Bonds of Darkness: Swordmen's Redemption

Chapter Forty: Fear of the Unknown

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Edit: Wattpad being janky in mobile, republishing for better loads.

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"Snuuu.... Snuuu..."

The rhythmic sound of Sandra's gentle snores was a lullaby to the dawn chorus as she nestled against the steadfast back of Igris. Her rest was undisturbed, her dreams likely a world away from the journey they undertook. The cape of the knight served as her blanket, a touch of red against the verdant tapestry of the forest through which they traveled.

A week had passed since their paths had converged, and with each new sunrise, Y/N's mastery over his shadowy domain grew stronger. Behind them, a trail of shadows whispered of their passage, a testament to the shadowy tendrils that now served as Y/N's scouts, extending his senses beyond the physical realm.

Y/N's thoughts often turned inward, meditating on the nature of his powers. He sought a state of acceptance, a communion with the shadows that flowed through him as naturally as his breath. It was a delicate balance to maintain—letting the darkness consume without being consumed, maintaining vigilance while allowing the power to suffuse his very being. Perhaps, he mused, it was akin to the Aeons and their Paths—a complete embodiment of an essence that transcended mere ability.

Practical applications of his newfound affinity for shadow had not eluded him. He had learned to connect with the cast shadows of objects and beings, an extension of his awareness that provided invaluable insight and reconnaissance. This shadow network was a boon to their quest, and Y/N took pride in the ease with which he could now navigate it.

Defensively, he had found inspiration in Igris' use of shield magic—a technique the knight had learned from a comrade. Y/N's own version of the shield, while not as robust as Igris', was a testament to his progress and adaptability. It was a protective embrace conjured from the dark, a barrier against the tangible and intangible threats they might face.

Yet, the memory of his confrontation with Lan—a battle of corrupted power against Aeon might—still haunted him. The potential to stand among Aeons was within him, he realized, but it was a potential that needed to be harnessed with care and intention.

"Y/N," came Igris' voice, unexpectedly pulling the man from his vigilance. Y/N's tone was apologetic as he returned from his reverie, "I was lost in thought. Reflecting on all that has transpired since we first met."

Igris, ever the stalwart companion, offered his ear. "If there is any burden, share it with me, Y/N. '' Their bond had deepened over the days, the knight's loyalty now interwoven with a burgeoning friendship.

Y/N appreciated the offer but chose to keep his musings to himself. "I appreciate your concern, Igris. Just alert me if you sense your comrade's presence," he replied, directing the conversation back to their immediate task.

Halting in his stride, Igris's voice was tinged with a hint of excitement. "That is precisely why I called out to you, Y/N." He pointed towards a less dense part of the woods, where the shadows of ruins beckoned.

"Oh..."

Y/N's eyes sparked with an ethereal black glow as he focused his attention in the indicated direction. His shadow stretched outwards, a dark wave rolling over the earth and enveloping everything in its path.

Igris could not help but be captivated by the display, even as familiarity had dulled the initial shock of such power. Y/N's affinity for shadow was a wellspring of possibility, a force of nature that defied easy categorization.