Shadow of the Fallen

Chapter 15: The Price of Power

Hye Rin wasted no time putting Jin Soo through rigorous training. Unlike Eun Ha's straightforward sword drills or Seo Jin's energy manipulation lessons, her methods focused on mental and emotional control.

"The tether doesn't just grant you power," Hye Rin explained as Jin Soo sat cross-legged in a circle of glowing runes. "It reflects your inner state. Doubt, anger, fear—these emotions can corrupt the light and give the shadows a foothold. You must master them, or you'll become your own worst enemy."

Jin Soo closed his eyes, trying to focus on the steady pulse of energy in his hand. The glow of his tether flickered as memories surfaced: the faces of his family, the laughter of friends, and the moment the shadows first attacked. The images twisted, turning into dark, nightmarish versions of themselves.

"Stay grounded," Hye Rin's voice cut through the fog. "The shadows feed on hesitation. Push them out!"

Jin Soo clenched his fists, the light in his palm flaring as he fought to dispel the images. A burst of energy exploded outward, scattering the dark tendrils. When he opened his eyes, Hye Rin was watching him with an unreadable expression.

"You're making progress," she admitted, though her tone remained guarded. "But the shadows won't wait for you to be ready. You need to learn faster."

Eun Ha, standing nearby, frowned. "You're pushing him too hard. He's only human."

"And so was I," Hye Rin countered. "But the shadows won't care about his limits. If he fails, it's not just his life at stake—it's all of ours."

The tension between the two was palpable, but Jin Soo stepped between them. "She's right," he said, his voice firm. "I need to be stronger. Whatever it takes."

That night, as the group rested, Jin Soo couldn't sleep. The mark on his hand glowed faintly, a constant reminder of the burden he carried. As he stared at the stars, Min Jae joined him.

"You're carrying too much on your shoulders," Min Jae said, his tone light but his gaze serious. "You're not alone in this, you know."

Jin Soo managed a small smile. "I know. But if I don't lead the charge, who will?"

Min Jae clapped a hand on his shoulder. "We're a team. And no matter how strong the shadows get, we'll face them together."

Jin Soo nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. The road ahead would be grueling, but with his friends by his side, he was ready to face whatever came next.

TO BE CONTINUED...