The forest seemed alive in a different way now. Every rustle of leaves, every distant howl, carried a tension that Kael could no longer ignore. The shadows under the trees twisted in strange patterns, responding to his will, following his commands, bending to the rhythm of his heartbeat. Marvax had pushed him hard in the training ground, but survival in the real world—beyond the forest—was a test of its own.
Kael packed his few belongings: a dagger etched with runes that glimmered faintly in the dim light, a small satchel containing herbs, potions, and scraps of scrolls he barely understood, and the amulet that Marvax had given him—the mark of his inheritance, pulsing softly against his chest.
"Leaving already?" Marvax's voice echoed from the shadows, almost teasing. "You've only survived two days of training, and now you're off to meet reality. Brave… or stupid. I can never tell the difference with you."
Kael snorted, adjusting his satchel. "I'm not running from it. I need to see how far this goes. If I stay here, I'll never know."
"True. Also, there's someone waiting for you," Marvax added. "A little friend… or a nuisance. Depends on how entertaining you find them."
Kael didn't ask questions. He followed the winding path out of the forest, shadows flickering around his feet like restless spirits. By the time he reached the clearing where the road emerged, a figure was leaning casually against a tree, hands in pockets, smirking like someone who owned the world.
"You must be Kael," the figure said, voice smooth and unnervingly confident. Silver hair glinted in the early sunlight, and eyes glimmered with amusement. "I'm Lyric. You've been summoned for your first… assignment. Don't worry—it's mostly fun. Mostly."
Kael narrowed his eyes. "Fun? That's not what the demon called it."
Lyric chuckled, spinning a dagger between his fingers. "Marvax exaggerates. Slightly. Mostly. But trust me… you'll either laugh, cry, or die. Or maybe all three at once."
Kael clenched his fists. "I don't care about jokes. I need to know what's happening."
Lyric's grin widened. "Eager. Good. We leave at dusk. Until then… relax."
---
The day passed slowly. Kael observed the forest, feeling his shadows shift with each step, testing their limits. He discovered he could extend them farther, shape them into crude weapons, even partially cloak himself. But the real test would be outside. The city beyond the trees was a different beast altogether.
By sunset, Kael and Lyric stood atop a cliff, looking down at the sprawling city below. Towers rose like jagged teeth, streets glimmered with lantern light, and smoke curled from distant chimneys. From this height, it seemed almost peaceful. Almost.
"Your target," Lyric said, pointing to a fortified compound in the center of the city, "houses a rogue alchemist who has been tampering with DNA—modifying creatures for profit and chaos. Your job: retrieve the research, survive, and if possible… leave them a memorable warning."
Kael's stomach tightened. This was more than training. This was a real mission.
Lyric smirked. "Don't worry. I'll be there… to make sure you don't die immediately. Also… prepare for… unusual situations. They have guards, traps, and… well, let's just say the alchemist likes theatrics."
Kael adjusted his amulet. "Theatrics or not, I'll handle it."
---
Night fell like a blanket. The city streets were alive with whispers and shadows. Kael's senses expanded, every movement, every sound amplified through his newfound abilities. Shadows responded to his will, stretching along the alleyways, twisting into shapes that allowed him to scout ahead.
Approaching the compound, he noted the guards—three men, two women, each exuding energy that was slightly off, almost unnatural. Kael grinned. "Perfect."
He extended his shadow, forming tendrils that silently incapacitated the first guard. A quick flick, a silent thud. The second fell next. The third barely had time to react before Kael's shadows wrapped around him like serpents, lifting and restraining him.
Inside the compound, chaos awaited. The alchemist, a wiry figure with glasses too large for his face, muttered to himself, flasks and vials lined in neat rows, bubbling with strange substances.
"Who dares—?!" The alchemist spun around, eyes widening as Kael stepped into the light, shadows flaring around him.
"Kael," he said simply, the name tasting strange on his tongue. Power thrummed inside him, a dark pulse that demanded release. "I've come for your research."
The alchemist laughed, a high-pitched, manic sound. "Come? You? You're just a child!"
At that moment, the alchemist flicked his fingers, and the room erupted in chaos. Potions exploded, creating spectral beasts of smoke and fire. Shadows and flame collided. Kael ducked, rolling, letting his powers flow naturally—shadows stretching, morphing, striking back, defending, attacking, absorbing energy where possible.
Lyric appeared suddenly, tossing twin daggers, each spinning with precision. "Hey, newbie! Try not to look dead! Also… that smoke-beast looks angry. Treat it politely."
Kael gritted his teeth, focusing. His shadows tore through the manifestations, striking with precise blows. But the alchemist was quick—faster than expected. He summoned a swarm of tiny creatures, each one spitting corrosive venom. Kael dodged, twisted, attacked, all while trying to maintain control over the ever-growing shadows.
Then… the humor struck. One of the spectral beasts suddenly tripped on a spilled potion and rolled into a wall, emitting a squeaky "Oof!" sound. Lyric laughed so hard, he nearly dropped a dagger.
Kael blinked. "…Wait. Did that just…?"
Marvax's voice echoed in Kael's mind: Humor. Chaos. Observe and adapt. Survival isn't just about strength; it's about noticing absurdities.
Kael exhaled sharply, almost laughing, almost dying, and attacked with renewed focus. Shadows whirled around him, striking the alchemist, crushing his flasks, tearing apart his creations.
Finally, the alchemist stumbled, cornered. He raised his hands, shouting, "Mercy! Mercy!"
Kael stood over him, shadows coiling like serpents. "You know the rules," Kael said darkly. "No mercy for those who disrupt the balance."
With a final pulse, Kael unleashed the full extent of his shadow energy. The alchemist's lab crumbled, the spectral beasts dissipating, and silence fell—heavy, oppressive, and absolute.
---
Afterward, atop the city walls, Lyric and Kael watched as dawn crept over the horizon.
"You survived," Lyric said, voice tinged with both awe and mockery. "Barely. But hey, surviving is the first step. Next time, maybe try not to look like a haunted raccoon while doing it."
Kael scowled. "Next time, maybe try not to make jokes while I almost die."
Lyric laughed, clearly enjoying himself. "Where's the fun in that?"
Kael shook his head, but a small grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. Humor or not, he had survived. And with each mission, each absurd encounter, he grew stronger—not just in power, but in understanding the chaotic world he now inhabited.
And somewhere in the shadows, Marvax's laughter echoed again, a reminder that Kael's journey had only just begun.