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The figure that entered was tall and cloaked in darkness that seemed to swallow light itself. Eyes like molten gold pierced through the gloom, fixing on Nkosana with cold, unreadable intent.
"You carry the blood of the cursed, child," the shadow's voice was a whisper, yet it thundered through the chamber. "But you lack understanding."
Nkosana steadied himself, the lingering flames around his fists flickering wildly. "Who are you?"
"A Keeper of the Balance. I exist beyond your petty notions of good and evil." The shadow stepped closer, revealing a face both beautiful and terrifying—features shifting like smoke.
"You think you can control the demon inside you?" it hissed. "You're a puppet to forces far greater."
Nkosana's heart pounded, but his voice held steady. "I don't need to control it. I will become it."
The shadow smiled, sharp and cruel. "Then embrace your destiny, demon seed. Or be consumed by it."
With a sudden movement, the shadow lunged forward, and the battle resumed—no longer monks versus demon child, but two titans clashing over a fate none could escape.