The training continued relentlessly, day after day, as Kael prepared the villagers for the inevitable clash with the shadow beasts. Though many were inexperienced, their determination began to shine through. The village square, once a place of quiet conversations and bustling market stalls, had become a makeshift training ground filled with the clash of weapons and the hum of magic.
Kael stood at the edge of the training area, observing Rynn as he practiced a new spell. The young mage's hands glowed with a pale blue light as he concentrated, sweat dripping from his brow.
"Focus," Kael instructed. "Feel the energy in your core. Let it flow naturally."
Rynn gritted his teeth, a bead of light forming between his palms. With a shout, he released the spell, a burst of frost striking the practice dummy and encasing it in ice.
"I did it!" Rynn exclaimed, his face lighting up with joy.
"Good work," Kael said, nodding approvingly. "But don't let your guard down. A real enemy won't give you the luxury of celebration."
Rynn's expression sobered, and he nodded. "Understood."
Nearby, Lyra practiced with her bow, her arrows striking the center of a target with increasing accuracy. Garret and a group of villagers sparred with wooden swords, their movements growing sharper and more coordinated under Kael's watchful eye.
Despite their progress, Kael's thoughts remained heavy. He knew that no amount of training could fully prepare them for the horrors that lay ahead.
That evening, Kael met with Aldric and the village's elders in the small chapel that served as their meeting place. Candles flickered in the dim light, casting long shadows on the stone walls.
"The people are improving," Kael began, his voice steady. "But they're still not ready for a full-scale attack. We need more time."
Aldric nodded, his weathered face lined with worry. "Time is a luxury we may not have. The shadow beasts have grown bolder with each attack."
Kael leaned against the table, his golden eyes glinting in the candlelight. "I'll do what I can to buy us that time. I've been studying the beasts' patterns. Their attacks seem to originate from the forest to the east. If I can locate their source and eliminate it—"
"It's too dangerous," one of the elders interrupted. "If you leave, who will protect the village?"
Kael's gaze hardened. "If I don't leave, the attacks will never stop. This is the only way."
The room fell silent, the elders exchanging uneasy glances. Finally, Aldric spoke. "Very well. But promise me you'll return. These people need you, Kael."
Kael nodded. "I'll return. You have my word."
As Kael prepared to leave the village, Lyra approached him, a bow slung over her shoulder.
"You're going alone?" she asked, her tone accusatory.
"Yes," Kael replied.
Lyra crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "That's reckless, even for you. At least let me come with you."
"No," Kael said firmly. "Your place is here. The village needs you."
"And what if something happens to you out there?" Lyra demanded.
Kael's expression softened. "I'll be fine. This isn't my first battle."
Lyra hesitated, then sighed. "Just… don't do anything stupid, alright?"
"I'll try," Kael said, a faint smile playing at his lips.
Kael left the village under the cover of darkness, his staff in hand and his cloak billowing in the wind. The forest loomed ahead, its shadows deep and impenetrable.
As he stepped into the trees, the air grew colder, the sounds of the village fading behind him. The forest was eerily silent, the usual chorus of insects and birds replaced by an oppressive stillness.
Kael moved cautiously, his senses alert. He could feel the malevolent energy that permeated the air, a reminder of the danger that lay ahead.
Suddenly, a low growl broke the silence. Kael turned, his eyes narrowing as a shadow beast emerged from the darkness, its glowing red eyes fixed on him.
"Just one?" Kael muttered. "You'll need more than that to stop me."
The beast lunged, its claws slicing through the air. Kael sidestepped the attack, his movements fluid and precise. Raising his staff, he channeled his energy into a spell.
"Judgment Flare!" he intoned, a burst of golden light erupting from the staff and striking the beast. It let out a bone-chilling screech before disintegrating into ash.
Kael lowered his staff, his gaze sweeping the area. "If that was a scout, the others won't be far behind."
As Kael ventured deeper into the forest, the encounters became more frequent. Shadow beasts attacked in groups, their numbers growing with each wave.
Kael fought tirelessly, his spells cutting through the darkness like a beacon of hope. But even he could feel the strain. His power, though formidable, was far from its full strength.
Finally, he reached a clearing where the malevolent energy was strongest. At the center stood a dark obelisk, its surface etched with runes that pulsed with an ominous red light.
"This must be it," Kael muttered, his eyes narrowing.
As he approached the obelisk, a figure emerged from the shadows—a tall, hooded figure clad in black armor.
"So, you've come," the figure said, its voice cold and echoing. "I've been expecting you."
Kael tightened his grip on his staff. "Who are you?"
The figure chuckled, a low, menacing sound. "You may call me Malakar. And you… you must be the one who's been interfering with my plans."
Kael's eyes narrowed. "Your plans end here."
Malakar raised a hand, and the ground trembled as more shadow beasts emerged from the darkness. "We'll see about that."
Kael braced himself, his golden eyes blazing with determination. The battle was far from over, but he would not falter.
End of Chapter 4