Feyla stayed by Kael's bedside for a while longer, tears still drying on her cheeks. The relief of seeing him alive made her reckless, clinging to him in a way she normally never would. When she finally let go, she gave a nervous laugh and wiped her eyes.
"I shouldn't be acting like this," she muttered under her breath, almost too quietly for Kael to hear. Then louder, she said, "Rest up. I'll see you tomorrow." With that, she gave him a last glance and slipped out of the room, the door closing softly behind her.
Kael lay back against the pillow, exhaustion pressing heavy on him. His chest still ached from the beast's strike, but his thoughts raced far faster than his body could keep up.
Nathan, he whispered in his mind. What… what happened back there?
The world around him shifted. The infirmary dissolved into swirling shadows until Kael found himself standing in the blackened training void, his shadow self reflected back at him — taller, sharper, marked with the glowing tattoo etched like fire along his arm.
Nathan's voice filled the void, calm but edged with pride.
"You did it, Kael."
Before Kael could respond, symbols flickered across his vision.
[Level Up]
[Level Up]
[Level Up]
The numbers burned themselves into his mind. Level 6.
Beneath the flashes came another message:
Shadow Blade — 100% Synchronization Achieved.
Kael staggered back, staring at the glowing dagger that pulsed in his hand. "I… leveled three times?"
Nathan stepped closer, shadows rolling from his form like smoke. "You forced through the first five levels, Kael. But make no mistake — you were not strong enough to defeat that beast alone."
Kael frowned. "Then… how?"
"I took control." Nathan's tone was matter-of-fact, yet it carried weight. "I will not let you die. Not yet. You are mine now, and I have plans for you."
The void shivered as Kael tried to process the words. The realization settled cold in his chest. He hadn't killed the beast by himself. The power had moved through him… but it hadn't been entirely his.