The moonlight flickered across the clearing, painting long shadows of broken branches and torn leaves. Adrian's arms ached, sweat and blood mixing along his skin. Every strike from the Black Crane had tested his limits, but he refused to fall.
Selena clutched her staff, her hands trembling. "Adrian… he's too strong! How—how are you even standing?"
Adrian's chest heaved, but his eyes were sharp. "I… I have to. The scroll… it's more than just a tool—it's a shield, a weapon… I can't let him take it."
The Black Crane emerged from the shadows again, moving like liquid. His steps were silent, yet every movement radiated deadly precision.
"You're stubborn," he said, voice like steel. "It's admirable. But stubbornness alone won't save you."
Adrian gritted his teeth, calling on the scroll. A faint golden light shimmered beneath his hands. Runes floated around him, wrapping him in warmth and protection. His muscles surged with renewed energy—but even so, he could feel the assassin's strikes slicing through his defenses, close enough to draw blood.
He swung his sword in a wide arc, aiming for the Black Crane's midsection. The assassin twisted effortlessly, evading, then countered with a strike that knocked Adrian to his knees. Pain flared in his side, and his vision blurred.
Selena gasped. "Adrian!"
He pushed himself up, summoning every ounce of inner strength. I won't die here. Not now. Not like this.
The scroll responded. Its runes glowed brighter, swirling faster. A surge of energy erupted, knocking the Black Crane back several feet. Sparks of golden light danced around Adrian's blade, enhancing every strike he made.
The Black Crane's eyes narrowed. "Interesting… so the scroll truly chooses its master."
But the victory was short-lived. Adrian was drained, every movement heavier than the last. His body screamed for rest, and the Black Crane was relentless, pressing closer, forcing him back with every strike.
Finally, the assassin landed a solid blow to Adrian's shoulder, sending him sprawling across the dirt. Blood mixed with sweat, his breaths ragged. The scroll's glow dimmed slightly, as if exhausted from defending him.
The Black Crane paused, observing him like a predator studying prey. "You've survived… this time. But next time, boy, there will be no mercy."
With that, he melted back into the shadows, leaving the clearing eerily silent.
Selena ran to Adrian's side. "Are you… are you okay?"
Adrian's hands trembled as he clutched the scroll. "I… I survived. But this… this is only the beginning."
The scroll pulsed faintly, almost as if it had a heartbeat of its own. Adrian looked at it, realization dawning: its power is alive… and it wants something from me.
He closed his eyes, letting the pain wash over him. I have to grow stronger. I have to master the scroll… before they come again.
The forest remained silent, but somewhere, hidden, the Black Crane watched. He had learned much tonight—and he would return, stronger, faster, and deadlier.
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📌 Author's Note:
Adrian barely survived this encounter! 😱 The scroll is more mysterious than ever—what do you think it wants from him? Thank you all for helping the story pass 2k views—your support keeps this adventure alive! 💙