed the last poor bastard I swapped bodies with."

Freya stiffened. The realization hit her like a punch to the gut.

"Wraith…" The name barely left her lips, but it was enough.

The entire arena went still.

Everyone knew that name.

Wraith.

To most, he was the leader of the rebel organization that surfaced four years ago. But to four people in this arena, he was something far worse.

The Blade of the Monarch of Destruction.

Wraith.

A man who was supposed to be dead.

Kael crossed his arms, his gaze unwavering. "So, you're Wraith." He let out a slow exhale. "Always heard rumors you were once on the good side. Didn't expect you to be him though." He scoffed. "That's… disappointing."

Wraith rolled his eyes. "Are you sick in the head or what?" He leaned forward slightly, his red eyes glowing faintly. "I'm not some 'Damien.' I'm Wraith."

His tone shifted, turning cold. "But enough of that. I'm not here for old stories." His gaze sharpened, scanning the crowd. "I came for something that belongs to me."

His eyes finally locked onto one person. Raphael.

"Which means… where the hell is this kid called Adam?"

Selene's voice rang out, raw with emotion. "What the hell do you mean you're Wraith?! Even if you two look alike, I know my brother when I see him! You're Damien!"

Her eyes burned with frustration as she glared at the man standing before her, refusing to accept what he was saying.

Wraith let out a low chuckle, tilting his head. "Tch. Woman, I already told you—I'm Wraith." His smirk widened, eyes glinting with something dark. "But yeah… I do remember the guy you're talking about."

His voice turned almost lazy, like he was recalling an old joke.

"Swapped bodies with him at the very last second. Right before my 'death.' If I remember right… his final words were—" He tapped his chin mockingly before his grin sharpened. "Wait."

He turned his gaze to Freya, a wicked amusement dancing in his eyes. "Yeah… he was talking to you before you finished him off."

The world went silent.

Every eye in the arena snapped to Freya.

She stood frozen, her breath caught in her throat. The color drained from her face as the realization hit her like a collapsing star.

The Wraith she thought she killed…

The enemy she had spent years hating…

Hadn't been Wraith at all.

It was Damien.

She had killed one of her own.

Because of him.

A sudden heat wave blasted through the arena. The air warped, rippling with sheer rage as flames flickered to life around Freya's body. Her entire being screamed with fury, grief, and betrayal.

Wraith only grinned wider.

But before she could explode, a firm hand rested on her shoulder.

Raphael.

His grip was steady, grounding. "Freya," he said softly.

She didn't move, her breathing ragged, her body trembling.

"Not here," he murmured.

A long silence stretched between them before, finally, the flames flickered out.

But her eyes never left Wraith.

And Wraith…

He just smiled like he had all the time in the world.

The tension in the arena was suffocating. No one spoke. No one moved.

Then—

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Wraith took a slow step forward, his boots echoing against the stone. His grin hadn't faded, but there was something in his eyes now—a dangerous glint, like a predator toying with its prey.

"You know," he mused, tilting his head. "I was expecting a bigger reaction. What's wrong, Freya? Cat got your tongue? Or maybe…" His smirk deepened. "Guilt?"

Freya's fists clenched at her sides. The fire inside her flickered, threatening to explode again, but Raphael's grip on her shoulder tightened slightly. A silent warning.

Not yet.

Wraith chuckled. "Smart move, pretty boy." His red eyes slid to Raphael. "You keep holding her back. I'd hate for this reunion to get too messy before I get what I came for."

"And what exactly is that?" Thomas finally spoke, his voice calm but firm. His sharp gaze never left Wraith.

Wraith sighed, stretching his arms behind his head like this was all just some casual conversation. "Man, do I have to spell it out? I already said it." His eyes darkened, and the air itself seemed to get heavier.

"I'm here for Adam."

Silence.

Then, Kael scoffed. "Tch. Bold of you to think you can just walk in here and take whatever you want." His fingers twitched slightly, a subtle movement most wouldn't notice. But Wraith did.

In an instant, Wraith moved.

BOOM!

A shockwave ripped through the air as he closed the distance, appearing right in front of Kael. One second, Kael had been standing tall, and the next, Wraith's hand was gripping his collar, pulling him forward until their faces were inches apart.

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"Listen, kid." Wraith's voice dropped to a near whisper, but the weight behind it was crushing. "I don't think I can take what I want."

His grin widened into something wrong.

"I know I can."

Kael's eyes flickered with surprise for only a second before he reacted. In a flash, his hand moved, a blade of energy forming in his grip—

But Wraith was already gone.

Whoosh!

Kael swung through empty air, the force of his attack slicing a clean gash into the arena floor. He clicked his tongue in annoyance.

Wraith reappeared a few feet away, hands in his pockets, looking completely unbothered. "See? That's what I love about you hero types. Always so eager to fight. Makes things so much more fun."

Selene stepped forward, her eyes sharp. "You won't find Adam here."

Wraith arched a brow. "Oh? That so?"

"He left." Her tone was steady, unwavering. "You're wasting your time."

For a moment, Wraith just stared at her. Then—

He laughed.

A deep, amused chuckle that echoed through the arena. "Damn. You really think I'll just take your word for it, huh?" His red eyes gleamed as he took another step forward. "Nah. I think I'll stick around a little longer."

His gaze swept over the group again, and his grin turned almost hungry.

"Besides…" His voice dropped lower, almost teasing. "It's been a while since I've had a little fun."

"No need for that. If you're here for my son, you'll have to go through me first. And for the love of God, stop calling me a kid."