Kael stood still, the aftershocks of training still buzzing through his limbs as the dark mist swirled again. He expected another round of dummies—more punishment.
But instead, the air shifted.
From the mist, a figure began to take shape—at first formless, then gradually solidifying into the silhouette of a man. Younger than the dying old man Kael had met on the cliff, but unmistakably similar.
Sharp features.
Piercing eyes.
Draped in layers of shadow that never seemed to sit still.
"I figured seeing a face might help," Nathan said, voice echoing from the form's lips.
Kael blinked. "You... That's you?"
Nathan nodded, his movements fluid and unnatural, like smoke pretending to be flesh. "A projection of who I once was. A fragment stored in the system. I thought perhaps a visual guide might assist with your training."
Kael's brow furrowed. "So this is… what? Another test?"
"No." Nathan turned, gesturing to the platform. "This is your training space. Your domain. As long as you live, this place is yours. Return here when you need to grow, to fight, to evolve."
Kael looked around, the shadows rippling like water with every thought. "I can come back anytime?"
Nathan nodded. "This world responds to you. Shape it as you wish—though the training protocols are mine."
A pause.
Nathan stepped closer, shadows trailing behind his feet. "Understand something, Kael. While within this realm, you will feel pain. You will feel fatigue. You may even feel like dying. But you won't."
Kael swallowed.
Nathan continued, "You will either complete the task… or you'll be returned, whole and unbroken. This place is built to train—not to kill."
Kael's eyes narrowed. "Why help me like this?"
"Because as far as I know," Nathan said slowly, "you are the only one to ever bond with the Nether Code like this. The only one to awaken it fully… and survive."
That landed heavily.
Before Kael could respond, Nathan raised a hand. The mist thickened, forming burning lines of red and black across his arms.
In a flash, the figure burst into motion.
Dark flame surged from his limbs as he flowed through a combat sequence—strikes, spins, low stances blended with bursts of shadow fire that crackled and howled.
It wasn't flashy.
It was terrifying.
Controlled.
Violent.
Precise.
Kael stood frozen, stunned by the pure intensity. The heat alone forced him to take a step back—even though it wasn't real flame. It was the shadow's version.
When it ended, Nathan turned, the flames extinguishing from his limbs.
"That," he said calmly, "is a fraction of what this version of the fire can do. Learn to control it—and you won't need to fear anyone."
Kael's mouth was dry. "That was… insane."
Nathan gave a ghost of a smile. "Then be insane enough to master it."
And like smoke, the figure faded back into mist, leaving Kael alone once more.
Alone—with purpose.