The dark Ochieng moved first. His speed was unnatural, his movements sharp and precise. His blade sliced through the air, aiming for Ochieng's throat.
Clang!
Ochieng barely raised his weapon in time to block. The impact sent vibrations through his arms, forcing him back.
The dark figure smirked. "Too slow."
Before Ochieng could react, a knee smashed into his ribs. Pain exploded in his side. He stumbled but didn't fall. He gritted his teeth, adjusting his stance.
The whispers around them grew louder, as if the darkness itself was watching, waiting.
Ochieng exhaled. This wasn't just an enemy—it was himself. His doubts, his fears, his weaknesses.
Defeating this opponent meant overcoming everything that held him back.
---
Ochieng surged forward. He swung his blade, aiming for the dark figure's shoulder.
But the figure vanished.
"Behind you."
Too late.
A foot slammed into Ochieng's back. He tumbled forward, rolling across the ground.
The whispers turned into laughter.
Rage boiled inside him.
He forced himself up, his vision blurring. His body screamed in pain, but he refused to stay down.
"Pathetic," the dark figure sneered. "Is this all you have?"
Ochieng tightened his grip on the sword.
Then—he smiled.
"No."
A powerful aura surged from within him.
His muscles tensed, his senses sharpened.
For the first time, he saw the darkness clearly.
It wasn't endless.
It wasn't infinite.
It was just a cage—one he was about to break.
---
Ochieng dashed forward.
The dark figure attacked, blade flashing.
But this time—Ochieng was faster.
He dodged, twisting his body at the last second.
Then he struck.
His sword cut through the darkness.
A deep gash appeared across his opponent's chest. The dark figure gasped, stumbling back.
Ochieng didn't stop.
He struck again—and again.
Each slash tore through the illusions, the whispers, the lies.
Finally, the dark figure dropped his sword. He fell to his knees, breathing heavily.
Ochieng towered over him, blade pointed at his heart.
"I'm not afraid anymore," he said.
The dark Ochieng smirked. "Then you're ready."
The figure dissolved into the shadows.
And suddenly—
The void shattered.
---
Ochieng gasped as he woke up.
He was back in the Grandmaster's courtyard, his body drenched in sweat.
The bronze gate behind him was now open.
The Grandmaster watched him, nodding in approval.
"You passed," he said.
Ochieng exhaled. He felt different. Stronger.
But this was only the beginning.
The real trials were still ahead.
--