Episode 10 — The Seal of Dominion
The void trembled like water in a storm, a low hum reverberating through the air that clawed at Clover's chest. The shadow figure the dark twin of himself—hovered in the center, obsidian blade raised, tendrils of darkness writhing like serpents. Its whispers slithered into his mind, persistent, venomous: we are the same
Clover gritted his teeth, fingers white around Aetherfang's hilt. Aurora flickered beside him, her form glowing in shifting tones of golden and blue. "Don't let it nest in your thoughts, Clover! Don't give it a foothold!
"I… I won't!" he shouted. The shard's fragments still floated in the air, spinning faintly, trembling with residual energy. Even now, the darkness pushed, tugged, tempted. Clover's mind raced, recalling Ryker's words from earlier: Fear feeds shadows. Resolve defeats them.
Then a voice cut through the tension, deep, commanding, undeniable:
"Enough."Clover's head snapped up. The air shifted. Shadows recoiled as if a wall had risen. From the far corner of the fractured void, Ryker stepped forward, every movement precise, controlled, radiating power. The floor seemed to bow beneath him, the shard's pulses faltering as his presence dominated the space.
Aurora tilted her head, her playful grin fading into serious focus. "Ah… finally. The man himself.The shadow hissed, the darkness curling into jagged, spiny whips. "…he… cannot stop what you are
Ryker's eyes narrowed, glowing faintly under the shard's light. "What I can stop… I already have." With a single motion, he extended a hand. A wave of force rolled outward like a tidal surge, striking the shadow. Its obsidian blade clattered, shattered partially into smoke and shadow, but it did not vanish. It writhed, clawing at the air like a wounded predator.Clover blinked, stunned. "Ryker… that… that was just a hand wave! Ryker's gaze didn't leave the shadowFocus, Clover. This isn't about flash—it's about absolute control. Watch closely.With a fluid motion, Ryker's sword blazed to life, ancient runes glowing along the blade's edge. The air around it warped; shadows recoiled as if burned by some invisible fire. He moved with calculated precision, each step commanding gravity itself. The dark figure attacked, lashing with tendrils of pure void energy—but Ryker's blade met every strike effortlessly. Each parry sent shockwaves that shredded the smaller shards, tearing the void into ribbons of dissipating darkness.Your power…" Clover whispered, awe-laden. "It's… unreal. Ryker didn't answer. He advanced slowly, deliberately, his every movement measured. The shadow lashed outward again, faster this time, claws extended like black lightning. Ryker's blade met the attack with a single swing, slicing through multiple tendrils in one motion. The force of the strike sent the shadow tumbling backward, cracking the void like glass.
Nyx hissed, low and sharp, her silver eyes tracking every movement. "Even I she growled, halting mid-step, "can feel the difference. Aurora flickered over to Clover, hovering near his ear. "Do you see it now? That's what mastery looks like. Not panic, not struggle. Dominance. Precision. That's why he's… him.
The shadow roared, a soundless scream that rattled the edges of Clover's mind. "…you cannot… resist Ryker's eyes narrowed. With a sharp step, he planted his sword tip into the void's floor. Runes blazed along the blade, pulsing rhythmically like a heartbeat. A wave of pure energy expanded outward, tearing through the shadow's form. The obsidian figure shrieked as its tendrils were torn apart, but it still reformed, though weakened, its whispers faltering. "Clover, Ryker said, voice carrying calm authority, "you see what happens when the mind and body are one with the blade? When will and skill are absolute? That is control. That is mastery.Clover's hands shook around Aetherfang. "I… I've never seen anyone—no thing—move like that.Ryker's gaze swept over him. "And you will not—until you learn to hold the fear in your chest, instead of letting it hold you.
Aurora grinned faintly. "Yes, yes… impressively brutal, isn't he? But careful… don't get distracted by the fireworks.With deliberate slowness, Ryker advanced. The shadow attempted a final, desperate lunge, claws extended, energy screaming outward like black lightning. Ryker's blade moved in a flawless arc, meeting it midair. The clash created a shockwave that twisted the void, and the shards of the shattered crystal whirled violently.
Then Ryker struck. One swing. One precise, brutal, controlled strike that cleaved through the shadow's core. The dark figure let out a final, echoing hiss—"…we are the same…"—and exploded into a cascade of dissipating darkness, scattering like smoke in sunlight.
The shards of the void crumbled, the twisted space flattening as Ryker planted his sword into the floor. Light radiated from the blade, restoring balance, sealing the remnant energies of the shard.
Clover exhaled, barely able to stand. "It's… it's gone?"
Nyx relaxed slightly, tail flicking once, twice. Aurora floated down, leaning casually against Aetherfang. "I think you two just watched a masterclass. Don't worry, Clover—you'll get there… eventually.Ryker sheathed his blade and turned to the two. His calm presence filled the room, suppressing the residual tremors of the void. "The shard is sealed. Its fragments will no longer threaten this space. But understand—this was merely a demonstration. Its true potential is far greater. And only a few can withstand even a fraction of it without succumbing to darkness."
Clover swallowed hard. "So… all of that… was a test? And you just… made it look easy?
Ryker's lips twitched faintly. "It was a warning and a demonstration. You need to understand the difference between fear and respect for power. Between control and chaos. And most importantly His eyes met Clover's that mastery is earned, not granted.
Aurora's light flickered, shifting between gold and blue. "And for the record, Clover, you didn't look terrible. But… let's not make a habit of almost getting eaten by shadows, hmm?Clover groaned, rubbing his temples. "I'm never going to live that down. Never. Nyx will judge me for a week, and Aurora… ugh, I can hear the snark already."
Nyx crouched, licking her paw with unbothered precision. Clover shot her a glance. "Yeah, yeah, thanks for the moral support.The void's remnants shimmered one last time, then vanished completely. The training hall's familiar walls returned, dimly lit by Ryker's warded lights. Aetherfang hovered in front of Clover, pulsing faintly, Aurora's essence lingering like an echo.
Clover's legs gave way, and he sank to his knees, chest heaving. "I… I can't believe that just happened. That shadow… it knew me. It knew me
Ryker stepped closer, placing a hand lightly on Clover's shoulder. "And you survived. That is proof that control begins within. You have potential, but potential without discipline is meaningless.Aurora's light winked at him. "And remember, Clover… this is just the start. Shadows, shards, whispers—they're only part of the fun.
Clover groaned, leaning back against the floor. "I'm going to need… a very, very long nap after today.Ryker's stern gaze softened slightly. "Rest, yes. But reflect. Learn. And when next the shard tests you, you will not be so unprepared."
Nyx stretched, tail flicking lazily. "And maybe try to not almost get eaten next time.
Clover muttered, "Noted. Loud and clear."
The shard, now dormant, pulsed faintly in the center of the room, sealed and subdued. Its whispering voice, faint and fractured, lingered for just a moment: "…we are the same…
But Ryker's presence dominated the space. His power had sealed the shard's darkness, shattered its illusions, and demonstrated a level of mastery Clover could only aspire to. For now, the training hall was safe. The shadows were gone. And the lesson had been made crystal clear: true power came with control, discipline, and unwavering resolve.
Aurora's voice floated faintly, teasing but warm. And remember, Clover… don't fall asleep too soon. The fun has only begun
Clover groaned again, lifting Aetherfang with trembling arms. "Yeah… I'm definitely going to regret asking for more training.
Ryker simply sheathed his blade again, turning to leave. "Regret is a luxury for the unprepared. You'll thank me one day.
Nyx followed, tail flicking. Clover exhaled, eyes on the dormant shard, the faint whisper echoing in the back of his mind. He knew that this victory—Ryker's dominance, the shard's defeat—was only the beginning. But for now… for the first time in a long while… he allowed himself to breathe.
And that was enough.