The entrance to the Shadow Cavern was dark and unwelcoming, like the maw of a beast waiting to swallow her whole. Cold air seeped out, carrying faint whispers that seemed to claw at her mind.
Kaida tightened her grip on her daggers, her voice steady as she whispered to herself, “Fear feeds the Wraith. Stay calm.”
The cavern’s darkness was oppressive, swallowing the faint glow of her spirit well. Her steps were silent as she moved deeper, her training guiding her movements.
A faint growl echoed from the shadows, the sound sharp and chilling. Kaida paused, her instincts sharp, as she activated Shadow Veil, her form blending into the surrounding darkness.
The Shadow Wraith emerged, its form shifting and fluid, its glowing red eyes scanning the cavern. It paused, its claws twitching as it searched for her.
Kaida held her breath, her Shadow Veilconcealing her presence completely. The Wraith moved closer, its movements slow and deliberate as it tried to sense her.
With precise timing, Kaida released the veil and struck, her daggers flashing as they aimed for the Wraith’s core. The creature twisted, dodging her attack, and lunged with blinding speed.
Kaida activated Shadow Clone, creating a perfect copy of herself. The Wraith’s claws slashed through the clone, its form dispersing into harmless shadow.
The real Kaida used the distraction to strike, her dagger slicing through the Wraith’s misty arm. It let out a screech, its form flickering as it retreated.
“You’re fast,” Kaida muttered, adjusting her stance. “But I’m faster.”
The Wraith lunged again, its claws aiming for her throat. Kaida countered with Shadow Bind, threads of shadow shooting from her blades to entangle the creature’s limbs.
The Wraith screeched, struggling against the binding shadows. Kaida’s movements were swift as she closed the distance, her daggers striking with precision.
The creature dissolved into mist, breaking free of the bind, and reappeared behind her. Kaida spun, activating Shadow Cloneagain, the copy charging the Wraith head-on.
The Wraith hesitated, its confusion giving Kaida the opening she needed. She darted forward, her daggers glowing faintly as she infused them with shadow energy.
With a powerful strike, she drove her blade into the Wraith’s core. The creature let out a final, piercing screech before dissolving into nothingness.
Kaida staggered, her chest heaving as she caught her breath. “Two trials down,” she whispered, her voice steady but tired. She turned and began the long walk back to the cavern entrance.
The Clan’s Whispers and Sho-Nuff’s Insight
Back at the Shadow Clan, the courtyard was alive with whispers. Disciples murmured about Kaida’s trials, their voices a mix of awe and skepticism.
“She defeated the Shadow Wraith?” one disciple asked, their tone incredulous. “That’s impossible.”
Another nodded, their expression doubtful. “She’s pushing herself too far. She won’t survive the final trial.”
Chang overheard the whispers as he passed through the courtyard. His gaze was sharp, but he didn’t stop to address the rumors.
“Let them talk,” he muttered to himself. “Kaida’s actions will speak louder than their words.”
**
In his chamber, Master Sho-Nuff stood before his Mystic Mirror, watching Kaida’s battle replay on its surface. His sharp eyes followedhermastery of the shadow techniques, her precision striking the Wraith’s weak points.
“She’s mastering the shadows well,she’s more skilled than I expected,” Sho-Nuff murmured, his tone thoughtful. “But can she master herself?”
The image shifted, showing the disciples in the courtyard, their voices carrying faintly through the mirror.
His gaze settled on Bolo, Zane, and Jace, their huddled conversation drawing his attention. A faint smirk tugged at his lips as he watched them.
“Ambition burns brightest when chaos brews,” Sho-Nuff said, his voice low. “Let’s see if they’re prepared for what follows.”
The shadows in the room rippled, their movements like a silent response. Sho-Nuff’s smirk faded as his gaze returned to Kaida, now leaving the Shadow Cavern.
“She’s determined,” he said softly. “But determination alone won’t be enough for what’s next.”
Kaida Returns to the Clan
Kaida stumbled into the compound, her body aching but her mind sharp. The faint glow of the Night Lotus and the lingering energy of the Shadow Cavern weighed on her, but she refused to slow.
Chang met her at the gates, his arms crossed and his expression calm. “You’re back,” he said simply.
Kaida nodded, her voice steady despite her exhaustion. “The second task is complete.”
Chang’s gaze flicked over her, noting the bruises and scratches. “Good. Rest while you can. The final trial will test more than your body.”
Kaida’s attention shifted to the courtyard, where the competition for the #10 rank was concluding. The cheers of the disciples carried faintly on the wind.
“What’s happening there?” she asked, her voice curious but distracted.
Chang didn’t turn, his focus remaining on her. “The competition is finishing. But you have bigger things to focus on.”
Kaida didn’t argue, her steps deliberate as she made her way to the apothecary. Her mother would have what she needed to recover and prepare.
Preparing for the Final Trial
The familiar scent of herbs and potions filled the apothecary as Kaida entered. Krysta looked up from her work, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly.
“You look like you fought a Wraith,” Krysta said dryly. She gestured for Kaida to sit, her movements brisk but precise.
Kaida sank into the chair, her body feeling heavier with each passing moment. “The Wraith is gone,” she said simply. “But the Orb of Resonance is next.”
Krysta’s expression grew serious as she set down a glowing vial. “That task isn’t just dangerous—it’s life-threatening.”
Kaida nodded, her resolve clear. “I’ll succeed. I don’t have a choice.”
Krysta handed her the vial, the liquid glowing faintly. “Drink this. It will stabilize your spirit well, but it won’t do the work for you.”
Kaida drank it quickly, the warmth spreading through her chest. “Thank you, Mother.”
Krysta placed a hand on her shoulder, her grip firm. “Be careful, Kaida. The Orb will push you to the edge. If you’re not ready, it will break you.”
Kaida stood, her grip tightening on the daggers at her side. “I’ll handle it,” she said, her voice steady.
Krysta watched her leave, her expression a mix of pride and worry. “Come back alive,” she whispered.
The Orb Awaits
Kaida stood at the base of a winding stone staircase, her breath visible in the cool air. The stairs spiraled upward, disappearing into the shadows of the towering peak above her.
“This is where it’s hidden,” she muttered, gripping her daggers tightly. The Chamber of Resonancesat atop the mountain, isolated and unyielding.
The climb was treacherous, the narrow steps slick with moisture from the ever-present mist. Each step echoed faintly in the silence, the sound swallowed quickly by the vast emptiness around her.
Kaida’s body ached from the previous trials, but she pushed forward, her mind focused on the task ahead. “One last trial,” she reminded herself, her voice firm. “I’ve come too far to stop now.”
Halfway up, the wind picked up, tugging at her clothes and forcing her to brace herself against the cold stone. The path felt endless, the weight of her exhaustion pressing down on her with every step.
Finally, the staircase ended, opening into a small plateau. At its center stood an imposing stone door, faint light seeping through the cracks around its edges.
Kaida approached slowly, her heart pounding in her chest. The air was heavy, each breath feeling thicker as she neared the door.
“This is it,” she whispered, her fingers brushing the worn carvings etched into the stone. The patterns seemed to pulse faintly, as though alive.
Her hand rested on the handle, the cool metal biting into her palm. The weight of the task ahead pressed down on her, the memory of Sho-Nuff’s warning echoing in her mind.
“The Orb will push you to your limit,” he had said. “If your spirit well is weak, it will shatter.”
Kaida’s grip tightened, her jaw setting with determination. “I’ll finish this,” she said softly, her voice carrying in the silence.
The door creaked open slowly, revealing a blinding light that spilled across her face. The glow of the Orb of Resonancefilled the chamber, casting long shadows that danced across the walls.
Kaida stepped inside, her figure swallowed by the light as the door closed heavily behind her.
