The days after the trial felt strange. The town was calm but the air still heavy with tension. Everyone was waiting for the next test, the next step to decide who would be chosen by the 11 Captains. For Coker, the shadows inside him felt louder, stronger, like they wanted to tell him something.
He spent hours training alone, trying to understand the strange power that was now a part of him. The shadow clone he could create was just the beginning. Sometimes, when he closed his eyes, he could feel thousands of shadow soldiers rising inside him, waiting for his command. But controlling them was harder than it looked.
Lira stayed by his side, helping him calm his mind. "The shadow power is different," she said one afternoon as they sat by the river. "It's old and mysterious. You can't rush it. You have to listen."
Coker nodded but felt frustrated. "I just want to be strong. Not weak anymore."
She smiled softly, "Strength is more than power. It's patience and heart."
Meanwhile, the town buzzed with rumors. Some students whispered about Coker, still doubtful because of his past. Others were curious, wondering about the shadow magic no one else had. His brother Reko stayed distant, proud and confident with his wind magic, never talking to Coker much. This made Coker angry sometimes, but he hid it well.
One evening, Coker visited the training ground again. The moon was high, casting silver light on the empty field. He closed his eyes and let the shadows rise. Slowly, from the darkness, a small army appeared — shadow soldiers, silent and fierce. They stood in perfect rows, waiting.
For the first time, Coker shouted a command, and the soldiers moved as one, training with his will. It was exhausting but thrilling. He felt like a real captain, a leader.
Suddenly, he heard footsteps. Lira was there, watching quietly. "You're getting better," she said.
Before Coker could answer, a voice behind them startled both. "Training at night? That's not allowed."
They turned to see one of the Captains, Captain Elara, a woman with calm eyes and earth magic glowing softly in her hands. She looked serious but not angry.
"Coker," she said, "Your shadow power is rare and dangerous. You must learn to control it carefully. The exam is not just about fighting demons, but mastering yourself."
Coker nodded, "I'm trying, Captain."
Elara's eyes softened. "Good. Remember, the shadows were once the strongest force but were wiped out by fairies and demons. You carry their last hope. Don't waste it."
After she left, Lira smiled. "See? Even the Captains believe in you."
Coker felt a strange mix of pride and fear. The shadows were not just power; they were a responsibility. He had to be ready.
The next day, the exam continued with new challenges. Each student faced tests of agility, magic control, and teamwork. Coker's shadow soldiers helped him block attacks and scout enemies. Slowly, he gained respect from others.
Kaiens still teased him sometimes, but Coker laughed it off. He was no longer the weak boy who had no magic. He was the shadow vessel, a name that carried hope and mystery.
As the sun set, Coker looked at the sky, thinking about the future. The darkness outside the town was growing, and the demons waited for their chance. But inside Coker burned a new fire — the fire of courage, determination, and the will to protect.
He was ready to face whatever came next.