Chapter 11: Shadows of the Past
The silence after the battle was deafening. Leon and Kaelina made their way through the broken streets, the destruction they left behind serving as a reminder of what had just transpired. Yet, Leon couldn't shake the feeling of unease that clung to him like a second skin.
Kaelina glanced at him, her sharp eyes scanning his expression. "You're quiet."
"I'm just... processing," Leon muttered, his hands still faintly trembling. "That wasn't just a fight. It felt like... something bigger."
Kaelina nodded. "That's because it was. Every encounter from now on will test not just your strength but your resolve. The System chose you for a reason, Leon. You're different."
Leon scoffed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Different? I don't even know what I'm supposed to do with this... ability. I barely made it through that fight."
Kaelina stopped, turning to face him. "You think this is about winning fights? This is about survival, about becoming something greater than what you are now. The System doesn't just mark anyone. It saw something in you—potential, strength, something extraordinary."
Leon stared at her, the weight of her words sinking in. He wanted to believe her, but doubt gnawed at him. "What if it's wrong? What if I'm not enough?"
Kaelina's expression softened, a rare glimpse of vulnerability breaking through her usual stoicism. "Then we'll make sure you are."
Before Leon could respond, a shadow flickered at the edge of his vision. His instincts kicked in, and he turned sharply, scanning the area.
"What is it?" Kaelina asked, drawing her blade.
"I thought I saw something," Leon whispered, his voice tense.
The air grew colder, and a faint whisper echoed around them, indistinct yet unnerving.
Kaelina's grip tightened on her weapon. "We're not alone."
From the shadows, figures began to emerge. Their forms were distorted, almost ethereal, as though they were made of smoke and malice. They moved with an unnatural grace, their eyes glowing a sickly yellow.
"Wraiths," Kaelina hissed, stepping in front of Leon. "They're drawn to marked individuals. The System's signal acts like a beacon for them."
"Fantastic," Leon muttered, his heart racing.
The wraiths circled them, their movements eerily silent. One lunged forward, its claw-like hand reaching for Leon. He reacted instinctively, summoning a burst of flame that forced the creature to retreat with an ear-piercing screech.
"They're not invincible," Kaelina said, slashing at another wraith. Her blade shimmered with a faint blue light as it cut through the shadowy form, dispersing it. "But they're relentless. Stay sharp."
Leon nodded, focusing on the fire within him. This time, he didn't let it consume him. Instead, he shaped it, controlling the flames like an extension of himself.
The wraiths attacked in unison, their movements coordinated and precise. Leon and Kaelina fought side by side, their abilities complementing each other. For every wraith Kaelina's blade couldn't reach, Leon's fire filled the gap.
As the battle wore on, Leon felt a strange clarity settle over him. The fear that had gripped him earlier was gone, replaced by a calm determination. He wasn't just reacting—he was fighting with purpose.
Finally, the last wraith dissolved into nothingness, leaving the air still once more.
Kaelina lowered her blade, breathing heavily. "Not bad, Leon. You're starting to get the hang of this."
Leon managed a weak smile. "Thanks. I think."
Kaelina's gaze hardened. "But don't let your guard down. Wraiths are just the beginning. There are far worse things out there, and they'll all come for you."
Leon swallowed hard, the weight of her words settling on his shoulders. "Then I guess I'll just have to be ready."
Kaelina nodded, a faint glimmer of approval in her eyes. "Good. Because this is only the beginning."