Kazuki stood at the edge of the forest, his hands balled into fists. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decay, and shadows moved between the trees as if alive, shifting and curling in unnatural ways. He took a deep breath, forcing his legs to move forward. Every instinct screamed at him to turn back, to run. But there was no going back now.
A soft laugh echoed in the dark, and Kazuki's heart skipped a beat. He spun around, eyes wide, expecting to see Seraphine. But no one was there. Only the shadows, stretching longer with each passing second, as though night itself was closing in on him.
"Are you scared?" a voice whispered, slithering through the trees.
Kazuki's throat went dry, but he clenched his fists tighter. "Show yourself!"
The voice laughed again, softer this time, almost playful. "In time, Wraithblade. In time."
He felt a chill sweep over him, his hand instinctively reaching for the ghostly blade he sensed within him. The Wraithblade was a part of him now, bound to his soul. All he had to do was reach for it, and it would be there. But he hesitated, unsure if he was ready to face whatever was lurking in the darkness.
"Lost already, are we?" Another voice, deeper, taunting, came from behind him. Kazuki whirled around to see a figure emerge from the shadows. He was tall and cloaked, his face hidden beneath a dark hood. In his hand, he held a twisted staff, adorned with bones and feathers that seemed to writhe in the dim light.
Kazuki narrowed his eyes, steeling himself. "Who are you?"
The figure chuckled, his voice a low rumble. "Names are irrelevant here. What matters is that you're trespassing."
Kazuki took a step back, the weight of the Wraithblade pulsing within him, urging him to fight. But he could feel the drain of energy just by reaching for it, a faint dizziness pressing at the edges of his mind.
The man tilted his head, a cruel smile barely visible beneath his hood. "A word of advice, newcomer," he said. "In this world, power has a cost. The question is, are you willing to pay it?"
Kazuki's fists clenched, his jaw set. "I didn't ask for your advice."
"Oh, but you will," the man replied smoothly, his voice dripping with amusement. "When the shadows start closing in and you're all alone, you'll wish you'd listened."
Kazuki felt his patience snap. "If you're here to fight, then fight."
The man's smile widened, and he spread his arms, as if inviting Kazuki to attack. "Very well, Wraithblade. Show me what you're made of."
Kazuki closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He reached within, feeling the energy of the Wraithblade stir, a cold, weightless power that hummed in his veins. In an instant, a translucent blade appeared in his hand, glowing faintly with a ghostly light.
The man's eyes gleamed with interest. "Impressive… but let's see if you can handle it."
Kazuki lunged forward, the Wraithblade slicing through the air with a soft, eerie hum. The man stepped aside, his movements fluid, almost lazy, as if he were toying with him. Kazuki gritted his teeth, pivoting and swinging again, but the man dodged each strike effortlessly.
"Is that all you've got?" the man taunted, his voice dripping with mockery.
Kazuki's frustration mounted, and he swung harder, faster, but each swing left him feeling weaker, the drain on his energy growing with each strike. His vision blurred slightly, a faint ringing in his ears. He staggered, his grip on the Wraithblade faltering.
The man laughed, his tone mocking. "Pathetic. You're nothing but a child playing with powers you don't understand."
Kazuki's heart pounded, fear clawing at his resolve. He took a step back, his breathing heavy. This can't be it. I can't be this weak…
The man took a step closer, raising his staff. "You're a fool if you think you can survive here without understanding the cost of power."
Kazuki's mind raced, desperation rising within him. Think. There has to be a way to outsmart him… He forced himself to steady his breathing, focusing on the Wraithblade, trying to sense any other power within it. The Wraithblade was more than just a weapon; it was a part of him. He could feel its energy, faint but steady, pulsing in time with his own heartbeat.
He closed his eyes, focusing inward, feeling the intangible connection between himself and the blade. And then, he felt it—a faint shimmer of energy, a presence just beyond his reach.
Without thinking, he willed himself to become one with the blade, to let its energy flow through him completely.
A cold sensation washed over him, and he opened his eyes to see his body become translucent, ethereal. The man's staff passed through him harmlessly, his expression shifting from arrogance to shock.
Kazuki didn't waste a second. He swung the Wraithblade, aiming for the man's chest. This time, the blade struck true, passing through the man's defenses and slicing into his side.
The man staggered back, clutching his wound, his eyes wide with fury and disbelief. "You… how did you…"
Kazuki's form solidified, the drain of energy making him feel lightheaded, but he held his ground. "I'm not as weak as you thought."
The man glared at him, his lips curling into a snarl. "You'll regret this, Wraithblade. You've made an enemy today."
Kazuki straightened, forcing himself to ignore the exhaustion creeping over him. "I'll be waiting."
With one last glare, the man melted into the shadows, his form dissolving like smoke. Kazuki let out a shaky breath, the Wraithblade dissipating from his hand. He dropped to his knees, his body trembling from the exertion.
I survived… barely.
He closed his eyes, feeling the weight of his choices settling over him. Every use of the Wraithblade came at a cost, and he could feel it now, the subtle drain on his life force, the chill that lingered in his bones.
As he sat there, catching his breath, a soft voice echoed in his mind. Impressive… but you must learn to conserve your strength if you wish to survive.
Kazuki looked up, startled. "Seraphine?"
Her voice was calm, almost distant. This world is merciless, Kazuki. Power without control will only lead to ruin. Remember that.
Kazuki clenched his fists, a flicker of determination igniting within him. "I'll learn. I'll get stronger. Whatever it takes."
Her laughter was soft, almost amused. Very well, Wraithblade. But remember… the shadows are always watching.