The wasteland was quiet, almost unnaturally so. Kael knelt on the cracked earth, wooden sword beside him, eyes closed. The pulse of the mark beneath his chest was steady now, no longer a wild force, but a rhythm he could follow.
The wanderer stood a few paces away, arms crossed, her eyes scanning the horizon. "Kael, today is different. You've learned control, but now you must discover what lies beyond. There's a hidden edge to your power, something only few can unlock. You need it if you hope to survive what's coming."
Kael opened his eyes, determination flaring. "How do I find it?"
"By listening," she said simply. "Not just to the mark, but to yourself. To the energy around you. To the connection between the two."
Kael took a deep breath and focused inward. He felt the silver light swirl beneath his skin, obeying his will. He had controlled bursts, crafted shields, and launched precise attacks. But something remained — a deeper current, a sharper edge waiting to be discovered.
He extended his hands, calling the light to him. At first, nothing happened beyond the familiar hum. Then, as he relaxed and let instinct guide him, the light shifted. It became thinner, sharper, more concentrated. A spear formed in his hands, longer and denser than before.
Kael felt a thrill. "I can shape it… stronger. Focused."
The wanderer nodded. "Good. Now, push it further. Test its limits. Feel what it can do without letting it overwhelm you."
Kael channeled the light, weaving it through the air, shaping spears, shields, and ribbons of energy. As he concentrated, a spark of something new emerged. The mark pulsed faster, then split into two — one on his chest, one within his hands, amplifying his connection to the light.
The new ability struck him with clarity: he could split the energy, control multiple forms at once, even extend his power further than he imagined. For the first time, he realized he could fight several opponents simultaneously without losing control.
"Kael?" the wanderer's voice broke through his concentration.
He turned to see her eyes wide, awe and concern mingled. "You're doing it. You've discovered the dual flow. Few can reach this level without losing themselves to the mark."
Kael felt the strain immediately. His arms shook, his chest ached, but the control remained. He released a coordinated attack of spinning spears and protective shields simultaneously. Each movement precise, each strike hitting invisible targets.
"This… this feels different," Kael whispered. "It's like the power is… part of me, not just something I control."
"Yes," the wanderer said, smiling faintly. "That is the edge. The mark responds not only to your intent but to your understanding. You can shape it into forms, create layers of defense, attack multiple enemies. But beware — each split drains more than before. Overuse could leave you vulnerable."
Kael nodded, determination blazing brighter than the morning sun. "I'll be careful. I need this edge to survive. To protect others. To face them."
The wanderer stepped closer. "Good. Because the Shadow Legion won't wait. They are preparing their deadliest attack yet. You need every advantage, every edge, and every ounce of control."
Kael clenched his fists, feeling the dual flow of power coursing through him. For the first time, fear was replaced by focus, and doubt by determination. The cursed star child had discovered a hidden edge — a secret within himself that would define the coming battle.
The wasteland stretched endlessly, but Kael felt ready. He had control, mastery, and now — the hidden edge.
And when the Shadow Legion arrived, he would not merely face them. He would strike back with power they could not comprehend.
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