I woke from the battle the night before, my mind restless and alive with thoughts I could not shake. Silent Ghost lingered in my thoughts, her movements, her presence, her voice. Dragging myself from bed, I poured a cup of coffee. Steam rose lazily, curling like mist over the lake, and my thoughts followed the trail, lingering on her. All I knew was that she came from the mage territories, her origins hidden yet potent.
Then Noctur's voice cut through the silence.
"You are thinking of her."
I shook my head, avoiding the truth. "No."
"You know I hear your thoughts, Kael. You want her name."
I said nothing, staring at the ceiling, taking a long sip of coffee.
Noctur chuckled softly, echoing in my mind. "You know it is your birthday today too, right?"
I finished my cup flatly. "Yes. I have plans."
"Meet her. Cancel your plans. Find out her name. Learn who she is."
I shook my head, reluctant. "I cannot. I must stay focused on my purpose."
Before Noctur could reply, a brilliant light shot down into the center of Lake Lunia, piercing the waters so deep even my hidden chamber trembled. The dragon that guarded my sanctuary beneath the lake stirred, wings twitching, growling at the intrusion.
Wings—white, radiant, and powerful—swept through my room, carrying Archangel Samael. His voice cut through the air like steel on stone.
"I am Archangel Samael, holy justice of God, sent to punish the wicked. Kael, you are tasked with a mission: destroy the three demons that haunt the Forester. Be cautious. Listen to Noctur, not your enemy. These demons strike in every way, physically, mentally, and spiritually."
And just as suddenly as he arrived, he vanished, leaving a lingering hum of divine authority.
Noctur spoke quietly. "He always makes an entrance to intimidate evil."
I raised an eyebrow. "You know him?"
"I know many things you do not. I cannot see the future. Neither can you. Only the path, Kael."
I nodded, finishing my coffee and toast, my eyes tracing the scorched mark left by Samael's light.
⸻
I wasted no time. Shadows clung to me as I moved through Forester. Fog curled between twisted trunks and moss draped branches, morning light slanting through like pale knives. Each step was deliberate, careful, the forest whispering as I passed, birds scattering at the faintest sound.
A sudden crack to my left made me melt into the shadows, senses alert. The forest smelled of damp earth and smoke from old, long dead fires. Somewhere ahead, movement stirred. The air held its breath.
Not far along the path, an old woman struggled, three figures clawing at her purse. I froze, cloaked in shadows, observing. Fallen logs could trip them, roots could snare their feet, low branches might blind them if timed right.
As if summoned, Silent Ghost leapt from the trees above, her movements a blur, precise and lethal. The attackers fell under her strikes. I moved in, shadows wrapping around their limbs like liquid, pinning them to the earth.
They cried out. "Have mercy, Kael of the Shadow!"
I stepped fully into view, the forest exhaling around us. Dust settled, leaves rustled, the only sound our own breathing.
Silent Ghost's eyes met mine, sharp and questioning. "Kael?"
"Silent Ghost," I replied. "Can we talk?"
Her smile was faint, uncertain, but the tension in the forest eased.
"I was going to say the same," she admitted.
"Really? Why?"
Her voice softened. "It is about the shadow sword on my arm. I do not know what it means… what it does to me."
She shook her head, laughing softly. "Only you could do something like this."
I smirked. "Then I suppose it is something only we will discover together."
The old woman's voice trembled behind us. "Never give up on each other."
Silent Ghost's gaze held mine, real and unwavering. My chest tightened. This was unlike anything with anyone else.
I chuckled softly, hesitant. "I never caught your name."
She stepped closer, placing her hand lightly on my arm. "Selena, for you, darling."
Her words struck like fire, filling and hollowing my chest at once.
A massive flaming boulder crashed toward us.
Noctur's voice sharpened. "Physical demon. You will need help."
I threw a veil of shadow over us as fire roared around. Selena did not flinch.
"You did not even flinch?" I asked.
She smirked. "I knew you would protect us. Why not return the favor and help me strike together?"
I grinned. "Why not?"
We rose under the shadow veil, closing in on the demon.
"I will boost you to its shoulder," I said. "When I distract it, use the shadow sword—"
"I will slit its throat. Genius."
She launched, landing atop the demon. Shadows exploded from my fists, shaking the earth. Trees bent, leaves swirled, boulders flew.
The demon roared, swinging massive fists. I melted into the shadows, letting debris and smoke cloak my approach. A boulder smashed where I had stood seconds before. Sparks flared, grass scorched.
Selena's blade tore into the demon's shoulder. Lava like blood hissed on the earth, steam rising around us. I pulled her back into the veil, our eyes locking, both smiling.
The demon staggered, smashing a nearby tree. I struck from the shadows, vines and debris wrapping around its arms, chest, and legs, forcing it off balance.
Finally, with one synchronized strike from Selena and me, the demon fell, smoke curling from scorched flesh. The forest went silent, dust settling, shadows reclaiming their place.
Silent Ghost stepped forward, brushing soot from her arm. "Kael," she said softly, "that was… incredible."
I nodded. "Yes. But it is over, for now."
She teased, smiling. "Next time, take me on adventures like this."
"What future reference?" I asked.
She kissed my cheek. "Next time you think of a date, make it like this. But now, I am needed elsewhere."
Noctur laughed. "Unexpected, but good. The demon expected you alone. Illusions or spiritual attacks could confuse you if she were there."
I nodded. "Smart."
His tone shifted, serious. "You are not alone. Others may aid you, but some battles, in mind and spirit, must be faced with God alone. Demons attack your thoughts, trying to divert you. To die each day for God is to win spiritually."
I tightened my grip on the shadows. "Yes… you are right. Let us face the next one."
I soared into the skies, forgetting my cloak, thinking of her, letting the wind carry my thoughts, only to be reminded by Noctur. "Focus, Kael. We have another mission. One demon remains."
I exhaled, returning fully to purpose. "Yes… you are right."