Arin crashed against the stone wall, dust exploding around him.His breath was rough, his body trembling, but his eyes burned with determination.
Shadow Arin walked slowly toward him, dragging its dark sword along the ground—SHHHHHK…sparks flying.
"You can't win," it said calmly."You're too weak. Too scared. Too slow."
Arin wiped the blood from his lips and stood up again.
"Maybe I am weak…"His grip tightened on his katana."But I will NEVER stop trying!"
Shadow Arin appeared behind him instantly—
SLASH!!
Arin barely blocked the strike, but the force threw him forward.
He rolled on the ground and stood up again, panting.
Shadow Arin tilted its head."You're fighting like a child.""All emotion. No control."
Arin's teeth clenched.He took a deep breath.
And remembered the baby wolf.
Its small body… its cry… the moment it died.
A warm tear ran down his cheek.
Shadow Arin sighed."There. That emotion. USE IT."
Arin froze.
Shadow Arin's red eyes narrowed."Your weakness isn't your heart.""It's that you deny your heart."
Arin looked shocked."W-What?"
Shadow Arin stabbed its sword into the ground.
"Stop running from your pain, Arin.""Let it flow.""Let it burn.""Let it fuel you."
The dungeon voice echoed:
[ Hint: The Trial's Key – Accept Your Fear ][ Emotion = Power ]
Arin stared at his shadow… then slowly closed his eyes.
He remembered everything—
Waking in pain.The voice saying he was dead.The wolf baby trusting him.Failing to save it.
His fists shook.
He whispered, "I'm sorry… I failed you."
But then—
Grey aura began swirling around him.
Soft at first… then brighter… stronger…
Shadow Arin smirked.
"Yes… good."
Arin opened his eyes—now glowing with a faint silver-grey light.
For the first time…he felt something click inside him.
A new notification flashed:
[ Emotion Resonance Unlocked ]
Your feelings have synchronized with your aura.Power temporarily increased.
Arin tightened his stance.
Shadow Arin dashed forward—
But this time, Arin moved too.
Their blades collided—
BOOOM!!
A massive shockwave exploded across the arena.
Shadow Arin slid back, surprised.
"Well… finally."
Arin stood straight, aura rising like smoke.
"You're not my enemy," Arin said softly."You're the part of me I've been afraid to face."
Shadow Arin smiled for the first time.A real smile.
"Then defeat me… and grow."
Both rushed at full speed—
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
Their clashes shook the entire dungeon.
Arin slid under a slash and kicked Shadow Arin back.Shadow Arin teleported behind him, but Arin predicted it—turning and slicing upward—
SHIIING!!
A deep cut appeared across Shadow Arin's chest.
Shadow Arin looked down, impressed.
"That's it…"
Arin raised his katana high.
"This is the strength I want—not for revenge…but to protect."
Shadow Arin whispered:
"Then take… my strength."
Arin slashed down—
FLASH!!!
Shadow Arin's body dissolved into grey particles, swirling into Arin's chest.
A final notification appeared—
[ Trial 1 Complete ]Reward: Shadow Integration (Lv. 1)
You can now use 10% of your shadow potential.Your aura control has improved.
Arin collapsed to his knees, panting but smiling.
"I… did it."
The dungeon trembled again.
A new gate opened ahead.
Trial 2 was waiting.