The battle raged on, the group fighting in perfect sync. Aria's sword sliced through the Shadowborn, its blade shining with a faint light. The Shadowborn seemed endless, their dark forms multiplying with every strike.
As they fought, Aria sensed a darkness within herself. A shadowy presence stirred, threatening to consume her. It was a feeling she had never experienced before, a presence that seemed to grow stronger with every passing moment.
"Aria, beware!" Lysander shouted.
Aria spun around, her sword raised. The Shadowborn parted, revealing a dark figure emerging from the shadows.
"Aria, don't!" Kaito warned.
The figure drew closer, its features indistinguishable. Aria's heart pounded, her sword trembling in her hand.
The figure revealed its face.
Aria's own face stared back.
"You're... me?" Aria whispered.
"Your shadow self," Lysander said.
Aria's eyes widened. She had heard of shadow selves, dark aspects of one's own psyche.
"You must confront it," Kaito said.
Aria steeled herself.
"I will," Aria said.
The battle within began.
Aria's sword clashed with her shadow self. Their blades danced, their wills colliding. Aria's heart wrenched, torn between light and darkness.
Her shadow self spoke.
"You're weak," it whispered. "You'll never save the realms."
"No," Aria said.
"I'm strong," Aria declared. "I'll wield the Sword of Light."
Her sword shone brighter, its light illuminating the dark landscape. Her shadow self recoiled, its presence faltering.
"You'll fail," it spat.
"I won't," Aria said.
With a final, decisive blow, Aria's sword struck true. Her shadow self dissipated, banished from her psyche.
The battle won.
Aria stood tall, her companions cheering.
Their bond strengthened.
Their determination unwavering.
"Well done, Aria," Kaito said.
"You faced your fears," Lysander said.
"And won," Eira added.
Taro nodded.
"You're one step closer to wielding the Sword of Light," Taro said.
Aria smiled.
"I won't let darkness consume me," Aria said.
Their journey continued.
Through treacherous landscapes and Past ancient ruins, toward the Dragon's Spine and the Sword of Light.
Aria and her companions journeyed on, leaving the darkness of the Shadowborn behind. Their path wound through ancient ruins, crumbling structures that held secrets of the past. Vines and moss covered the stones, as if nature itself was attempting to reclaim the land.
"Be cautious," Kaito warned, his eyes scanning the horizon. "These ruins hide dangers, both living and dead."
Aria nodded, her sword at the ready. She had faced countless battles, but the unknown dangers lurking within the ruins unsettled her.
YOU ARE READING
Under The Illusion
ActionIn a realm inspired by Asian mythology, Ryujin driven by a twisted desire for immortality, becomes entrapped in an illusion. Believing he's doing the right thing, he unleashes darkness upon the world. Kaito Yamato, a young spiritual warrior, must na...
