Chapter 20: The Path of No Return
Xia Yu's footsteps echoed in the silence of the forest. Each step forward felt heavier, as if the shadows themselves were pulling her back. Despite the overwhelming darkness pressing in on her, she refused to stop. Her hand remained firmly on the hilt of her sword, her senses sharp. The whispers of the mysterious figure still lingered in her mind, gnawing at her resolve.
"Host, are you sure about this?" Epoch asked, his voice tinged with unease.
"I don't have much of a choice, do I?" Xia Yu muttered, her eyes scanning her surroundings. "The path forward might be dangerous, but turning back is worse. That thing—it wasn't bluffing. The shadows are growing stronger, and they're hunting me."
Epoch was silent for a moment before responding. "You're right, but this isn't just about survival anymore. That figure wasn't just any shadow. It's a higher-tier entity, likely one of the Shadow Sovereigns. If it's taking an interest in you, it means things are escalating."
Xia Yu paused, her fingers tightening on her sword. "Shadow Sovereign?"
"They're the rulers of the shadow realms," Epoch explained. "Unlike the fragments you've faced so far, they possess full consciousness, immense power, and an insidious intelligence. If one of them is targeting you, it means you're a threat to their plans."
Xia Yu clenched her jaw, a mix of fear and determination coursing through her. "Good. Let them see me as a threat. It means I'm doing something right."
Epoch chuckled softly, though there was an edge of concern in his voice. "Brave words, Host. Just don't let them get you killed."
As they moved deeper into the forest, the air grew colder, and the trees seemed to twist unnaturally. Xia Yu's breath misted in front of her, and the faint sound of footsteps echoed behind her. She stopped abruptly, her heart pounding.
"You're being followed," Epoch warned.
"I know," Xia Yu whispered, her grip on her sword tightening. She spun around, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the darkness. "Who's there? Show yourself!"
For a moment, there was nothing but silence. Then, from the shadows, a figure emerged—a young boy, no older than ten, with pale skin and wide, frightened eyes. He wore tattered clothes, and his bare feet were dirty and bruised.
"Please," the boy said, his voice trembling. "Help me."
Xia Yu's guard didn't lower. Her instincts screamed at her that something was wrong. The boy's presence didn't feel natural—it felt like a trap.
"Epoch?" she asked, her voice low.
"I sense it too," Epoch replied. "That's not a normal child. Be careful."
Xia Yu stepped back, her sword still drawn. "Who are you?" she demanded. "And what are you doing out here alone?"
The boy's eyes filled with tears, and he took a hesitant step forward. "I got lost… I don't know where my family is. Please, don't leave me here."
Xia Yu hesitated. Her rational mind told her to stay on guard, but the boy's trembling form tugged at her heart. She couldn't just leave him, not if there was a chance he was telling the truth.
"Host, don't let your emotions cloud your judgment," Epoch warned. "This could be a trap."
"I know," Xia Yu muttered, her eyes never leaving the boy. "But if it's not…"
She lowered her sword slightly, taking a cautious step toward the boy. "Stay where you are," she said. "I'll help you, but I need you to tell me the truth. Are you alone?"
The boy nodded quickly, his tears falling freely now. "I swear! Please, I'm scared!"
Xia Yu's resolve wavered, but before she could take another step, the boy's expression changed. His trembling stopped, and a sinister smile spread across his face.
"You really are soft, aren't you?" he said, his voice dripping with malice.
Xia Yu's eyes widened, and she leapt back just as the boy's form dissolved into shadows. The darkness surged toward her, taking the shape of clawed hands that reached for her throat.
"Host, move!" Epoch shouted.
Xia Yu reacted instinctively, her sword slicing through the air. The blade met the shadowy hands, dispersing them with a burst of light. The shadow boy reformed a few feet away, his smile now a twisted grin.
"You're quick," he said, his voice distorted and echoing. "But you're still weak."
Xia Yu steadied her breathing, her eyes narrowing. "Weak, huh? Let's see how weak you think I am after I'm done with you."
The shadow boy lunged at her, his form shifting and twisting as he moved. Xia Yu met him head-on, her sword cutting through his attacks with precision. But no matter how many times she struck, the shadows reformed, more aggressive each time.
"Epoch, any ideas?" Xia Yu asked, her voice strained as she dodged another attack.
"The core," Epoch said. "Every shadow entity has a core. Destroy it, and the rest will fall apart. Look for the source of his energy—it should be visible when he attacks."
Xia Yu nodded, her eyes scanning the shadow boy as he lunged at her again. This time, she focused on his movements, looking for any sign of weakness. And then she saw it—a faint, glowing orb in the center of his chest, pulsing with dark energy.
"There," she muttered.
She waited for the boy's next attack, her muscles coiled like a spring. As he lunged, she sidestepped his claws and drove her sword forward, aiming for the glowing core. Her blade pierced through it, and the shadow boy let out a shriek that echoed through the forest.
The shadows around him dissipated, leaving nothing but silence in their wake. Xia Yu stood there, her chest heaving as she lowered her sword.
"Well done, Host," Epoch said. "That was impressive."
Xia Yu didn't respond immediately. She looked down at the spot where the shadow boy had stood, her mind racing. If the shadows were capable of such deception, how many more traps awaited her?
"Epoch," she said quietly, "I can't keep doing this alone. If they're getting smarter, stronger… I need more than just a sword and my instincts."
Epoch's voice was thoughtful. "You're right. We'll need to find allies, resources, and perhaps… answers. The mark isn't just a curse, Host. It's a tool. If we can learn to control it, to harness its power, you might stand a chance."
Xia Yu nodded, determination hardening her features. "Then we find those answers. Whatever it takes."
She turned and continued down the path, her grip on her sword firm. The forest stretched out before her, its shadows darker than ever, but she didn't falter.
The path ahead might be dangerous, but Xia Yu was ready to face it. Whatever awaited her, she would overcome it—one battle at a time.
End of Chapter 20