The wasteland trembled under the march of countless boots. Smoke rose from distant fires as the Shadow Legion advanced in perfect formation, their black armor gleaming ominously under the morning sun. Kael and the wanderer stood atop a ridge, watching the horizon darken with their approach.
"They've learned from the last battles," the wanderer said quietly, her hand resting on her sword hilt. "This is no ordinary strike. They've brought elite units, magical traps, and heavier reinforcements. Kael, you must be ready."
Kael's chest pulsed with the silver mark, the dual flow of energy within him more focused than ever. He had trained tirelessly, discovered the hidden edge, and embraced the prophecy — yet the sheer size of the approaching force pressed on him.
"They're coming," he said, fists glowing faintly. "No hesitation this time."
The Shadow Legion reached the base of the cliffs, spreading into multiple squads. Arrows coated in dark magic flew toward Kael and the wanderer, forcing them to leap back. Kael extended his hands, spinning shields of silver light that deflected the projectiles with precision. The pulse of his mark harmonized with every movement, every breath.
The first wave of elite soldiers charged. Kael launched spears of concentrated light, striking with surgical precision, knocking them back without wasting energy. The wanderer moved alongside him, her sword a blur, cutting down anyone who came too close.
From the rear, General Kaelith observed atop his massive black steed. His expression was unreadable, but the tension in his jaw betrayed a hint of frustration. "The boy grows stronger," he muttered. "This time, they will not survive."
Kael felt the surge of his power responding to the threat. He extended the dual flow further, splitting the light into multiple forms — shields, blades, and spinning ribbons of energy that cut through the advancing soldiers. Each movement was deliberate, controlled, deadly.
The Shadow Legion stumbled under the assault, their formation breaking. Kael's chest heaved, sweat dripping down his face, but the pulse of his mark remained steady, obedient to his will.
Kaelith's voice rang out over the battlefield. "Do not hold back! Kill the child!"
He unleashed the final wave of reinforcements: heavily armored soldiers wielding enchanted weapons capable of piercing light shields. Kael's pulse quickened, but he did not falter. He combined his spear constructs with spinning barriers, creating a wall of silver energy that repelled the attackers while striking with precision.
The ground shook beneath the intensity of the battle. Dust and debris swirled, mingling with the blinding silver light. Kael realized that this was no longer a test — this was a war of attrition, a battle of wills. The Shadow Legion would not stop, and neither could he.
The wanderer called out, "Kael! Focus on the dual flow! Don't spread yourself too thin!"
He adjusted, condensing some of the energy into denser, sharper forms. Silver spears rained down on the soldiers, splitting their ranks, forcing them to retreat and regroup. For the first time, Kael felt the tide turn — the Shadow Legion could no longer overwhelm him.
Kaelith's eyes narrowed, realization dawning. The boy was no longer just a child with uncontrolled power. He was a master of his mark, a weapon in his own right, capable of feats the general had never anticipated.
Kael's chest glowed, energy pulsing outward in waves that struck with precision. The wasteland echoed with the clash of steel and bursts of silver light. By midday, the Shadow Legion had been forced into a temporary retreat, nursing their losses and reassessing their strategy.
Kael dropped to one knee, breathing heavily, the dual flow of energy subsiding. The wanderer crouched beside him. "You did it," she said, voice quiet but proud. "You've proven that you are ready for what comes next. The Legion underestimated you, but they will not again."
Kael's eyes glimmered with determination. "Let them come," he said. "I am ready. I will not falter. I will not hide. And I will not be defeated."
The wasteland lay quiet once more, but the battle was far from over. The Shadow Legion would strike again, and the final confrontation was drawing near.
And when it came, the cursed star child would stand, unyielding, against all who sought to destroy him.