The moment Kael chose to stand his ground, something within him shattered—and reformed.
A surge of energy exploded from his chest, racing through his veins like wildfire. The broken blade in his hand pulsed with a deep crimson light, as if responding to his very soul.
The Souleater froze mid-air.
Then, with a single swing—
Kael cut through it.
This time, it didn't pass through.
The creature let out a distorted scream as its body fractured into shards of black mist, dissolving into nothingness.
Kael stumbled back, breathing heavily. "What… what was that?"
The horned girl watched him, her expression unreadable.
"Your true nature," she said.
More Souleaters emerged from the shadows, drawn by the sudden burst of power.
Kael looked at his blade. It was no longer dull and broken—it shimmered with an unnatural glow, cracks filled with burning light.
"I don't understand…" he muttered.
"You don't need to," she replied. "Not yet. Just survive."
They attacked again.
This time, Kael didn't hesitate.
He moved.
Each step felt guided, as if something ancient was awakening within him—something that knew how to fight, how to kill. His blade danced through the air, striking down the creatures one after another.
But with every strike, the burning inside him grew stronger.
Too strong.
He dropped to one knee, clutching his chest. "It's… too much…"
The girl walked toward him slowly.
"You are resisting it," she said. "That is why it hurts."
Kael looked up, his vision blurring. "Resisting what?"
She stopped in front of him.
"Your inheritance."
Before he could react, she placed her hand on his forehead.
A flood of images crashed into his mind.
Flames.
War.
A figure standing alone against an army of shadows—his eyes burning with the same crimson light.
And behind him… a throne made of ash.
Kael screamed.
The visions vanished as suddenly as they came. He gasped for air, his body trembling.
"What… was that?" he whispered.
The girl stepped back.
"A glimpse," she said, "of what you are destined to become."
Kael stared at her, fear creeping into his voice. "And what is that?"
She turned away, looking deeper into the forest.
"The end… or the salvation of Eldrath."
The crimson mist thickened.
In the distance, something stirred—something far worse than the Souleaters.
The girl's expression darkened.
"They've noticed you now," she said.
Kael struggled to his feet. "Who has?"
She looked back at him, her silver eyes glowing brighter.
"The ones who made the sky bleed."
A deep roar echoed through the forest.
And for the first time… Kael felt true fear.