The Awakening Of The Shadows
Chapter 57: Forging the Mind

Chapter 57: Forging the Mind

Lian still felt his heavy breathing, his muscles tense. Kael’s words echoed in his mind like a cruel reminder of what was to come.

"If your mind is weak, none of this matters. If you break here... there is no return."

He clenched his fists.

The dark version of himself that he had seen in the illusion was still vivid in his memory. The cruel smile, the eyes glowing with the energy of Oblivion, the suffocating sensation of uncontrollable power.

He would never become that.

Kael watched his new apprentice in silence. He saw the conflict in Lian’s eyes, the internal battle waging in his mind. A small smile formed on his lips.

"Good," he finally said, crossing his arms. "You’re starting to understand."

Lian lifted his gaze, frowning.

"Understand what?"

Kael turned his back and started walking, gesturing for Lian to follow.

"That no matter how much you train your body, your mind will always be your greatest battlefield."

Lian followed him, his footsteps echoing through the vast, dark hall of the castle.

"You want to defeat your other version, don’t you?" Kael asked without looking back.

"Obviously." Lian answered without hesitation.

Kael abruptly stopped and turned, his piercing gaze locking onto Lian.

"Then tell me... what makes you different from him?"

Lian frowned.

"What?"

"You said he isn’t you. But then, what really separates the two of you?"

Lian opened his mouth to answer, but the words got stuck in his throat.

He didn’t know.

After all, his other version was made of his rage, his desire for revenge, everything he had ever felt deep in his soul.

Kael gave a small smile, as if he already knew Lian wouldn’t have an answer.

"That’s exactly what you need to find out. Because in the end... you and he are the same person."

Lian felt a chill run down his spine.

Kael resumed walking, and Lian followed in silence.

After a few minutes traversing the castle corridors, they arrived at a massive double door, carved with ancient symbols. Kael stopped before it and extended his hand.

The runes on the door began to glow, and a deep rumble echoed as the doors opened on their own.

What Lian saw beyond them made him hold his breath.

It was a vast circular chamber, with a massive emblem of Oblivion carved into the center of the black stone floor.

The ceiling was so high that it disappeared into the darkness, and immense pillars supported the structure, covered in inscriptions and drawings that seemed to tell an ancient story.

But what truly caught his attention was what lay at the center of the room.

A massive elevated platform, with a black throne upon it.

And around the platform, broken chains scattered across the ground.

Lian swallowed hard.

"What is this place?"

Kael slowly walked toward the center of the room.

"This is where you will begin your real training."

Lian stepped closer, feeling the pulsing energy of the place. Something here called to him, pulled him in, as if the chamber itself was alive.

Kael sat on the steps of the platform and looked at Lian with a measuring gaze.

"I told you that you would have time to prepare, and that’s true. But don’t think it will be easy. I won’t train you just to face your other version. I will train you because there are beings out there far more dangerous than him."

Lian felt a chill.

"Beings...?"

Kael nodded.

"You think Oblivion is just a sword? Just a fragment of power?"

Lian didn’t respond.

"No... Oblivion is much more than that. And your existence attracts those who desire that power."

Kael raised a hand, and a black flame emerged in his palm.

"The beings coming after you... are not mere power-hungry hunters. And if you’re not ready, you’ll be just another among the countless who have fallen before you."

"But what are these beings chasing me?" Lian’s gaze was serious— the dangers in his life seemed to grow with each passing day.

Kael remained silent for a few seconds, then answered. "Demons."

"Demons?" Lian seemed surprised that beings only described in religions were hunting him. He didn’t believe in angels or demons, so this caught him off guard.

"All legends and myths have some truth to them. Explaining everything to you now would be a waste of time. So focus on getting stronger... unless you want to become a monster yourself."

Lian felt the weight of those words.

He already knew his path wouldn’t be easy. But hearing this...

He couldn’t fail.

He wouldn’t fail.

Kael smiled slightly upon seeing the determined expression on Lian’s face.

"We will strengthen your mind before your body. Good. Then let’s begin the first real test."

He pointed to the platform.

"Sit there."

Lian hesitated for a moment, then walked to the throne and stood before it.

"This doesn’t seem like a test."

Kael chuckled.

"Trust me. You’ll understand once you sit."

Lian shot a wary glance at Kael before finally sitting on the throne.

The instant he did, something inside him twisted.

The ground trembled slightly, and Lian felt a crushing pressure on his mind.

His shadows began to stir around him, as if responding to some unseen presence.

Then, the voices returned.

This time, clearer.

Closer.

"Do you really think you can control us?"

"There is no escape... you already belong to us."

"What do you truly desire, Lian?"

He gritted his teeth, trying to ignore them.

But then, one last voice echoed.

A voice he recognized.

"It’s time for us to meet again."

And then, everything around him vanished.

He was no longer in the chamber.

He was in a dark void, standing before a figure waiting for him.

His heart pounded.

The other Lian was there, standing, smiling.

And this time, he looked real.

The other Lian tilted his head.

"Let’s see if you’re ready for the next step."

Lian swallowed hard.

This training... would not be just physical.

He would have to face himself.

And win.

Or be consumed forever.