Capítulo 2: Trial by Shadow
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The ground trembled violently beneath Kael's feet, the cracks spreading like jagged veins through the earth. The monstrous being barreled toward him, its form wreathed in dark flames, each step shaking the air with thunderous force.
Kael could feel his pulse hammering in his ears, but there was no time to dwell on fear. His legs moved instinctively, carrying him toward a thicket of trees as the giant's claw came crashing down where he'd been standing moments earlier. Splintered wood and dirt exploded into the air, the impact sending Kael sprawling.
"You can't outrun it," Umbrael's voice purred in his mind, mocking yet calm.
Kael rolled onto his knees, gasping for breath. "Then what am I supposed to do?!"
"Fight, of course. Isn't that what you wanted when you accepted me? Vengeance doesn't come to cowards."
The creature roared again, twisting its head toward Kael. Its maw split open unnaturally wide, revealing rows of jagged, glowing teeth. From its throat, a molten black energy began to gather.
Kael's breath caught in his throat as he scrambled backward. "You call that a fight? That thing's going to kill me!"
"Oh, it will. Unless you let me help you."
The glow in the beast's mouth grew brighter, the heat searing the air. Kael could barely think, the pressure of the moment weighing on him like a boulder.
"Fine!" he shouted, clenching his fists. "Do something!"
"No, mortal. You do it. Reach into the shadow and pull out your power."
Kael hesitated, unsure of what Umbrael meant. But as the beast unleashed a devastating blast of energy toward him, he didn't have the luxury of second-guessing. Acting on instinct, Kael slammed his hand into the ground, where his shadow writhed like a living thing.
Suddenly, his shadow surged upward, forming a translucent black dome around him. The beast's attack struck the barrier, the impact rattling Kael to his core. The shadow shield held for a moment before shattering like glass, but the attack had been deflected just enough to spare him.
Kael staggered to his feet, staring at his hands in shock. The remnants of the shadow clung to his fingers like mist before retreating to his feet.
"Not bad," Umbrael mused. "But that's just the beginning."
The beast charged again, this time swinging one massive arm in a wide arc. Kael barely ducked in time, the force of the swing tearing through the air. He spun around, trying to find an opening, but the creature's size made it seem insurmountable.
"Give me more power!" Kael yelled.
Umbrael laughed. "Power must be earned, mortal. You've taken the first step—now prove you're worthy."
Kael's frustration bubbled over, and he clenched his fists. "Fine! I'll do it myself!"
He rushed toward the creature, his body moving faster than he expected. The shadow under his feet seemed to propel him forward, giving him bursts of speed as he dodged another clawed swipe. He leaped into the air, aiming a punch at the beast's face.
To his shock, his fist connected. The shadows around his hand erupted like tendrils, striking the creature's eye and forcing it to stumble back with a deafening roar.
Kael landed awkwardly, nearly losing his balance. He turned to see the creature clutching its injured eye, black ichor spilling down its face. A surge of triumph filled him, but it was short-lived.
The beast howled, its body convulsing. The dark flames surrounding it flared brighter, and the earth beneath it began to smolder. It wasn't backing down—it was enraged.
"Umbrael!" Kael called out, panic creeping into his voice. "What now?"
"Survive, of course," the shadow god said with cruel amusement. "This is what you wanted, isn't it? To be strong enough to kill your enemies? Then stop whining and fight."
Kael gritted his teeth, the frustration mixing with determination. He couldn't rely on Umbrael—not fully. He had to figure this out himself.
The creature charged again, this time faster, its claws aiming straight for Kael. He slid under its swing, the shadows beneath him acting like a slick surface, allowing him to move with unnatural agility. As he came to his feet, an idea struck him.
If his shadow could protect him and attack, maybe it could do more.
Kael focused, reaching out with his mind toward the shadows at his feet. He could feel them, alive and eager, waiting for his command.
"Bind it," he whispered, and the shadows responded.
Dark tendrils shot out from beneath the beast, wrapping around its limbs like chains. The creature roared and thrashed, but the shadows held firm, pulling it to the ground.
Kael didn't waste a moment. He sprinted forward, the shadows gathering around his arm like a coiled serpent. With a roar of his own, he leaped onto the creature's back and drove his fist into its head. The shadows exploded outward, piercing through the beast's skull like spears.
The monster let out one final, ear-splitting screech before collapsing. Its body crumbled into ash, leaving Kael standing amidst the ruin.
He fell to his knees, panting, the adrenaline draining from his body.
"Impressive," Umbrael said, his tone almost approving. "You might survive longer than I thought."
Kael didn't respond, his mind too exhausted to process what had just happened. But as he looked at his trembling hands, a chilling realization struck him.
He hadn't been afraid in that final moment. When he'd struck the killing blow, he'd felt something else entirely.
Satisfaction.
And deep down, that scared him more than the beast ever could.
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder