The transition was abrupt, as always. One moment, Kael stood before the Eternal Gate, the air thick with the metallic tang of its energy. The next, he was in the middle of a crowded village street, the humid air clinging to his skin like a second layer. The noise was overwhelming—vendors shouting, carts rattling, children laughing. Kael hated it immediately.
He didn't care where the gate had sent him. He didn't care about the village, the people, or their problems. All he cared about was his next opponent. The sooner he found them, the sooner he could move on. One step closer to her.
Kael reached into his pocket and pulled out the compass the gate had given him. It was a simple brass device, its surface etched with the same runes that adorned the gate. The needle spun wildly for a moment before settling, pointing toward the edge of the village where the dense forest loomed.
"Of course," Kael muttered, shoving the compass back into his pocket. His opponent was in the forest. Naturally.
He pushed through the crowded streets, ignoring the curious glances and muttered whispers of the villagers. He didn't have time for them. He didn't have time for anything but the fight ahead.
As he neared the edge of the village, a small hand tugged at his sleeve. Kael looked down to see a child, no older than six, staring up at him with wide, fearful eyes.
"Mister," the child said, his voice trembling. "Are you going to the forest?"
Kael frowned. "What's it to you?"
"My sister… she was taken. The elders say a demon lives there. Please, if you're going, can you bring her back?"
Kael stared at the child for a moment, then shook his head. "I'm not here to play hero. Stay out of the forest if you know what's good for you."
The child's face fell, but Kael didn't wait for a response. He turned and walked away, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. He didn't have time for this. He didn't have time for anyone.
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The forest was dark, the canopy above blocking out most of the sunlight. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, and the only sound was the crunch of Kael's boots on the forest floor. He followed the compass, its needle unwavering as it led him deeper into the woods.
After what felt like hours, he emerged into a clearing. At its center stood an ancient temple, its stone walls cracked and overgrown with vines. The compass needle pointed directly at it.
Kael's grip tightened on his sword. This was it. His next opponent was inside.
He stepped into the temple, his eyes scanning the dim interior. The air was heavy, oppressive, and the faint sound of whispering filled the space. Kael ignored it. He didn't care about the atmosphere. He just wanted to find his opponent and get this over with.
"Show yourself," he called, his voice echoing off the walls.
Turning around in circles, his teeth aching.
For a moment, there was nothing. Then, the shadows at the far end of the room began to shift, twisting and coalescing into a monstrous form. The demon emerged, its body a grotesque blend of human and beast, its eyes glowing like embers.
Kael's lips curled into a grim smile. Finally.
The demon tilted its head, studying him with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. "Another challenger," it rasped, its voice like nails on stone. "Do you truly believe you can defeat me?"
Kael didn't respond. He didn't need to. He charged, his sword flashing in the dim light. The demon met him head-on, its claws slashing through the air with terrifying speed. Kael ducked and weaved, his movements precise, his focus unwavering. Standing back at his feet, turned and charged at the demon. The demon blocked his attacks, with a slash of energy blast, Keal flew away.
The battle was fierce, the demon's strength and speed pushing Kael to his limits. But he had faced worse. He had faced the Eternal Gate. And he would not falter.
The demon lunged, its claws aimed at Kael's throat. Kael sidestepped, bringing his sword down in a sweeping arc. The blade bit into the demon's arm, drawing a spray of black ichor. The creature roared in pain, its claws raking across Kael's side. He gritted his teeth against the pain, pressing the attack.
The fight dragged on, each blow more brutal than the last. Kael's body ached, his muscles screaming in protest, but he didn't stop. He couldn't. Not when the demon's claws came so close to ending him. Not when the stakes were so high.
Finally, with a roar, Kael drove his sword into the demon's chest, the blade piercing its blackened heart. The creature let out a final, ear-splitting scream before collapsing into a pool of shadow, its form dissolving into nothingness.
Kael stood there for a moment, his chest heaving, his sword dripping with dark ichor. Then, he heard it—the sound of children's voices, faint but growing louder. He followed the sound to a hidden chamber beneath the altar, where the missing children huddled together, their eyes wide with fear.
Among them was the child from the village, his sister clinging to him tightly. Kael stared at them for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he turned and walked away.
"Wait!" the child called after him. "Thank you!"
Kael didn't respond. He didn't need to. He had his own battles to fight. His own path to follow.
As he left the temple, the runes on the Eternal Gate flared once more, signaling the completion of his trial. But Kael didn't notice. His mind was already on the next battle, the next challenge.
And the next step toward her.
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