The library smelled of dust and forgotten knowledge, but now it carried a new scent: fear. Mohamed's pulse thundered in his ears as the figures in black moved silently across the rooftop above.
The Eclipsed Order… they've found me already? he thought, panic clawing at his chest.
Selene's hand gripped his shoulder. "Don't panic. Panic will get you killed."
Easier said than done, Mohamed muttered silently.
The agents landed inside the library with eerie silence, shadows melting into the corners. Their movements were precise, almost inhuman. Mohamed's heart jumped—he had seen them in visions, but now… they were real.
One stepped forward, a sword gleaming in the dim light. Its edge seemed to drink the shadows around it.
Fight or flight… fight or flight… Mohamed repeated, trying to anchor himself.
Selene's voice cut through the noise in his mind: "Focus on your memories. Use them. Control them."
Mohamed took a deep breath and tried to summon the fragment of memory power he had just discovered. Images of a long-forgotten street came to mind—the sound of rain, the smell of wet pavement, the feeling of safety. He clutched it, grounding himself.
I can do this…
With a sudden motion, a wall of shimmering light erupted from his hands, pushing back the first agent. The figure stumbled, then vanished into a shadowy mist.
The other agents hissed, advancing. Their swords moved in perfect synchronization, striking with deadly intent. Mohamed's mind raced. He had to think, or he would die.
Selene stepped forward, a blur of motion. In her hand, a silver dagger reflected violet light. She moved like liquid, striking with precision, cutting down two agents before they even realized she was there.
"You're slow," she said, glancing at Mohamed. "Focus! Your memories are your weapons. Your fear is your weakness."
Mohamed swallowed, sweat stinging his eyes. He closed them briefly and let the fragments of memories flow—visions of battles, of running through dark alleys, of unseen powers. Slowly, the light from his memories solidified around his fists.
Now…
He lunged at the nearest agent. Time seemed to bend as he moved, the memory energy guiding his movements. His fist struck with a force that should have been impossible, sending the agent crashing into the wall.
The other agents paused, their red eyes narrowing. They had underestimated him.
One agent, taller than the rest, stepped forward. Unlike the others, his movements were calm, almost lazy—but every step radiated power. A scar ran down his face, and his black robes fluttered as if alive.
"Interesting," he said softly, voice smooth and dangerous. "So… the boy awakens."
Mohamed's heart skipped. That voice… I've heard it before. In the visions…
Selene's grip tightened. "That's Ryoto Nobunga," she whispered. "One of the Eclipsed Order's elite. Don't let him touch you."
Ryoto raised his hand, and the shadows around him twisted and coiled like serpents, moving to strike. Mohamed felt a chill as he realized: These aren't just humans… these are nightmares made flesh.
Mohamed's memory powers surged uncontrollably. He tried to focus, recalling a vivid memory of running through a forest, sunlight breaking through the leaves. The image solidified into a shield of light, deflecting the shadow-serpents.
"Good… keep it controlled," Selene shouted, striking another agent with blinding speed.
Ryoto's scarred face twisted into a smile. "Not bad. But this… is only the beginning."
The shadows intensified, thickening the air, twisting reality. Mohamed could feel himself slipping, losing control, the fear threatening to consume him.
I can't… I can't let them win…
With a roar, he summoned every fragment of memory power he had, merging past and present into a pulse of light that slammed into the agents. Several were thrown backward, hissing and screeching as they dissolved into shadows.
When the dust settled, Mohamed stood trembling, heart pounding, sweat pouring down his face. Selene was beside him, calm as ever, though her dagger was still ready.
"The Eclipsed Order won't forget this," she said quietly. "You've made a mark. And now, they'll hunt you even harder."
Mohamed swallowed, trying to steady his shaking hands. He felt exhilaration, fear, and a dark thrill—all at once.
This is what power feels like… and what it costs.
From the shadows, Ryoto's voice echoed, faint but clear:
"Remember this day, boy. It is only the first step… toward your destruction… or your awakening."
Mohamed looked around. The library was in ruins, shadows still lingering. He knew one thing for certain: the game had truly begun.