Chapter 7: The Mysterious Ally
The day after their close encounter, Eun Ha brought Jin Soo to the clearing again, saying she had something important to discuss. As they approached, they noticed someone else already waiting for them. The figure was tall, cloaked, and his face partially hidden in shadows. His eyes glowed faintly silver, an unsettling yet mesmerizing sight.
"Who's this?" Jin Soo asked, feeling a mix of curiosity and unease.
The man inclined his head in greeting. "Seo Jin. I'm a friend of the Shadow Walkers."
Eun Ha's face showed her surprise. "I thought the allies were… gone. I didn't expect to see one again."
Seo Jin nodded. "Many of us have kept hidden, waiting for the right moment. We sensed the rise of a new bridge between realms and knew it was time to come forward."
He turned to Jin Soo, holding out a small, intricately carved amulet. "This will shield you from the shadows' senses when you're not actively using your powers. But be warned, it has limits and must be recharged."
Jin Soo accepted the amulet with a sense of gratitude and relief. He realized that not all beings connected to the Shadow Realm were enemies; some, like Seo Jin, seemed willing to help.
Seo Jin then revealed something that chilled him. "There's a faction within the shadows that believe you are the key to bringing their realm fully into this world. They see you not as an opponent, but as an asset to be controlled—or destroyed if necessary."
Jin Soo swallowed hard, the enormity of his situation growing clearer. Seo Jin continued, "Your journey will be fraught with dangers, but there are allies as well. You won't be alone."
He gave Jin Soo a knowing look before vanishing back into the shadows, leaving them to contemplate the new information.
TO BE CONTINUED...