After the battle, the town was quiet but the air felt heavy like a dark cloud. People still whisper about what they saw. Coker, the boy who was magicless, now had power that many never seen before — the shadow magic. They all watch him like he was both a hope and a danger.
Coker sit alone on the big stone near the town gate. His body was tired but his mind was full of questions. The shadow inside him was calm now, but he knew it was watching, waiting for the next moment to wake.
Lira came to sit beside him. "You did good today," she said, but her voice was soft like she want to comfort him.
"I'm scared," Coker said quietly. "What if I lose control? What if the shadow inside me hurt someone I love?"
Lira looked at him with serious eyes. "You are stronger than you think. Power is not just about fighting. It's about control and heart."
Coker smiled a little. "Easy to say when you have magic from birth."
Lira laughed softly. "Maybe, but I choose to believe you are special."
Suddenly, footsteps came from behind. It was Captain Reizen. His face was serious, but not angry.
"You need to come with us," he said. "The council want to see you."
Coker stood up. His heart beat fast again. He didn't know what to expect.
The council was a group of powerful leaders who make decisions for the town. They were older and wise, but also very strict.
In the council room, many eyes look at Coker. Some curious, some worried.
One old man spoke first. "Coker, you have a rare power that no one understand. Shadow magic is dangerous and mysterious. We need to know if you are friend or enemy."
Coker swallowed hard. "I want to protect the town. I'm not enemy."
The old man nodded slowly. "We hope so. But you must learn to control it. You will train with the Captains. They will teach you."
Coker felt relief mixed with nervousness. Training with the best was a big chance but also hard.
After the meeting, Coker walk outside. The sun was setting, painting the sky with red and orange. He saw his brother Reko talking with some Captains.
Reko looked at him with a smile but also something Coker couldn't read.
Later that night, Coker dreamed of shadows moving in the dark, whispering secrets he couldn't understand. When he woke up, he felt the shadow inside him stronger, like it wanted more.
The next days were hard. Training was not just about fighting but learning to control his power. The shadow sometimes moved without him wanting, making scary shapes that frightened even Coker.
Lira stayed close, encouraging him. "You getting better. Don't give up."
Coker want to believe but sometimes he felt alone. The town still had people who whisper behind his back. They don't trust him yet.
One day, while practicing, Kaien the fire bully came near. He didn't look angry like before but serious.
"You have shadow power now," Kaien said. "Don't think it make you better. You need to prove it every day."
Coker nodded. "I will."
Kaien smiled small. "Good. Maybe one day I will fight beside you, not against you."
Coker was surprised but happy to hear that.
The days passed with training, small fights with demons outside the town, and learning from the Captains.
Coker started to understand his power more. He could create shadow clones faster and control their movements. He could feel the strength of the shadows but also their pain and loneliness.
He remember the stories the old Captains told. Shadows was once proud and strong but were betrayed and wiped out. Now Coker was the last shadow vessel, carrying their hope.
One evening, Lira and Coker stood on the hill watching the stars.
"Do you think we will win against the demons?" Lira asked.
Coker looked at the dark sky. "I don't know yet. But I promise I will never stop trying."
Lira smiled. "That's all we can do."
As the night deepened, the shadow inside Coker moved gently, like a silent friend ready for the battles ahead.
Because the war with the demons was not over. It was only beginning.