Chapter 8: The Edge of Power
The day after his brutal training session with Hae Rin, Tae-Hyun woke up feeling the weight of his body for the first time. Every muscle ached, his arms and legs stiff from the unrelenting combat. He lay in bed for a moment, staring at the ceiling, letting the cool morning air calm his mind.
Is this what it feels like to be on the edge of power?
The memories of yesterday's battle flashed in his mind—the intensity, the rush, and the overwhelming force of his abilities. It had been a test, sure, but it had also been a glimpse into the potential he was just starting to tap into. The Forbidden Shard was more than just a curse. It was an anchor, a key to unlocking the depths of his power.
But there was something else… something darker, deeper, and harder to control. Tae-Hyun could feel it gnawing at the edges of his consciousness.
After a quick shower and a hurried breakfast, he dressed in the standard Klade Academy uniform—a black combat suit with silver accents, tight enough to allow freedom of movement but tough enough to withstand combat. As he stepped outside, the bright sun seemed to clash with the storm brewing in his mind.
His training sessions were rigorous, but they were only the beginning. Klade Academy was a place where the best of the best were made. It was a place where Shardbreakers pushed their limits, constantly striving for more. And Tae-Hyun was at the top of that hierarchy—at least for now.
"You're late."
The voice came from behind him, cutting through his thoughts like a blade. Tae-Hyun turned to find Hae Rin standing with her arms crossed, watching him with an unreadable expression.
"What's the matter? Lost your edge after yesterday?" she asked, her tone mocking but with a hidden edge of concern.
Tae-Hyun wasn't sure how to answer. Yesterday had been overwhelming—he'd faced off against creatures that could tear apart entire buildings, yet it was his own power that had taken the most out of him.
"No. I'm good," he said, trying to mask his inner conflict. "Just thinking."
"Well, stop thinking and start moving." Hae Rin gestured to the horizon where a large training field lay, its high-tech combat zones visible in the distance. "We have work to do."
---
The Labyrinth of Trials
The training field wasn't just any ordinary arena. It was a massive, dynamic space designed to simulate the unpredictable nature of Shard battles. The terrain could shift in real time—one moment, it was a barren desert; the next, it was a cityscape or a jungle, all depending on the scenario.
Hae Rin led Tae-Hyun to the center of the field, where a massive holographic screen flashed.
"The Labyrinth of Trials," Hae Rin said with a grim smile. "This is where we separate the men from the boys. Get in. The goal is simple: survive. There are no rules. And don't expect any help. This is about real survival, not a controlled duel."
Tae-Hyun nodded, feeling the weight of the challenge settle over him. He didn't have much time to think.
With a sharp intake of breath, he stepped into the holographic gate and entered the Labyrinth.
---
The world around him shifted instantly. The open sky turned to an oppressive ceiling of broken glass, crumbling ruins rising beneath his feet. A cold, dark atmosphere permeated the environment, the air heavy with the scent of decay and the faint hum of Aether in the atmosphere.
Tae-Hyun's senses sharpened, his mind racing as he took in the surroundings. Every step felt like it could be his last, the tension in the air palpable.
Suddenly, a low growl echoed from the shadows.
Tae-Hyun whirled around, his pulse quickening. Emerging from the darkness was a massive Shardbeast—a creature with the body of a lion but the head of a serpent. Its scales shimmered with raw Aether, its glowing eyes fixed on him like a predator locking onto its prey.
No time to think.
Tae-Hyun's instincts kicked in. His hand shot out, and golden chains erupted from his palm, wrapping around the Shardbeast's neck. He pulled with all his strength, slamming the creature into the ground. But the Shardbeast was fast, its serpentine head whipping around and snapping at the chains with a force that made Tae-Hyun's bones rattle.
He felt the pressure in his chest, the weight of his power growing.
The chains snapped.
His heart skipped a beat.
Tae-Hyun's eyes flickered as the Shatterstep flared to life within him. In an instant, he blinked out of existence, only to reappear behind the creature. The Shardbeast roared in frustration, turning just in time to see the Aether Blade materialize in his hand.
With a single slash, Tae-Hyun cleaved through the beast's back. The Aether Blade burned with unstable energy as the Shardbeast let out one final screech before disintegrating into a shower of shards.
Tae-Hyun stood amidst the wreckage, breathing heavily. His body felt like it was on fire, the raw energy coursing through him like a storm. He hadn't realized how much power he'd exerted.
But the danger wasn't over.
From the shadows, more creatures began to emerge—hunting him.
---
The Trial Continues
Tae-Hyun gritted his teeth, his hands trembling from the energy overload. But he couldn't stop now. Not with the Labyrinth's challenge still unfolding.
He rushed forward, his movements a blur as he dodged the incoming creatures. Every step felt like a fight for survival. His Distortion ability flickered to life again, warping the space around him to slow the monsters down, but the strain on his body was starting to show.
For every Shardborn he destroyed, two more took its place.
This wasn't just a test of strength. This was a test of his ability to endure, to keep fighting when every instinct screamed for him to rest.
And then, as if on cue, a larger, more ominous presence filled the space. The shadows seemed to distort, swirling with dark Aether. A single figure appeared before him—an Aether Wraith, a being of pure Aether energy, its form flickering in and out of reality.
Tae-Hyun knew this would be different. He wasn't just fighting a creature. He was fighting a manifestation of pure power, a being that could warp reality itself.
With a roar, the Aether Wraith lunged at him, its tendrils of energy reaching out like serpents seeking to crush him. Tae-Hyun didn't hesitate. He reached deep within himself, feeling the raw pulse of power from the Forbidden Shard.
He bent space around him with Distortion, elongating time and space just enough to dodge the Wraith's strike. His vision blurred as he blinked across the battlefield, positioning himself directly behind the Wraith. With all his remaining strength, he summoned a Veilslash, the blade cutting through the very fabric of reality.
The Aether Wraith howled in agony, its body cracking and crumbling under the force of Tae-Hyun's blow. But the creature wasn't done. Its final strike sent a shockwave of pure Aether at Tae-Hyun, sending him flying backward.
He slammed into the ground, gasping for breath, the world spinning. His body was reaching its limit, and he knew it.
But as he lay there, his chest heaving, a voice echoed in his mind.
"You are far stronger than you think, Tae-Hyun. You are the next step in evolution. Don't falter now."
The voice was cold, yet filled with authority.
Tae-Hyun closed his eyes for a moment. His strength was fleeting, but there was something else that stirred within him—a new kind of resolve. The darkness, the power—it was his to command.
And he was ready to face whatever came next.