The shadow launched its attack with terrifying speed, its energy slamming into Yuto like a battering ram. He staggered, his body unprepared for the overwhelming force. The golden aura that usually surrounded him flickered and dimmed, as if responding to the doubt creeping into his mind.
"You're weak," the shadow hissed, circling him like a predator. "Relying on brute strength, never understanding the power within you. You think you can protect anyone with that?"
Yuto gritted his teeth, planting his feet firmly on the ground of the void. "I've fought for everything I've achieved. I've protected my friends, my sect—everything I care about!"
The shadow smirked. "And yet, here you stand, unable to face yourself."
Before Yuto could react, the shadow struck again, its tainted energy cutting through the void like a blade. Yuto raised his arms to block, but the impact sent him flying backward, his golden ki failing to shield him completely.
He landed hard, the void beneath him rippling like water. Pain lanced through his body, but he refused to give in. Slowly, he pushed himself to his feet, his eyes blazing with determination.
"This is my mind," Yuto growled. "My soul. I won't let you control me."
The shadow's laughter echoed through the void. "Then prove it, Saiyan. Show me the strength you claim to possess."
Yuto closed his eyes, centering himself. He couldn't fight this battle the way he had fought before. This wasn't a physical opponent—this was a manifestation of his inner fears, doubts, and insecurities. If he wanted to overcome it, he needed to confront the truth about himself.
As the shadow charged again, Yuto didn't move to block or counter. Instead, he stood his ground, his aura growing brighter as he focused inward.
The shadow's attack connected, but instead of sending Yuto flying, it passed through him like mist. The shadow staggered, its form flickering as it turned to face him.
"What are you doing?" it snarled.
Yuto opened his eyes, his golden ki shining brighter than ever. "You're not my enemy. You're a part of me—a part I've ignored for too long. If I'm going to grow stronger, I need to accept you, not fight you."
The shadow recoiled, its form wavering. "You think you can tame me? I am your rage, your fear, your doubt. I am everything you've tried to bury."
"And that's why I need you," Yuto said, stepping forward. "I can't reach my full potential if I reject who I am. I need to face my flaws, not hide from them."
The shadow let out a roar, its energy surging. "You think it's that simple?!"
Yuto didn't flinch. He walked straight into the shadow's energy, his aura cutting through the darkness like a blade. The shadow's attacks grew weaker with each step he took, its form losing cohesion.
Finally, Yuto reached out, placing a hand on the shadow's chest. "You're not my enemy," he said softly. "You're my strength."
The shadow let out one last cry before dissolving into a burst of light. The void around Yuto shifted, and the flickering lights of his memories grew brighter, merging into a warm, golden glow.
When he opened his eyes, he was back in the meditation chamber. Elder Yu stood before him, her expression calm but approving.
"You've taken your first step," she said.
Yuto nodded, his body trembling with exhaustion but his spirit feeling lighter than ever. "I faced the shadow within me. It wasn't easy, but I think I understand now. To master the Dao of Unity, I need to embrace every part of myself—both the light and the dark."
Elder Yu smiled faintly. "You have done well, Yuto. But this is only the beginning. The path ahead will be even more challenging."
Yuto clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. "I'll be ready. I won't let Kael destroy this world."
---
Far from the Rising Sun Sect, a storm brewed over a desolate wasteland. Black clouds swirled ominously, casting the landscape in perpetual twilight. At the center of this chaos stood Kael, his dark energy radiating in waves that distorted the air around him.
He watched as his army assembled before him—thousands of shadow beasts, corrupted cultivators, and twisted creatures born of his malevolent will. Each one knelt before him, their loyalty secured through fear and power.
Kael raised a hand, and the storm above him roared in response. Lightning crackled, illuminating his imposing figure. His crimson eyes glowed with an unholy light, and a cruel smile played on his lips.
"The time is near," he said, his voice carrying over the howling wind. "The balance of this world is fragile, and I will be the one to shatter it. With its power broken, this realm will kneel before me."
A figure stepped forward from the ranks of his army—a woman clad in dark robes, her face partially hidden by a hood. Her eyes glowed faintly with the same dark energy that surrounded Kael.
"My lord," she said, her voice reverent yet cautious. "The Rising Sun Sect has proven resilient. They defeated the Black Serpents and have begun preparing for your arrival."
Kael's smile widened. "Good. Let them prepare. The stronger they think they are, the more satisfying it will be to watch them fall."
The woman hesitated. "And the Saiyan? He grows stronger by the day. The prophecy—"
Kael silenced her with a wave of his hand. "The prophecy is nothing but words written by fools who sought to control fate. I will not be bound by their predictions. Let the Saiyan grow. Let him believe he can stop me. It will make his defeat all the sweeter."
He turned back to the storm, his dark energy surging. "Prepare the army. The Rising Sun Sect will be the first to fall, and the Saiyan will learn what happens to those who defy me."
The woman bowed deeply. "As you command, my lord."
As she retreated into the shadows, Kael raised both hands, channeling his energy into the storm above. The black clouds churned violently, and a massive rift began to form in the sky.
"This world will be mine," Kael growled, his voice echoing across the wasteland. "And no one—not the Saiyan, not the sects, not even the heavens—will stand in my way."