The alarm bell keep ringing loud like it want to break the sky. People run everywhere, shouting and screaming. The town was no longer peaceful. Everyone know the demons have come back. The very worst enemy of humans.
Coker stood with the 11 Captains in the town square. His heart beating fast like a drum. The shadow inside him was moving, restless. It was like it knew the danger was close.
"Everybody get ready!" Captain Reizen shouted. "This fight no longer a practice! This is real war!"
The Captains start to gather their weapons and magic. Fire, water, wind, earth, light—every magic fill the air like thunder. But Coker felt strange. His shadow power was new and weak. He was scared. What if he fail now? What if the demons kill him?
Lira stand beside him. "You can do this," she said quietly. "I believe in you."
Coker tried to smile but his lips were shaking.
Suddenly, the ground tremble. From the dark forest near the town, huge figures came running fast. The demons. Their eyes glowing red, teeth sharp like knives. Their growls were loud and deep. The smell of fire and blood was everywhere.
"Demons!" someone shouted. "They're coming!"
Captain Veyr raised his hand, fire blazing bright. "Stop them here! Don't let them near the town!"
Coker saw his brother Reko with wind magic swirling around him. Reko looked strong and confident like always. But even he looked worried.
The battle start. Fire and wind clashed with demon claws and dark magic. The sky was full of colors and noise.
Coker wanted to help but didn't know what to do. Then he felt the shadow inside him move. It was growing, stronger.
He focused and made a small shadow clone. It looked like him but black and smoky. The clone jumped forward and attacked a demon, surprising it.
"Good!" Lira shouted. "Use your power!"
Coker make more clones. The shadows moved fast, fighting beside the Captains. For the first time, Coker feel like he belong.
But demons were many. They keep coming, stronger and faster. One demon grabbed a villager and growled.
"NO!" Coker scream. His shadow burst out like a storm. It formed giant shadow soldiers, hundreds of them, black and scary. They fight demons fiercely, pushing them back.
People watch in shock. Nobody believe a magicless boy can do this.
Captain Reizen smiled. "He is not just a student anymore."
The battle last long. The town was almost broken, but the Captains and Coker's shadow soldiers never give up. Slowly the demons retreat.
When the last demon run away, the sun start to rise. The town was quiet but alive.
Coker stand tired but proud. He look at Lira. "I did it."
"You did," she smile.
But deep inside, Coker knew this was only the start. The demons would come again. And next time… it will be worse.