The morning sun pierced through the thin clouds, casting a golden glow over the small village. Shadow sat cross-legged near the riverbank, staring at his own hands. The dark flame coiled around his palm, flickering like a living creature.
"Is this… really mine?" he whispered.
He clenched his fist. The flame reacted instantly, writhing and expanding. Heat radiated from his palm, but it didn't burn. Instead, it felt like it was alive—responding to his emotions.
A sudden shout broke his concentration. Two boys from the village were teasing a smaller kid near the marketplace. Shadow's heart tightened. Memories of his past life surged—the helplessness, the rage, the betrayal.
Without thinking, he sprinted forward. The Shadow Flame flared around him, leaving dark trails in the air.
The bullies turned, laughing at first, but their laughter died in an instant. Shadow's eyes glowed, and the air around him seemed to distort. He raised his hand, letting the flame spiral toward them. The boys froze, unable to move as a harmless—but terrifying—wave of dark fire circled around them.
"You… you can control that?" one of them stammered.
Shadow smirked. "Control it? I'm just getting started."
The boys fled, leaving the small child behind. Shadow bent down and helped him to his feet. "Are you okay?" he asked.
The boy nodded, eyes wide with awe. "I… I've never seen anything like that."
Shadow's lips curled into a faint smile. "Good. Remember this feeling. Power is nothing if you don't protect what matters."
He sat back by the river, watching the flame flicker. The sensation was intoxicating, but also familiar—like it had always been a part of him. Shadow recalled fragments of his past life: battles, betrayals, and the flame that had once burned brighter than the sun.
He closed his eyes. Focus. Control. Strength.
The Shadow Flame swirled around his heart, glowing brighter than before. This wasn't just power—it was freedom, revenge, and a promise.
"I will rise," he whispered, his voice echoing softly. "And this time… nothing will stop me."
A soft wind stirred the trees around him. Somewhere, in the distance, a shadow moved—watching. Shadow didn't notice yet, but his life was about to get far more complicated. The world beyond the village was calling.
And the Shadow Flame would light his way.