The village was quiet as Shadow practiced near the riverbank, the Shadow Flame dancing along his fingertips. Each movement was precise, each flicker of dark fire under his control. He felt stronger already—but he knew strength alone wasn't enough.
A sharp whistle cut through the air. Shadow looked up. Standing at the edge of the clearing was a tall boy, older than him, with an aura that radiated danger. His eyes were sharp, calculating.
"You're the one they're calling Shadow?" the boy said, voice low but carrying authority. "The kid who can wield the Shadow Flame?"
Shadow frowned. "And you are?"
"The name doesn't matter," the boy replied, stepping closer. "But you should know something—powers like yours always attract attention. Sometimes from the wrong people."
Shadow's hand instinctively clenched, the flame growing hotter. "Are you here to fight?"
The boy smirked. "Not yet. But I want to see just how strong you really are."
Before Shadow could react, the boy's figure blurred. He moved with incredible speed, his own energy shimmering faintly in the air. Shadow realized—this wasn't an ordinary villager.
Instinct took over. Shadow unleashed a wave of Shadow Flame, dark fire spiraling toward the boy. He dodged effortlessly, leaving a streak of light in his wake.
"Not bad," the boy said, landing gracefully. "But speed and skill alone won't save you. Power without control is useless."
Shadow's mind raced. Memories of past life battles flashed before his eyes—he had faced far stronger opponents and survived. But something about this boy's energy felt different. Threatening.
"You're hiding something," Shadow said, narrowing his eyes.
"And you're hiding yours," the boy shot back, smiling coldly. "I'll be seeing you again, Shadow. Don't disappoint me."
With that, he vanished into the trees, leaving only the echo of his words behind. Shadow's body hummed with energy, adrenaline and the Shadow Flame mixing into a dangerous harmony.
"He's strong… but I'm stronger," Shadow whispered, eyes glowing. "Next time, I won't hold back."
As the sun set behind the distant mountains, Shadow knew the first real test of his reborn life had arrived. Someone powerful was watching, someone who might one day stand between him and the path to ultimate strength.
And Shadow wasn't afraid.
The Shadow Flame wrapped around him like a cloak, warm and alive. It whispered promises of power, revenge, and dominance.
The journey was only beginning