Shadow of the Fallen

Chapter 8: Battle at the Edge

A week passed, filled with training and vigilance. Jin Soo had grown more skilled, able to summon light into various forms—blasts, barriers, even weapons. Eun Ha continued to push him, testing his limits, while Min Jae served as an eager, if powerless, supporter.

One evening, as the three of them were leaving the training ground, a dense fog settled over the area, darker and more oppressive than usual. Eun Ha froze, her hand instinctively moving to her sword. "Something's coming," she whispered.

Out of the mist emerged not one, but three shadow creatures. They were larger than anything Jin Soo had faced before, their forms twisted and monstrous. Their eyes gleamed with a hunger that sent chills down his spine.

"Stay back, Min Jae!" Eun Ha ordered. She turned to Jin Soo, her voice calm yet intense. "You're ready for this, but you must stay focused."

Jin Soo summoned his light, forming a shield around them. One of the creatures lunged, crashing into the barrier with a force that nearly shattered it. Jin Soo gritted his teeth, feeling his energy drain as he held the shield steady.

Eun Ha leaped forward, her blade cutting through the nearest creature. It shrieked and dissipated, but the others advanced, their snarls filling the air. Min Jae swung his branch, but it passed through the creatures without effect.

"Jin Soo!" Eun Ha called, "Turn your shield into a weapon. Focus it!"

Jin Soo took a deep breath, channelling his energy to extend the light into a beam. He directed it at one of the creatures, which let out a bloodcurdling scream as it dissolved into mist. Only one creature remained, and it was closing in fast.

Summoning the last of his strength, Jin Soo directed the light into a burst that engulfed the final creature. The shadow writhed in agony before vanishing into the fog.

As the silence settled, Jin Soo slumped to his knees, exhausted but victorious. Eun Ha placed a hand on his shoulder, nodding approvingly. "You did well. But remember, this was just one battle. The true war is still to come."

Jin Soo looked at her, determination hardening in his gaze. "Then I'll be ready. I won't stop until I can defend everyone."

In that moment, he knew there was no going back. The Shadow Realm's forces would grow stronger, but he was prepared to face them—whatever the cost.

TO BE CONTINUED...