Kael's steps echoed in the dim corridor as Marcus led him through a labyrinth of stone and steel. The walls pulsed faintly with an eerie crimson light, casting elongated shadows that seemed to reach for him. He focused on the sound of his boots striking the floor, a rhythm that anchored him to reality amidst the chaos in his mind.
The surge of power from the transformation had left him feeling raw, his body aching as if it resisted the very essence now fused within him. He clenched his fists, feeling the unfamiliar heat crackling under his skin. It was exhilarating—and terrifying.
"This place…" Kael's voice broke the silence. "What is it?"
Marcus walked ahead, his stride measured, his hands clasped behind his back. "A remnant of a forgotten era. It served as a sanctuary for those who sought power beyond comprehension. Now, it serves me."
Kael's gaze swept over the corridor's jagged edges and strange symbols etched into the walls. He shivered, despite the heat radiating from his body. "You've been planning this for a long time, haven't you?"
Marcus stopped and turned, his piercing eyes locking onto Kael's. "Planning? No. Preparing? Yes. You think I plucked you out of despair on a whim?" He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You're here because you're necessary. But necessity is no excuse for mediocrity."
Kael swallowed hard but refused to look away.
They entered a circular chamber that seemed carved from the earth itself, the walls rough and damp. At its center stood a figure—towering, hulking, its body wrapped in crude iron plating that seemed to groan with each movement. Its face was hidden behind a jagged mask, but its eyes glowed an unnatural blue, cold and unfeeling.
Marcus gestured toward the creature. "Your first test."
Kael stared at the figure, unease prickling at his skin. "You're throwing me into a fight already? I've barely had time to—"
"Hesitation is weakness," Marcus interrupted, his tone sharp. "The world won't wait for you to find your footing. Out there, hesitation will get you killed. Or worse, make you irrelevant."
The words stung, but Kael said nothing. Instead, he turned back to the figure, whose gaze was fixed on him like a predator sizing up prey.
"Who—what—is this?" Kael asked, his voice steady despite the tension.
"A relic of my past experiments," Marcus replied with a faint smirk. "Imperfect, but sufficient to test your resolve. Defeat him, or die trying."
The creature shifted, its massive hands flexing, claws scraping against the stone floor. Kael's heart thundered in his chest, but he forced himself to stand tall.
"Why should I trust you?" Kael demanded, not taking his eyes off the creature.
Marcus's expression darkened, his voice dropping to a growl. "Trust? Do you think you're here because of trust? You're here because you made a choice. That power coursing through you—that second chance—it wasn't free. Now, prove you deserve it."
The creature roared, a guttural sound that reverberated through the chamber. Kael barely had time to brace himself before it charged.
Instinct kicked in, and Kael dove to the side, narrowly avoiding a swipe from the creature's massive claw. He rolled to his feet, energy surging through him. He extended his hand, and for a moment, the air around it shimmered with heat.
"Focus," Marcus called out. "Your power is there, waiting for you. Control it, or it will consume you."
Kael clenched his teeth, the memory of his loved one's death flashing through his mind. The rage, the pain—they were his fuel. He unleashed a burst of energy, a wave of searing heat that struck the creature square in the chest.
The creature stumbled but did not fall. Instead, it let out a guttural laugh, as if mocking him.
Kael growled, his fear melting into anger. He would not fail. He could not fail.
Kael's breath quickened, his muscles taut as the creature's laughter rumbled through the chamber like an avalanche. Its claws scraped the ground, sending sparks flying. The air thickened with the acrid scent of burning stone and something metallic—blood, perhaps.
Kael didn't have time to think. The creature charged again, faster than its bulk suggested, its massive arm swinging in a devastating arc. Kael leapt backward, feeling the rush of wind as the claw sliced mere inches from his chest.
Crash!
The strike hit the ground, shattering the stone floor and sending shards flying in every direction. Kael shielded his face, wincing as sharp fragments grazed his skin.
"You'll need more than dodging to win," Marcus said coolly from the shadows. His voice carried, cutting through the chaos like a blade. "Attack. Show me you have what it takes."
Kael's fists clenched, heat pulsing through his veins. He stepped forward, his instincts screaming at him to retreat, but his anger overrode the fear. He extended his hand again, and this time, the heat coalesced into a swirling orb of molten energy.
With a roar, Kael hurled the orb at the creature. It struck its chest, erupting in a burst of searing light and flames. The chamber shook, the heat wave forcing Marcus to take a step back.
When the smoke cleared, Kael's stomach sank.
The creature stood tall, its armor scorched but intact, the glowing eyes narrowing in what could only be amusement. It stomped forward, the ground trembling beneath its weight, and swung again—this time faster, deadlier.
Kael tried to dodge, but the creature anticipated him. A clawed hand clipped his side, sending him flying into the wall. Pain exploded through his ribs as he crumpled to the ground, gasping for air.
"You're wasting time," Marcus taunted. "Is this all your rage amounts to? Petty, aimless strikes? Focus, Kael. Harness it."
Kael pushed himself up, his vision swimming. He could taste blood on his tongue, feel the heat of his power crackling beneath his skin, begging to be unleashed.
The creature didn't wait. It lunged, its massive hand coming down like a hammer.
Kael rolled to the side, ignoring the pain that flared in his ribs. He planted his hands on the ground, the heat from his palms searing the stone, and pushed upward. He released a surge of energy that rippled through the floor, catching the creature mid-charge.
Boom!
The ground erupted beneath it, a geyser of molten rock engulfing its lower half. The creature roared, its iron-plated legs melting into the floor, trapping it in place.
Kael didn't waste the opportunity. He charged forward, summoning another orb of energy. But this time, it was unstable, writhing with chaotic flames that danced wildly in his hand.
"Let it consume you," Marcus whispered, his voice barely audible over the creature's thrashing.
Kael didn't hesitate. He thrust the orb into the creature's chest, driving it with all his strength. The impact sent a shockwave through the chamber, a deafening roar of fire and fury as the energy detonated.
The creature screamed, its body cracking and splintering as the energy tore through it. With one final, shuddering gasp, it collapsed, its glowing eyes dimming to nothing.
Kael stumbled backward, his chest heaving, his vision blurred from exhaustion. The chamber was silent except for the crackling of flames and the distant sound of dripping water.
"Well done," Marcus said, stepping into the light. His expression was unreadable, but there was a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes. "You survived. For now."
Kael looked at his hands, the faint glow of power still lingering. He had won, but he didn't feel victorious. The creature's death wasn't triumph—it was survival.
And deep down, he knew this was only the beginning.