Pride
Introduction

Sixteen years had passed since the destruction of Horai. The unholy armies of Yomi had rushed upon the magnificent golden city. Their ethereal army could not be harmed by any mortal contender. They were called Shades, the mindless, obedient grunts of the shadowy underworld. Shades were fearsome creatures that were smitten with the destruction of humanity. Some describe them to resemble smoky glass, with no specific form. A single Shade could effortlessly ravage an entire town. Horai stood no chance.

The massacre lasted for three days. The Shades took their time, slowly draining the life and spirit out of the glorious city. They crept behind innocent citizens, unhurriedly sapping their strength. When they collapsed, the Shades would surgically carve into their minds and feast upon their souls. Their limp bodies were left behind as hollow shells, remnants of their former selves. Their hearts still beat, but with the soul unmercifully excised, they were dead inside.

The third day brought blistering torrents of fire. The volatile sky blazed crimson. Bellows of flame rained down upon the city and smothered it under an avalanche of death. The celebrated city of Horai was left in ruins. This was the fiery awakening of the world.