Dawn broke over the wasteland, casting pale light across the jagged cliffs. Kael stood ready, silver light from the mark on his chest pulsing steadily, dual flow energy coiling through his hands. The wanderer crouched beside him, her eyes sharp and alert, scanning the horizon.
"They're coming," she said quietly. "All of them. The Shadow Legion has gathered every soldier they can spare. Kaelith leads them personally. This is the final assault."
Kael inhaled deeply, feeling the pulse of his mark, the dual flow harmonizing like a living rhythm. Every lesson, every strike, every hour of training surged within him. He was ready — not just to defend, but to confront destiny itself.
From the distance, dark banners appeared, swaying in the morning breeze. The legion moved with frightening precision, elite soldiers at the forefront, magic wielders interspersed, and mechanical war devices clanking behind them. Dust rose in enormous clouds as they approached, a relentless tide of black and steel.
The wanderer placed a hand on Kael's shoulder. "Remember everything we've practiced. Dual flow, hidden edge, and your control. Precision is key — overwhelming force alone will not win this battle."
Kael nodded, eyes glowing faintly with silver fire. "I understand. I won't fail."
The first wave struck with violent force. Kael extended spinning shields, deflecting projectiles, while launching ribbons of silver light at advancing soldiers. His dual flow allowed him to attack and defend simultaneously, cutting down enemy ranks without losing control.
Kaelith emerged from the center of the legion, his dark blade radiating an oppressive aura. "The boy fights well," he said coldly. "But today, his light will be extinguished."
Kael focused, sending concentrated spears of energy toward Kaelith's approaching guards, scattering them with precision. The general's eyes narrowed. Kael had grown stronger than expected, mastering every technique, predicting every strike.
The battlefield erupted into chaos — soldiers clashing, magic colliding, silver light flashing through the haze. Kael moved like a storm, weaving between attacks, using the dual flow to strike multiple opponents at once. He felt the hidden edge sharpening his power, slicing through defenses, leaving openings that only he could exploit.
The wanderer covered his flank, cutting down elite soldiers who tried to flank him. Her sword danced, precise and deadly, matching Kael's movements. Together, they created a rhythm, a harmony of offense and defense that the Shadow Legion could not match.
Kaelith advanced alone, dark energy swirling around his blade. "Do you think your mastery is enough?" he snarled. "I have studied you, anticipated you. You cannot survive me."
Kael tightened his grip on the light within him, channeling every ounce of control, focus, and intent. The dual flow expanded, forming multiple spears and spinning shields, coiling around him like a living barrier. He stepped forward, silver light meeting Kaelith's dark energy in a clash that shook the ground.
The two forces collided, creating a shockwave that rippled across the battlefield. Kael's mark pulsed violently, but his control never wavered. He pushed forward, combining all he had learned: precision strikes, dual flow mastery, and the hidden edge. Kaelith's defenses faltered for the first time.
With one final surge, Kael unleashed a concentrated spear of silver light, piercing Kaelith's defenses. The general staggered, his blade slipping from his grip. Kael advanced, chest pulsing with the mark's energy. "It ends now," he declared.
Kaelith fell to one knee, defeated but alive, glaring with a mix of fury and disbelief. The Shadow Legion's remaining forces fled, their morale shattered. The wasteland fell silent once more, dust settling over the battlefield.
Kael dropped to his knees, exhaustion heavy in his limbs, but a triumphant smile spread across his face. The cursed star child had faced the storm, mastered his power, and survived.
The wanderer placed a hand on his shoulder, pride shining in her eyes. "You've done it, Kael. You've proven yourself. The prophecy is yours to shape, and the world… the world has hope again."
Kael looked to the horizon, silver light glowing faintly, his mark pulsing in harmony with his heartbeat. He was no longer just a child with dangerous power. He was the cursed star child — a force for change, a beacon of hope, and a master of his destiny.
The wasteland stretched endlessly before him, silent and waiting. But Kael knew one truth above all: he had survived the final assault, and nothing could stop him now.