SWNOVELXO Chapter 11: A SHADOW IN THE STARS
Chapter 11: A Shadow in the Stars
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The Void Beyond
The group emerged from the labyrinth into a vast, open space unlike anything they had ever seen. Stars and swirling galaxies filled the void, casting a dim, otherworldly light. Floating islands of crystalline rock drifted aimlessly, connected by glowing pathways.
"This is the Outer Void," Aria said, her voice hushed. "Few have ever made it this far. We're on the threshold of true power."
Kaida scanned the surroundings, her grip tight on her sword. "It feels… too quiet. No traps? No monsters?"
Buzzzy buzzed nervously. "Analysis: Area shows no immediate threats, but high levels of shadow energy detected. Recommend caution."
Yuki stretched and yawned. "No monsters sounds great. Maybe we can take a break? Find a space café or something?"
Kaida shot him a glare. "Focus, Yuki. We're not out of danger yet."
"Buzzzy said no threats!" Yuki protested, throwing his hands up.
Aria raised her hand to silence them. Her silver eyes glimmered with tension. "Something is watching us."
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The First Contact
The group moved cautiously along the glowing pathway, the silence pressing down on them. Buzzzy's sensors began to beep erratically, signaling an incoming energy spike.
"Hostile presence detected!" Buzzzy chirped.
Before they could react, a shadowy figure materialized ahead of them. It was cloaked in darkness, its form constantly shifting, as though it were made of liquid void. Two piercing red eyes glared at them from beneath the hood of its amorphous shape.
"So," the figure said, its voice echoing unnaturally. "You've made it this far. Impressive."
Kaida stepped forward, her sword at the ready. "Who are you?"
The figure chuckled, a sound like grinding glass. "I am merely a messenger, sent to assess your worth."
Yuki frowned. "Assess our worth? Can't we just say we're super worthy and skip the fighting?"
The figure's eyes narrowed. "Fools like you rarely survive in the Outer Void. Let's test that luck of yours."
It raised a hand, and the pathway beneath them trembled. Shadows rose from the ground, forming into twisted, humanoid creatures armed with jagged weapons.
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A Battle in the Stars
Kaida sprang into action, her blade slicing through the first shadow creature. It dissolved into mist, but more emerged to take its place.
"Yuki, stay back!" she shouted.
"I wasn't planning on charging in!" Yuki yelled, stumbling as a shadow creature lunged at him. He barely managed to dodge, the artifact in his hand glowing faintly.
Aria summoned a barrier of light, shielding Yuki from another attack. "Focus, Yuki! The artifact can dispel these shadows if you use it right."
"How do I 'use it right'?" Yuki shouted, panic evident in his voice.
Aria didn't answer, too busy fending off another wave of enemies.
Buzzzy hovered over Yuki's shoulder, its voice calm. "Recommendation: Channel the artifact's energy into a focused burst. Imagine expelling the shadows from your presence."
"Easier said than done!" Yuki muttered.
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Yuki's Awakening
As the shadows closed in, Yuki clutched the artifact tightly, closing his eyes. He tried to block out the chaos around him, focusing only on the warmth of the artifact in his hand.
A memory surfaced—a fleeting image of the Core's energy enveloping him in the labyrinth.
It chose you for a reason.
Yuki opened his eyes, and the artifact blazed with light. A wave of energy erupted from him, pushing the shadow creatures back and dissolving them into mist.
Kaida turned, her expression a mix of surprise and relief. "Nice work, Yuki!"
"I… I did it?" Yuki said, staring at the artifact in disbelief.
"Don't get cocky," Aria said, her voice sharp. "We're not done yet."
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The Messenger's Test
The shadowy figure clapped slowly, the sound echoing through the void. "Interesting. Perhaps you're not as useless as you appear."
It raised both hands, and the surrounding stars seemed to dim. The air grew heavy, and the glowing pathway beneath their feet began to crack.
"You've survived the first wave," the figure said. "But let's see how you fare against a true challenge."
The ground shook, and a massive shadow creature emerged from the void. It had six arms, each wielding a different weapon, and its eyes burned with crimson light.
"Fantastic," Yuki muttered. "Why is it always bigger?"
Kaida stepped forward, her sword glowing faintly. "We take it down together. Yuki, use the artifact. Aria, support me with barriers."
Aria nodded, her hands already glowing with energy.
The creature roared, charging toward them with terrifying speed. Kaida met its attack head-on, her blade clashing against its massive axe. Sparks flew, and the force of the impact sent shockwaves through the air.
"Yuki, now!" Kaida shouted.
Yuki held up the artifact, trying to summon the same energy as before. The artifact glowed, but instead of a controlled burst, a chaotic wave of light erupted, scattering wildly.
The shadow creature recoiled, but the blast also knocked Kaida and Aria off their feet.
"Sorry!" Yuki yelled. "Still figuring this thing out!"
"Figure it out faster!" Kaida snapped, scrambling to her feet.
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Turning the Tide
Aria stood, her eyes narrowing. "Yuki, focus. Stop thinking about what you can't do and trust the artifact. It responds to intent."
Yuki swallowed, nodding. He raised the artifact again, this time letting go of his doubts. He pictured the light enveloping the creature, purging it of its darkness.
The artifact's glow steadied, and a beam of light shot forward, striking the creature in its chest. It let out a deafening roar as the light spread, consuming it entirely.
When the light faded, the creature was gone.
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A Warning Delivered
The shadowy figure remained, its form flickering. "Interesting. You've passed this test… for now."
Kaida raised her sword. "If you want to fight, let's finish this."
The figure chuckled. "My role is merely to observe. But know this—greater challenges await you. The Void Realm is not a place for the weak or the foolish."
Its gaze rested on Yuki. "Especially you."
Before anyone could respond, the figure dissolved into mist, leaving the group alone on the broken pathway.
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A Moment to Breathe
Yuki slumped to the ground, exhausted. "Can we please take a break now?"
Kaida sheathed her sword, shaking her head. "You did well, Yuki. But you need to get better at controlling that artifact."
"I'm working on it!" Yuki protested.
Aria stepped forward, her expression thoughtful. "That figure wasn't just a random guardian. It was testing us, yes—but it also knows something about the artifact."
Buzzzy buzzed. "Hypothesis: The messenger may be connected to the Void Lords."
"The Void Lords?" Yuki asked.
Aria nodded grimly. "They're the true rulers of this realm. If we're on their radar, things are about to get much more dangerous."
"Wonderful," Yuki muttered. "Because things weren't dangerous enough already."
Kaida smirked. "Welcome to the Void, Yuki. No turning back now."
The group pressed forward, the path ahead glowing faintly. Unbeknownst to them, their every step was being watched by unseen eyes, their journey only just beginning.
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End of Chapter 11