Kaoru and Rei stepped forth from cavern into desolate expanse of Veil. Sky overhead was swirling mass of dark clouds. It cast a faint blue-gray light over barren terrain. Rocks jutted out from ground. Indistinguishable from bones of dead giant a cold wind carried whispers. Whispers that seemed to echo from nowhere.
"Where are we now?" Kaoru asked. His voice barely above whisper. "Outer Veil" Rei's voice held seriousness. "It's the borderland between real world and deeper layers of Veil. Hollowed and Wraithspawn roam freely. But it's also where we'll find answers."
Kaoru shivered. He wasn't sure if it was cold or foreboding atmosphere. His hands tingled. The feeling was a remnant of energy he'd channeled in battle. The memory of Wraithspawn's final roar lingered in his mind. It was a grim reminder of what lay ahead.
Rei glanced at him. Her expression softened slightly. "You did well back there," she said. "Most people wouldn't have survived encounter with Wraithspawn. Much less defeated it."
Kaoru gave weak laugh. "Yeah, well, I wouldn't have made it without you showing up."
Rei smirked. "You're learning fast though. The energy you used? It's called Soulclad Resonance. It's key to fighting here. You'll need to master it if you want to survive."
Kaoru nodded. He still felt like he was in over his head. "So what exactly is Soulclad Resonance? How is it operational?"
Rei ceased her walking and turned. She faced him. She delivered her response "Soulclad Resonance is the embodiment of your will. Also it's the manifestation of your connection to Veil. Fighting is not ultimate purpose here. It's about a comprehension of self definition. It's also about realization of purpose. The stronger your determination the more potent your Resonance."
Kaoru knit his brows in doubt. He was processing her information. "So, my determination essentially fuels my power?"
"Indeed." Rei answered. "However, simplicity doesn't define it. A mere desire to win is inadequate. The Veil is very reactive. It reacts to your emotions, memories and even fears. If focus is lost you can get consumed. Or if you embrace doubt it can consume you as well.
"You need to train your body and your mind. It's essential."
Kaoru's eyes roamed to the horizon. Faint shapes were in motion at a distance. "And what's the Wraith? What's its true nature?"
Rei's countenance grew somber. "The Wraith is the root of all Hollowed. It's an old being. This entity thrives on despair, on chaos. The origin of the Wraith is unknown. What is known is what it seeks. Its objective is lucid. The goal is to break through Veil's barrier. If this happens everything known will meet its end."
A heavy silence fell between them. Kaoru's fists hardened. Inside him fear and determination had a perfect blend. "We must prevent this," he said firmly.
Rei gave a nod. "Precisely. But it isn't just about sheer strength. Engaging with the Wraith is a long-term conflict. We need alliances. We must uncover its vulnerabilities. Wait for the perfect time to strike."
They walked on. The landscape became increasingly hazardous. Each step posed a potential threat. The whispers in the wind became more audible. Kaoru felt an odd pressure in the air.
"Something approaches," Rei spoke suddenly. Her voice carried tension. She drew her Soulclad blade. Ethereal weapon shone in dim light. "Stay near."
His grip on rebar tightened. He couldn't shake feeling. It seemed as if it was woefully inadequate. Rei's weapon was on a different level.
Ground did shake beneath their feet. Shadowy figure then emerged from mist ahead. This figure was taller than Wraithspawn. The team had fought Wraithspawn earlier. Its form shifted and rippled. It was like liquid darkness. Red eyes glowed from within its twisted face. Claws dripped with a substance. This substance sizzled as it hit the ground.
"Another Hollowed." Rei muttered. "But this one's stronger."
The creature let out a guttural roar. Kaoru felt the sound reverberate through his chest. He took a step back. Fear threatened to paralyze him.
"Kaoru!" Rei barked. She snapped him out of his daze. "Focus! Remember what I told you. Your willpower is your strength. If you hesitate you're as good as dead."
Kaoru swallowed hard, nodding. He steadied his breathing. He tried to push the fear aside. The energy within him stirred. It responded to his resolve.
The Hollowed charged. Its claws cut through the air with deadly precision. Rei moved to intercept it. Her blade met its attack with burst of light. The clash sent shockwaves rippling through the air. Kaoru stumbled. He barely managed to stay on his feet.
"Kaoru, now!" Rei shouted. "Use your Resonance!"
Kaoru gritted his teeth. He channeled the energy into rebar. The weapon glowed faintly at first. But as he focused the light grew brighter. He rushed forward. Swung the rebar with all his strength. The Hollowed snarled as weapon connected. The energy seared through its shadowy form.
It retaliated with a swipe of its claws. Kaoru ducked narrowly avoiding the attack. Rei seized the opportunity. Drove her blade into creature's chest. The Hollowed let out a final, agonized scream. Before dissolving into cloud of dark mist.
Kaoru collapsed to his knees his chest heaving. "That… was intense," he said between breaths.
Rei sheathed her blade. She offered him a hand. "You're improving, but you've still got a long way to go."
Kaoru took her hand. Pulled himself to his feet. "Yeah, I figured as much."
While they journeyed Kaoru couldn't shake feeling. He knew battles ahead would grow more difficult. For the first time, he felt a glimmer of hope. He wasn't alone in this fight. Together, they might have a chance.
To be continued...