Kaida knelt on the cold stone floor of the Chamber of Resonance, her body trembling. The Orb of Resonancefloated above her, its light pulsing faintly now, the trial complete.
Her shadow energy flickered around her, steadier than before. She exhaled, her breathing uneven but victorious.
“It’s done,” she muttered, her voice hoarse. The orb dimmed, as if acknowledging her success.
Her fingers brushed the smooth floor as she pushed herself to her feet. Her legs felt like they would give out, but her resolve carried her forward.
Kaida glanced over her shoulder at the orb one last time. Its glow faded completely as she stepped out of the chamber into the crisp morning air.
Meeting Chang
The familiar sights of the Shadow Clan training grounds came into view as Kaida made her way back. Disciples were already at their morning drills, the clang of weapons echoing in the distance.
Chang stood near the edge of the courtyard, watching the drills with his arms crossed. His gaze shifted as Kaida approached, taking in her tired but determined expression.
“You made it,” he said simply. His tone carried no surprise, but there was a faint note of respect.
Kaida nodded, her daggers sheathed at her side. “The Orb is conquered,” she said. Her voice was calm, but her eyes betrayed her exhaustion.
Chang’s sharp gaze lingered on her, noting the way she carried herself. “And yet you’re still standing,” he said, his tone light. “Not bad.”
Kaida allowed a faint smile to tug at her lips. “Not bad is all I get? You’re tough to impress.”
Chang’s lips twitched as if he might smile but didn’t. “Get some rest. You’ve earned it.”
Before Kaida could respond, the air shifted. A sudden wave of heat swept through the compound, and both Kaida and Chang turned their heads toward the horizon.
“What now?” Kaida asked, her voice tense. The faint glow of crimson light in the distance sent a chill down her spine.
Serath Arrives
The courtyard of the Shadow Clan buzzed with activity as disciples trained under the rising sun. The peace shattered as a fiery red light blazed across the horizon, growing larger with each passing moment.
Chang stood near the center of the training grounds, his sharp gaze narrowing. The air grew heavy, and a wave of suffocating heat swept through the compound.
“What is that?” a disciple muttered, fear creeping into their voice. Others stopped their drills, their eyes fixed on the approaching figure.
Serath Volkris landed with a deafening crash, his presence radiating raw, oppressive power. The ground cracked beneath him as flames licked the edges of his crimson robes.
“Sho-Nuff!” Serath bellowed, his voice echoing like a thunderclap. “Come out, you coward.”
Disciples exchanged uneasy glances, their whispers rising like the tide. Chang stepped forward, his weapon at the ready, though his grip tightened at the sight of the intruder.
From the main hall, Master Sho-Nuff emerged, his steps deliberate but slow. His shadow energy rippled faintly around him as he faced the unwelcome guest.
“Serath,” Sho-Nuff said, his tone cold but even. “I knew you’d come eventually.”
Serath’s laugh was mocking, his sharp teeth gleaming. “You’ve been busy, Sho-Nuff. Building a clan, pretending to be a leader.”
Serath’s Intent
Sho-Nuff stopped a few paces from Serath, his expression unreadable. “What do you want, old friend?” he asked, though his voice carried no warmth.
Serath’s grin widened, his fiery aura flaring. “Friend? Let’s not lie to ourselves. You built this clan to play king, hiding from the truth.”
Sho-Nuff’s shadow energy crackled, though his stance remained steady. “You betrayed our master. You destroyed everything we worked for.”
Serath’s smirk twisted into something darker. “Our master was weak. Just like you were. I did what was necessary.”
Sho-Nuff’s gaze hardened, his voice sharper now. “You’re here to destroy what I’ve built.”
Serath spread his arms, flames swirling around him. “Exactly. This clan is an insult to everything our master stood for. You tried to consolidate power, but I will burn it all to the ground.”
The disciples around them trembled as the two Masters faced off, their energy crackling like thunder and fire.
Chang’s Corruption and Serath’s Parting Gift
Serath’s fiery eyes flicked to Chang, who stood ready by Sho-Nuff’s side. His smirk returned as he tilted his head. “And who’s this? Your pet disciple?”
Sho-Nuff stepped forward, his voice warning. “Leave him out of this.”
Serath ignored him, taking a step toward Chang. “You’ve chosen him as your successor, haven’t you? Let’s see if he’s worth the title.”
Chang raised his blade, his posture firm. “I serve my master. You’ll get nothing from me.”
Serath’s laugh was low and menacing. “So loyal. So predictable.”
Before Sho-Nuff could react, Serath’s hand shot forward, a burst of crimson energy enveloping Chang. The disciples gasped as the energy crackled like chains, binding Chang in place.
“Stop!” Sho-Nuff roared, his shadow energy surging forward to break the technique. But Serath’s forbidden power held firm, his flames devouring Sho-Nuff’s attack.
Chang’s eyes widened as the crimson energy seeped into him, his movements slowing. Serath’s voice was a low growl as he spoke. “Loyalty is a fragile thing. Let me show you where true power lies.”
Sho-Nuff staggered, blood dripping from his mouth as he fought to stop the technique. “Chang... resist...”
Chang’s expression flickered, his gaze unfocused as Serath’s energy overwhelmed him. The disciple dropped his blade, his voice hollow. “Master?”
Serath grinned as the crimson chains faded, leaving Chang standing still. His eyes were no longer his own, now glowing faintly red. “You’ll follow me now,” Serath said, his tone triumphant.
Sho-Nuff fell to one knee, his energy flickering. “No... Chang...”
Serath turned back to Sho-Nuff, his grin savage. “Don’t worry, old friend. I’ll leave you a gift.”
He raised his hand, flames gathering into a concentrated orb of infernal energy. With a swift motion, he blasted Sho-Nuff, the impact shattering his spiritual core.
Sho-Nuff cried out, his shadow energy crumbling as a faint black mist began to seep from his body. The disciples gasped in horror as Serath’s flames flickered ominously.
“Your soul will rot slowly,” Serath said coldly. “Let’s see if your precious disciples can watch you waste away.”
With a final burst of crimson light, Serath and Chang vanished, leaving Sho-Nuff crumpled on the ground. The courtyard fell silent, the disciples frozen in shock.
Sho-Nuff’s Final Words
Kaida rushed forward, her heart racing as she knelt beside Sho-Nuff. His breathing was labored, his body trembling from the infernal energy coursing through him.
“Master,” she said, her voice trembling. “Stay with us.”
Sho-Nuff’s eyes opened slowly, his gaze meeting hers. “Kaida... it’s too late for me.”
Tears streamed down her face as she shook her head. “No! We can save you.”
Sho-Nuff’s hand trembled as he placed it on her shoulder. His voice was faint but steady. “You must leave. Find Floki. Together, you must stop Serath.”
Kaida’s hands clenched into fists, her determination shining through her grief. “I’ll find him, Master. I swear.”
Sho-Nuff’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Good... you’ll need each other.”
With a final breath, Sho-Nuff’s body stilled, his shadow energy fading into nothing. The disciples around them bowed their heads in grief, their leader gone.
Bolo’s Treachery and Kaida’s Battle
Amid the chaos, Bolo saw an opportunity. He smirked as he turned to Zane and Jace, his tone cold. “Kaida’s leaving. She’s weak now. Let’s take her out.”
Zane’s smirk matched Bolo’s, his blade glinting in the light. “She won’t see it coming.”
The three moved quickly, cutting through the crowd as they cornered Kaida near the gates. Kaida turned, her daggers already drawn, her expression steely.
“Bolo,” she said, her voice like ice. “You chose the wrong time.”
Bolo laughed, his arrogance plain. “This isn’t about timing. It’s about survival.”
Kaida’s grip tightened, her shadow energy flaring around her. “Then let’s see how long you last.”
Kaida’s Final Battle
Bolo lunged first, his blade aiming for Kaida’s chest. She sidestepped effortlessly, her dagger slashing across his arm.
Zane and Jace moved in together, their attacks fast but uncoordinated. Kaida activated Shadow Veil, vanishing into the darkness and reappearing behind them.
Her daggers struck with precision, Zane’s blade clattering to the ground as he fell. Jace snarled, his movements wild as he swung blindly.
Kaida’s shadow threads shot out, entangling Jace’s arms. She stepped forward, her blade cutting through his defenses with ease.
Bolo roared, his strength fueled by desperation. Kaida met his charge head-on, her daggers clashing against his blade.
The fight was fierce, but Kaida’s speed and skill outmatched him. With a final strike, her dagger pierced his chest, and Bolo fell to the ground.
The remaining disciples watched in silence as Kaida stood over Bolo’s lifeless body. Her breathing was heavy, but her stance was unbroken.
The Journey Begins
Kaida turned to the remaining disciples, her voice firm. “The Shadow Clan must rebuild. But I have a mission to complete.”
The disciples nodded, their respect for her evident. Kaida turned toward the gates, her eyes fixed on the horizon.
“I’ll find you, Floki,” she whispered, her voice resolute. The chapter ended with Kaida stepping into the shadows, her journey to find Floki just beginning.
