Shadowblade:Rise of the Outcast

6:

Kael's body bounced backwards. 

"Attacking from two directions ..." murmured Kael. 

And that's not all. 

The third and fourth shadows begin to form a circle, locking the movement of Kael from all sides. 

Sweat dripped on his temple. But not just for fear. His body still reacts to the power of Shadow Essence - too wild to be fully controlled. 

"Breathing," Shadowblade whispered again. "Feel your body. Listen to your strength, not their command."

Kael took a deep breath. The leaves sway softly. Silent. 

Then he opened his eyes. This time, he could see - their movements before it happened, their faint energy aura ... like the blurred shadow before lightning struck. 

Three killers moved simultaneously. 

Kael stepped on the ground and flowed energy to his feet. In a split second, his body shot up on the branch of the tree. One of the murderers aimed with a throwing knife - slowing down. 

Kael drifted down from above and cut quickly at the closest opponent. 

The first slash did not kill, but enough to hurt. Blood pouring. 

But Kael did not stop. He moved again, flowing like a dark wind. Every movement is more confident, more integrated with his sword. 

But that's not enough. 

One of the killers managed to sneak and stab Kael's stomach from behind. The stab was shallow, but enough to make Kael fall. 

His body staggered, his knees touched the ground. 

The killer lifted his arms, ready to cut his neck. 

"Now," Shadowblade jerked. "Let me take over - just a moment."

Kael gritted his teeth. He doesn't like being controlled. But…

"I allow it."

The wind around Kael suddenly rustled. The shadow of the nearest trees stretched, then blended into his body. 

Kael's eyes changed. Being black completely, like a night pool without light. 

The hand holding the sword moves at an impossible speed. In one flash, two killers fell. Their bodies bounced, blood pouring down from invisible wounds. 

The remaining chose to retreat. 

But Kael didn't catch up. His breathing is now heavy. The energy in his body boils, almost not controlled. 

He drew his sword again, then sat on the roots of large trees. 

"This is ... crazy," he muttered. "I don't even know what I have now."

"Darkness ... is a two -edged sword," answered the voice of Shadowblade, softer this time. "But you have chosen to hold it. Then understand: This escape is not a weakness. This is the beginning."

Kael looked at the forest sky. 

The night began to fall. The fog hangs between tree trunks such as white curtains. 

And from the depth of the forest, a faint sound was heard - strange interests, such as the chain dragged, and smooth whispers ... as if the forest was alive. 

Kael looked forward. "Anything waiting ... I won't run anymore."

-

The night fog still hung thick in the forbidden forest when Kael sat pensive under a giant tree. His breathing was still heavy, the rest of the battle was like a black shadow that overshadowed his mind. His trembling hands were still holding the shadowblade grip, a mysterious sword which is now the only friend as well as a burden for him. 

He took a deep breath, trying to calm the waves of dark energy flowing in his blood. But the mind was chaotic, full of questions about the power he had just had, and an unclear future. 

Suddenly, the faint sound from behind the trees made him stiffen. He raised his sword, alert eyes through the darkness. 

"Calm down ..." the voice was soft, but clear and certain. "I don't mean to hurt you."

A woman appeared slowly from behind the bush. His body was slim and elegant, with a guling black robe like a sprinkling of stars. Her hair was long, silver like moonlight, and her eyes - the eyes - had been calm as well as vigilance. 

Kael lowered his sword a little, but still ready. 

"Who are you?" Kael asked, his voice was hoarse. 

The woman smiled faintly, but her eyes were never separated from Kael. "My name is Aria Moonveil. I'm a shadow warrior ... and it seems you need help."

Kael snorted. "I don't need mercy. I have struggled alone to this point."

Aria stepped closer, with a subtle movement but full of confidence. "You might not need mercy, but you need friends - or at least someone who understands the darkness that now flows in you."

Kael looked at him suspiciously. "How do you know?"

Aria looked at her black sword. "Shadowblade is not just any sword. I've seen it first, but only a few know how to control it without losing myself."

Kael swallowed hard. "If you know, why did you let me die in this forest?"

Aria's smile disappeared. "I don't know you're here. But you're lucky I came on time."

Kael frowned, weighing. Trust is not easy for him now. 

Aria sat next to him, her attitude was calm like a rock in the middle of a storm. 

"You're not alone, Kael," he said quietly. "I also got lost in my own darkness. If you want, I can teach you how to control that power - without having to sink in it."

Kael saw his eyes, finding something sincere and deep. A mirror of pain and determination. 

"Why do you want to help me?" Kael asked finally. 

Aria smiled faintly, "Because I know how it feels to be wasted ... and I believe everyone deserves a second chance."

Silent enveloped the forest. But this time, Kael felt something different - a small hope grew in his chest. 

"Alright," he said softly. "I want to learn."

Aria nodded, rose from her seat. "We start from here. But remember, this trip is dangerous. Many want to master the power of Shadowblade, and they do not hesitate to kill anyone who prevents."

Kael lifted his sword, the black light glowed gently. 

"Then, I'm ready."

The dark sky began to run low, waiting for the dawn that not necessarily came easily. 

-

The sound of forest insects echoed softly when dawn began to creep behind tall trees. Aria walked first, occasionally looking back to make sure Kael followed him. They have been running since early morning, penetrating the faint path to the forest boundary facing a small village called Elden Hollow. 

"I don't understand why we are here," Kael said, sweat dripped from his forehead. His breathing is still heavy, his body is still not fully accustomed to new energy in him. 

Aria turned his head, staring at him for a moment before answering, "Because your strength will not mean if only you use it for revenge. You must know how the real world judges you."

Kael sneered. "The world has dropped me on a cliff. The world is a hypocrite."

Aria did not answer. Only a faint smile on his lips, like he knew how hard the young man was hurt.