Kael led him deep into the forest, far beyond the areas Shadow had ever explored. The air grew thicker, the trees older, and the ground pulse faintly beneath their feet as if the land itself was alive.
They reached a massive stone gate covered in runes.
"This," Kael said, "is the Trial of Inner Flame."
Shadow exhaled. "What do I have to do?"
Kael opened the gate with a wave of his hand. "Enter. And face yourself."
Inside, Shadow found a vast chamber lit by floating crystals. The air felt strange — heavy and cold. As he stepped forward, the ground cracked and shadows rose from it, forming a figure.
A figure that looked exactly like him.
His double smirked.
"Little Shadow… you think you're strong?"
Shadow braced himself.
This wasn't a monster.
This was his fear, doubt, anger — everything he tried to bury.
The fight was intense.
His shadow copied every move perfectly. Every punch, every flame burst, every step. Shadow pushed harder, but the clone pushed harder too.
Hours passed.
Shadow fell to one knee, panting.
"Why can't I win?" he growled.
His shadow stepped closer. "Because you're afraid. Afraid of what you're becoming. Afraid of the flame."
Shadow clenched his fists.
Afraid?
Maybe he was.
He closed his eyes and breathed.
He remembered the villagers he protected.
Aira's worried face.
The child he saved.
His village… his home.
"I'm not afraid," he whispered. "I chose this path."
The flame inside him erupted — blue and red swirling into a single brilliant blaze. His shadow staggered back.
Shadow charged, unleashing everything he had.
The clone shattered into sparks.
Shadow stood in silence, chest rising and falling.
The trial was over.
Kael appeared behind him.
"Well done. You've taken your first step."
Shadow looked at his glowing hands.
"This flame… it feels different now."
Kael nodded. "Stronger. And soon… more will come."