Kaleb's arms trembled as he swung Denkoujin one last time, the blade's energy dispersing into a faint shimmer of lightning. The training glade was silent save for the hum of residual power lingering in the air. He collapsed onto the mossy ground, his chest heaving with exhaustion.
"Not bad," Master Kang said, leaning heavily on his dragon-headed cane. His sharp eyes scanned the glade, noting the destruction left behind by Kaleb's relentless practice. "But you're pushing yourself too hard."
Kaleb forced himself to sit up, his grip tightening on the katana's hilt. "I don't have time to take it easy, Master. Vorrick's moves are already in motion."
Kang nodded, his expression grave. "And your enemies won't wait for you to be ready. But rushing will only bring failure. Learn to channel patience as you do your power."
That night, Kaleb sat by the campfire, Denkoujin resting across his knees. The Raiden System shimmered softly in his mind, its hum steady and persistent.
[Objective Updated: Investigate Vorrick's Network.]
[New Threat Detected: Voidscale Operatives Mobilizing.]
Kaleb frowned, his fingers brushing against the newly embedded crystals in Denkoujin's hilt. Master Kang's reconfiguration had given the blade balance, but his doubts lingered. The dark crystals were powerful yet unstable. Could they truly withstand the force of his Raiden techniques?
The fire crackled, pulling him from his thoughts. He glanced toward Master Kang, who stood motionless, gazing at the sky. "What is it?" Kaleb asked.
Kang didn't turn. "Storm clouds are forming over the Tidecaller border. It seems your enemies are eager to strike."
Kaleb's grip on Denkoujin tightened. "Then so am I."
By dawn, Kaleb and Kang had descended from the glade, their path winding toward the Tidecaller territory. The air grew colder as they moved deeper into the forest, the dense canopy above blocking the rising sun. Kaleb's instincts sharpened as the Raiden System pulsed again.
[Energy Surge Detected. Source: Tier 3 Voidscale Encampment.]
The faint sound of distant voices and clinking metal reached Kaleb's ears. He motioned for Kang to halt, his eyes narrowing. "They're close."
Kang leaned against a tree, his gaze calm but focused. "Go. This is your fight."
Kaleb nodded and moved ahead, his steps light as he approached a clearing. The Voidscale operatives were gathered around a large teleporter platform, its surface glowing with sickly purple energy. Their armor gleamed faintly under the light, void energy swirling around them.
The Raiden System displayed their threat level: [Tier 3: Eclipse Warrior Operative.]
[Abilities: Void Strike, Devouring Wounds.]
Kaleb's chest tightened as he counted the figures—five in total, each one radiating power. "Too much for a head-on attack," he muttered.
The system shimmered, offering advice: [Recommendation: Divide and Conquer. Isolate Targets.]
Kaleb smirked faintly. "That, I can do."
With a flick of his wrist, Kaleb activated Infernal Step, flames sparking at his feet as he darted toward the nearest operative. Denkoujin hissed with energy as he struck, the blade carving through the void-enhanced armor.
The operative staggered, its form flickering as shadowy tendrils coiled around its wounds. Kaleb didn't give it a chance to recover, following up with a Tempest Strike. Lightning and fire exploded outward, reducing the figure to ash.
The remaining operatives turned, their crimson eyes locking onto Kaleb. One raised a hand, summoning a void construct shaped like a jagged spear. It hurled the weapon with deadly precision, forcing Kaleb to dodge and activate Storm Shield.
The barrier crackled as the spear shattered against it, the impact sending ripples of energy across the clearing. Kaleb gritted his teeth, the strain of maintaining the shield evident in his expression.
"One down," he muttered, glancing at the fallen construct. "four to go."
Meanwhile, Vorrick Fulgur stood in a shadowed chamber, his gaze fixed on the glowing map before him. A courier knelt nearby, delivering an update on the Tidecaller border.
"Kaleb has moved to intercept our operatives," the courier said, his voice trembling. "The Eclipse Warriors are holding their ground, but—"
Vorrick silenced him with a raised hand, his expression unreadable. "And Selena?"
"She prepares the second phase, my lord. The Tidecallers won't hold for long."
A cruel smile twisted Vorrick's lips. "Good. Let the boy exhaust himself chasing shadows. When the real blow falls, he'll have nothing left."
The courier bowed low, retreating quickly as Vorrick's aura darkened, the void energy around him pulsing like a living storm.
Back in the clearing, Kaleb faced off against the remaining operatives, his movements a blur as he dodged their coordinated strikes. Denkoujin flared with lightning, each swing cutting through the shadows that sought to overwhelm him.
One operative lunged, its blade glowing with void energy. Kaleb parried, sparks flying as their weapons clashed. With a twist of his wrist, he disarmed the figure and delivered a final, decisive slash.
The last three operatives hesitated, their crimson eyes flickering with uncertainty. Kaleb took the opportunity to activate Surge Step, closing the distance in an instant. His blade moved like lightning, striking with precision and overwhelming force.
As the final operative fell, the teleporter platform hummed ominously, its energy building to a crescendo. Kaleb's heart raced as the Raiden System issued a warning: [Voidscale Teleporter Activation Imminent.]
[Objective: Disable Teleporter.]
Without hesitation, Kaleb raised Denkoujin high, channeling his energy into the blade. Lightning crackled along its edge as he brought it down in a powerful arc, striking the platform.
The teleporter exploded in a burst of light and shadow, the force sending Kaleb flying backward. He hit the ground hard, pain shooting through his body. Groaning, he pushed himself up, his vision swimming.
The clearing was silent, save for the faint hum of dissipating energy. Kaleb staggered to his feet, Denkoujin glowing faintly in his hand.
The Raiden System displayed a final prompt: [Mission Complete. Additional Dark Crystals Acquired.]
[Warning: Vorrick's Forces Remain Active.]
Kaleb sheathed his blade, his resolve unshaken. Vorrick's plans were advancing, but so was he. The storm within him burned brighter than ever, and he was ready to face whatever came next.