As Kazuki stood alone, Daelan's words echoed in his mind. Power exists here, too. Hidden, waiting to be claimed. The thought gnawed at him, sparking unease. What did Daelan mean by "power?" How had he managed to cross worlds? These questions haunted Kazuki as he paced his dim apartment, replaying every encounter, every conversation he'd shared with Daelan.
He finally settled on his bed, resting his head against the headboard and staring up at the ceiling. Memories of battles, of the chaotic world they'd left behind, came flooding back. He could almost feel the rush of energy in his veins, the weight of his Wraithblade in his hand as he'd fought to protect Lira, Seraphine, and others who'd depended on him. Now, that strength felt like a ghost, lingering just out of reach.
Kazuki let out a deep sigh, closing his eyes. He hadn't realized how much he missed it—the sense of purpose that had filled him in every step, every breath in that world. Here, everything felt muted, dimmer. He felt like a shadow of the person he'd become.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, sharp and unexpected. He tensed, feeling the familiar urge to grab a weapon that wasn't there. He had to remind himself he was back on Earth, where danger didn't lurk behind every corner. Taking a deep breath, he went to the door, peeking through the peephole.
It was the girl from the park.
He opened the door slowly, eyeing her with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. "How did you…?"
She smiled, but there was a glint in her eyes that made him uneasy. "I told you I'd be around if you needed to talk."
Kazuki studied her, trying to gauge her intentions. "And why exactly do you keep showing up like this? How do you know me?"
Her smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "You're not the only one who's been... affected by that other world, Kazuki. People like us—we carry pieces of it back here."
He stared at her, feeling the weight of her words settle over him. "Who are you?"
She held his gaze, the faintest trace of a smirk playing at her lips. "Let's just say I know what it's like to live between two worlds. I'm here to help you understand what's happening."
Kazuki clenched his jaw, frustration simmering within him. "If you know something, then just tell me. What's going on with Daelan? How did he find a way back here?"
She crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "Daelan isn't like you. He's always been drawn to power, even when it comes at a cost. There are… forces, Kazuki. Hidden powers in our world that are similar to what you knew over there. If Daelan has his way, he'll find them, and he won't hesitate to use them."
Kazuki's fists clenched, his heart pounding with the intensity of her words. "Then I'll stop him. I've done it before; I'll do it again."
She raised an eyebrow, her gaze skeptical. "It won't be as easy as you think. Here, you're bound by limitations—"
"I don't care," he interrupted, his voice hard. "If Daelan thinks he can just bring that darkness here, he's mistaken. I won't let him."
A moment of silence passed as they stared at each other, tension thick in the air. Finally, she broke the silence, her tone softer. "I don't doubt your resolve, Kazuki. But it's not just about strength. If you go into this with the same tactics you used before, you'll lose."
Her words stung, a reminder of his vulnerabilities. "Then what do I need to do?"
She studied him, her gaze steady. "You have to understand the nature of this world's power. If you want to fight Daelan, you need to find a way to reclaim the abilities you had in the other world. But be warned—it won't come without a price."
Kazuki's jaw tightened. He remembered the cost of his abilities all too well. Every swing of the Wraithblade had drained his life, bringing him closer to becoming a wraith himself. But he'd made that sacrifice willingly, to protect those he cared about.
"And you can help me do this?" he asked, his voice a mix of hope and determination.
She nodded slowly. "I can guide you. But you'll have to be prepared to face things that may change you, even here."
Kazuki took a deep breath, his decision made. "Then tell me where to start."
She offered him a small, encouraging smile, though her eyes remained serious. "There's a place you need to go—a place that holds echoes of the power you once wielded. It's risky, but if you're willing to face it, you might find the key to unlocking your abilities again."
Kazuki nodded, determination filling him. "Tell me where."
She hesitated for a moment before answering, her voice barely above a whisper. "There's an old temple, hidden in the outskirts of the city. Most people think it's abandoned, just another ruin. But there are... remnants there. Spirits and forces left over from ancient times. They'll test you, force you to confront everything you've tried to bury."
Kazuki felt a chill run down his spine. He'd faced trials before, battles that had pushed him to the edge of his strength. But this felt different, something deeper, more personal. Yet he knew he had no choice. If Daelan was truly seeking power here, he couldn't stand by and watch.
"Fine," he said, his voice steady. "I'll go."
The girl nodded, a faint trace of admiration in her gaze. "I'll meet you there when the time is right. But for now, prepare yourself, Kazuki. You'll need every ounce of strength you can muster."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving him standing in the doorway, his mind racing with anticipation and dread. He knew this journey would be unlike any he'd faced before, but he also knew he couldn't turn back.
Kazuki spent the following days training, honing his body and mind in preparation for the trials ahead. Each night, he dreamed of his battles, of the friends he'd left behind and the sacrifices he'd made. Their faces haunted him, urging him forward, reminding him of the responsibility he bore.
Finally, the day arrived, and he made his way to the outskirts of the city, following the directions the girl had given him. The temple loomed ahead, shrouded in mist and surrounded by an eerie silence. Kazuki hesitated at the entrance, feeling a strange energy emanating from within. It was as though the air itself was charged with power, alive with a force he couldn't fully comprehend.
Steeling himself, he stepped forward, the weight of his past and the hope of his future propelling him forward.