The wind was still across the high cliffs of the ridge, where the last of the shadow training took place. The sun had just begun to dip, casting long fingers of gold across the cracked stone floor. For five long days, Rayan and Malrick had endured Martin's harsh guidance. Training that tested not only their strength, but also their discipline, patience, and their willingness to embrace the darkness within.
Martin stood before them, arms crossed, his long cloak shifting gently with the breeze. His eyes, cold and sharp, studied the two boys in silence. Then he spoke, his voice firm and commanding.
"Now, boys. Show me your aura."
Rayan stepped forward first. He inhaled deeply, steadying himself. The air around him thickened. Shadows gathered at his feet, curling upward like mist rising from cold stone. Then, in an instant, darkness enveloped him. It danced across his body in smooth, silent waves, cloaking him in a veil of living shadow. The aura was no longer raw or unstable. It moved with purpose, controlled and refined.
Martin observed with a faint nod. His expression, usually unreadable, held a trace of approval.
"You've come far," he said. "You used to let the darkness control you. Now, you command it. Every moment you spent in silence, every bruise and drop of sweat, it has all brought you here. You are close now, Rayan. Just a little more, and you will master the Dark Side completely."
Rayan remained silent, letting the aura fade gently back into his body. His heart beat steadily. He could feel it too. That edge. That limit he was about to break.
Martin turned his eyes to Malrick.
"Now your turn, boy."
Malrick stepped forward without hesitation. His hands relaxed at his sides. His eyes narrowed as he summoned his power. The dark aura emerged quickly, more intense than before. It formed a shell of shadow around him, thicker and deeper in color. There was weight in it now. Control. His aura pulsed softly, no longer unstable or hesitant. It wrapped around him like a second skin.
Martin's expression shifted. He took a single step closer, his voice quieter but heavy with meaning.
"Impressive. You've grown stronger without needing to shout about it. Silent effort. Quiet power. That is the mark of someone who understands what darkness truly is. Good job, Malrick."
Malrick opened his eyes. A flicker of violet shimmered within them for a moment, then vanished. His aura slowly dissolved, fading into the wind.
Martin looked at them both. He paused before speaking again.
"You're ready. Not perfect. Not unbreakable. But ready. The shadows answer your call now, not out of fear, but out of respect."
The wind picked up, sweeping dust and shadow across the rocky plateau. In the silence that followed, Rayan and Malrick stood tall. They had arrived as uncertain boys. They would leave as wielders of darkness, forged by struggle and sharpened by purpose.
The world beyond waited for them.
Martin looked at them with a little smile "I want from you now to go north to the Ironspire, and make a weapon that can help you in your journy. Take Orien i think he finished his training too, take him and go to the North"
[The Journey Begins]
They said goodbye to Martin, their hearts heavy but determined. With the farewell behind them, they turned north, drawn by the promise of strength, mystery, and danger.
As they reached Orien, he greeted them with a confident smile.
Orien said, "Guys, I think I'm level thirty-four."
Rayan looked at him, eyes wide with surprise. "Wow, that's amazing. You're getting really powerful."
Malrick gave a satisfied nod. "That means we're ready for Ironspire. We'll grow even stronger once we get there."
"Let's go," Rayan said, and without hesitation, they began the journey.
To move faster, Rayan and Malrick used their darkness-infused powers. The shadows wrapped around them like wings, carrying them swiftly across the land. They held onto Orien, drawing him into their speed so he could keep pace.
As they advanced, a strange pressure settled in the air. The shadows around them deepened, and the energy began to shift. Something was wrong.
They stopped.
Rayan looked around cautiously. "Martin said this path leads to a village. It's supposed to be safe."
Orien glanced at him, his voice low. "I don't think this place is safe at all."
A scream pierced the silence, distant yet sharp, echoing through the darkness like a broken cry. Then, all light faded. A heavy gloom swallowed the path ahead.
Malrick stood still, senses alert. "This doesn't feel like the right way."
Rayan's voice was quiet, almost a whisper. "I think we've taken the wrong path."