The silver-haired boy moved first. His glowing blades cut through the air as he rushed at Eren with shocking speed. Elara stepped in front of Eren immediately, blocking the first strike with a shield of bright light. The impact shook her arm, but she didn't back down.
The boy slid around her and aimed another attack at Eren. Eren dodged, but the blade still scratched his arm, leaving a cold, burning pain. The Shade's energy inside the weapon made the wound feel even worse. Eren tried to focus and fired a small arc of energy, but the boy knocked it aside easily.
"Weak," the boy said calmly. "If this is all you can do, the Shade gave you too much credit."
His words hit Eren harder than the blade. Elara tightened her stance and spoke sharply. "He's not using his full power yet. But I am." Light burst around her, forcing the boy to shield his eyes for a moment. Eren used the chance to move beside her.
"You can't block everything alone," Eren whispered.
"I know," she replied. "That's why we have to fight together."
The bond between them pulsed warmly, filling Eren with new strength. The boy raised his blades again, energy swirling around him. "Good," he said. "Show me why the Shade wants you."
Eren stepped forward, no longer hiding behind Elara. "Let's end this." She nodded, and they moved together—Eren attacking with rising energy while Elara covered him with flashing light. Their clash with the boy filled the library with sparks and loud strikes.
Eren fired a stronger blast that pushed the boy back. Elara followed with a sharp beam aimed at his chest, but the boy dodged with unnatural speed. His calm expression tightened for the first time. "Better," he said. "But not enough."
Dark fog gathered around him, colder and heavier than before. Eren felt the Shade's presence behind the boy, watching like a predator. Elara grabbed Eren's hand. "Stay with me. Don't lose control."
"I won't," he answered.
The boy rushed forward again, darkness trailing behind him. Eren and Elara met him head-on, their powers glowing brighter than ever. Light clashed with darkness, shaking the entire room. The boy stumbled back a few steps, surprised.
Eren stood tall, voice steady. "Tell the Shade I'm not afraid anymore."
The boy lowered his blades slowly. "Then it will come for you itself."
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