Chereads / The shadows burden:the one who bears all / Chapter 21 - Chapter 11.1: Shadows of the Flame: The false Awakening of Umbra

Chapter 21 - Chapter 11.1: Shadows of the Flame: The false Awakening of Umbra

Umbra and Akari slowly awoke from their long slumber in the heart of the ancient forest. The canopy above them filtered the early morning sunlight into gentle rays that danced across their faces. The forest was dense, with towering trees that seemed to touch the sky, their leaves rustling softly in the cool breeze. The air was fresh, filled with the earthy scent of moss and the distant calls of birds.

Stretching and shaking off the remnants of sleep, Umbra and Akari began their morning routine. They moved with a practiced ease, gathering fruits from nearby bushes and fetching water from a crystal-clear stream that wound its way through the forest. As they ate, they felt their strength returning, their senses sharpening, and their energy levels rising.

Just as they finished their meal, a strange bird appeared, gliding silently towards them. It landed a few paces away and, to their astonishment, transformed into an old man with a long, white beard and piercing eyes. Startled but ready, Umbra and Akari stood their ground, weapons drawn, prepared to defend themselves.

But the old man raised his hand and effortlessly blocked their strikes, moving with an agility that belied his age. "I'm not here to fight," he said calmly, his voice steady and reassuring.

The old man introduced himself as a disciple of the One True King, a figure from ancient legends. He explained to Umbra that the dream he had was not just a figment of his imagination, but a vision of events that took place thousands of years ago. "You have a unique connection with the One True King," the old man said. "That's why you had that dream. But you have lost your link with the shadows and have not accessed your other abilities."

Umbra, confused, asked, "What are you talking about? Darkness and shadows are not part of my abilities."

The old man smiled. "The shadows are not mere abilities; they are actual people, followers of the One True King. They trusted you and granted you access to their powers because of your strong connection. There are three consciousnesses within you, sharing a single body and soul. They currently exist outside your body, unaware that you are awake. The one with red eyes and black hair is malevolent, while the one with white hair and blue eyes is benevolent. Since you have lost your connection with the shadows, I will train you in your true ability: the power of flame."

The old man led Umbra to a secluded glade, where the sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a warm, golden glow. "First, I will teach you to set your blade on fire," he said. "Not the handle, just the blade."

With a wave of his hand, the old man summoned demons, creatures whose powers transcended time and space. "If you can slice them with your blade on fire, you'll be ready for the next technique," he explained.

Umbra focused, channeling his energy into his blade. After several attempts, he finally managed to ignite the blade and slice through the demons with ease. After four days of relentless practice, he mastered the technique.

The old man nodded approvingly. "Now you need to master ranged fire slashes. You should be able to project slashes that are as strong as striking with the blade itself."

Once again, the old man summoned demons, and Umbra began his training. It took days of effort and perseverance, but eventually, Umbra succeeded in unleashing powerful fire slashes.

"One more technique," the old man said. "Fire bullets.Point your blade and shoot fire bullets. These should be as strong as the slashes, but much faster, piercing through your opponents and preventing them from regenerating."

Umbra practiced diligently, his determination unwavering. He trained against wood, stone, metal, and diamond, and finally, the demons. When he mastered the technique, he was ready.

In another realm, the gods observed Umbra's training. Oberon, the god of strength, remarked, "The boy is strong, and he has the girl with him. She's pregnant and at half her power. They should arrive in a week, but we will send the god of strength and the god of death their way."

Morus, the god of death, agreed. "Him and the girl pose a threat to us now."

Oberon and Morus challenged each other to a race. "Whoever reaches their universe first and gets to their timeline will command the other," Oberon proposed.

"Deal," Morus agreed.

In a fraction of a second, both gods appeared before Umbra and Akari. Akari, already positioned on Umbra's back, tightened her grip, her determination matching his.

"Long time no see, father," Umbra said, his voice a mixture of surprise and determination.

The forest around them seemed to hold its breath as Umbra faced his father, Oberon, the god of strength, and Morus, the god of death. Akari remained close to Umbra, her presence a calming force amid the tension. The gods radiated an aura of immense power, the air around them crackling with energy.

Oberon, tall and imposing, his muscles rippling under his divine armor and wielding a giant sword that seemed to hum with power, stepped forward. "You've grown strong, my son," he said, his voice deep and resonant. "But strength alone is not enough. You must prove yourself."

Morus, a slender figure clad in dark robes, with eyes that seemed to pierce into the soul, added, "The balance of power must be maintained. Your awakening has shifted that balance, and we cannot allow it to go unchecked."

Umbra tightened his grip on his fiery blade, feeling the heat radiate through the metal. "I won't let you stop us," he declared. "We've come too far."

Oberon smiled, a mixture of pride and challenge in his eyes. "Then show us what you've learned."

With a thunderous clash, the battle erupted, not just on the forest floor but into the very fabric of the universe. Umbra and Akari were thrust into space, their combatants pursuing them across the stars. Planets shuddered and shattered as they were knocked through them, the sheer force of their blows echoing through the cosmos.