Kazuki's muscles trembled with fatigue as he held the Wraithblade steady, the spectral weapon casting a faint, eerie glow against the dim morning light. He and Lira had been training since dawn, with each lesson becoming more rigorous than the last.
"You need to stop relying on raw strength alone," Lira said, circling him like a predator. "In this world, that's a fool's path to an early death. Control and precision, Kazuki. Control is your only lifeline."
Kazuki clenched his jaw, steadying his breathing. He could feel the energy of the Wraithblade pulsing in his hand, as if testing his will. Control. It was easier said than done. The weapon's energy was volatile, cold and hungry, as if it had a mind of its own.
"Alright," he muttered, raising the blade once more. "What do I do?"
Lira stopped, her gaze scrutinizing. "Close your eyes," she instructed, her voice soft but firm.
Kazuki hesitated, then complied, shutting out the world around him.
"Focus on the weapon's energy," she continued. "It's an extension of you, but it's also something more. The Wraithblade draws from a place of darkness within you… but you must guide it. If you let it consume you, it will."
Her words sank in slowly, like pebbles dropping into a deep well. Kazuki inhaled, feeling the energy of the Wraithblade more clearly now. It was cold, distant, like an echo of some deeper power hidden within him.
"That's it," Lira murmured. "Don't force it. Let it flow… and let it go when the time comes."
He felt the blade flicker, a subtle shift in its energy, but this time he held it steady, letting it hover on the edge of his control.
"Good," Lira said approvingly. "Now, open your eyes."
Kazuki obeyed, and to his surprise, the Wraithblade shone brighter, its spectral glow sharpening. He turned to look at Lira, pride flickering in his gaze.
"I think I'm starting to understand," he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Then prove it," Lira replied, her expression unreadable. She raised her hand, and a crimson spell circle appeared around her, radiating a pulse of blood-red energy.
Kazuki felt the hair on his arms rise. "Wait… are we really going to spar?"
Lira's lips curved into a smirk. "Of course. You said you wanted to learn. So show me what you've got."
Without waiting for his response, she launched herself at him, her magic flaring as blood-red chains shot from her fingertips, wrapping around his arm.
Kazuki reacted instinctively, the Wraithblade slicing through the chains with a single swift motion. Lira's eyes gleamed with approval as she attacked again, her movements a blur of red and shadow.
He barely managed to keep up, each strike forcing him to adjust, to think, to adapt. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his breath came in sharp, ragged bursts. But he didn't back down.
With each strike, each block, he felt himself growing stronger, his connection to the Wraithblade deepening. It was as if the weapon was responding to him, matching his pace, his rhythm.
"You're getting better," Lira admitted, dodging one of his attacks with a swift, fluid movement. "But you're still too focused on offense. Defense is just as important."
Kazuki grimaced, barely managing to block her next attack. "Easier said than done."
"Then try harder." Her tone was unyielding, her gaze cold. But he could see the faintest glimmer of encouragement in her eyes.
They continued like this, sparring back and forth, each clash of their powers sending sparks of energy through the clearing. Kazuki lost track of time, his entire world narrowing to the rhythm of their movements, the ebb and flow of his power.
Finally, after what felt like hours, Lira stepped back, signaling the end of their session. Kazuki collapsed to his knees, panting, his body aching with exhaustion.
"Not bad," Lira said, watching him with a faint smile. "You're improving. But you still have a long way to go."
Kazuki managed a tired grin, wiping the sweat from his brow. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Lira chuckled softly. "You should."
Just then, a sudden chill swept through the clearing, a dark, oppressive energy settling over them like a shroud. Kazuki felt his blood turn to ice as he looked around, his senses alert.
"Something's wrong," he murmured, tightening his grip on the Wraithblade.
Lira's expression darkened, her eyes narrowing. "We're not alone."
A figure emerged from the shadows, tall and imposing, with a presence that radiated pure malice. Kazuki's heart pounded as he took in the figure's dark armor, the twisted blade at his side.
The man smirked, his gaze settling on Kazuki. "Well, well. So this is the rumored newcomer."
Kazuki swallowed, feeling the weight of the man's gaze like a physical force. "Who… who are you?"
The man chuckled, a low, menacing sound. "I am Daelan. But you may know me as the Void Reaver."
The blood drained from Kazuki's face as the name registered. He glanced at Lira, seeing the tension in her posture, the wary glint in her eyes.
"What do you want, Daelan?" Lira asked, her voice steady but laced with caution.
Daelan's smirk widened. "Oh, just a little visit. I've heard so much about this boy… this 'Wraithblade.'" His gaze flicked to Kazuki, his eyes gleaming with a predatory light. "I wanted to see if the rumors were true."
Kazuki gripped the Wraithblade, his knuckles white. "I'm not here to entertain you."
Daelan's laugh echoed through the clearing, cold and mocking. "Oh, but you already are." He took a step forward, his presence looming over Kazuki like a dark shadow. "Tell me, boy… do you really think you stand a chance in this world?"
Kazuki's jaw tightened, his heart pounding. "I don't have to answer to you."
Daelan's smirk faded, his gaze hardening. "Arrogance. A common trait among the weak." He raised his hand, a dark energy swirling around his fingers. "Allow me to teach you a lesson."
Before Kazuki could react, Daelan unleashed a wave of dark energy, a force so powerful that it sent him stumbling back, his body wracked with pain. He barely managed to keep his grip on the Wraithblade, struggling to stay on his feet.
Lira stepped forward, her own magic flaring as she shielded him. "Enough, Daelan. He's not ready to face you."
Daelan raised an eyebrow, amused. "Protecting him, are you? How noble. But ultimately… futile."
He extended his hand, and a dark portal appeared at his feet. Kazuki felt the pull of its energy, like a black hole threatening to consume him.
"Let this be a reminder, boy," Daelan said, his voice cold and merciless. "You are nothing in this world. A mere speck of dust in the grand scheme of things."
With a flick of his wrist, he sent a surge of dark energy toward Kazuki. Lira reacted instantly, forming a barrier of crimson light that deflected the attack, but the force of it shattered the shield, sending her staggering back.
Kazuki clenched his fists, anger boiling within him. "You… you're nothing but a bully," he spat, his voice trembling with fury. "You think you're so powerful, but all you do is terrorize others."
Daelan's expression darkened, his gaze narrowing. "Careful, boy. You're treading on dangerous ground."
Kazuki met his gaze, defiant. "I don't care. I'm not afraid of you."
For a moment, Daelan's expression softened, as if amused by Kazuki's boldness. "Fearless, are we? Very well. But remember… fear is what keeps you alive in this world."
He raised his hand again, the dark energy swirling around him, but before he could strike, a sudden, piercing light illuminated the clearing, breaking through the oppressive darkness.
Kazuki shielded his eyes, squinting against the blinding light. When it faded, Daelan was gone, leaving only an echo of his dark presence behind.
Kazuki let out a shaky breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He looked at Lira, seeing the tension in her shoulders, the faint hint of worry in her gaze.
"Who… who was that?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
Lira's gaze hardened. "Daelan. The Void Reaver. One of the most powerful beings in this world… and one of the most dangerous."
Kazuki swallowed, feeling a chill run down his spine. "Why did he come here?"
Lira's expression darkened. "To test you. To see if you're a threat."
He clenched his fists, the weight of her words settling over him like a shroud. He had only just begun his journey, and already he was facing enemies beyond his comprehension.
But he wouldn't let fear consume him. He would grow stronger. He had to.
Lira placed a hand on his shoulder, her gaze softening. "Come on," she said quietly. "We have work to do."
Kazuki nodded, determination burning in his eyes. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he would face them. He would endure.
And someday, he would stand on equal ground with the Void Reaver.
Or die trying.