SWNOVELXO Chapter 20: THE LOOMING SHADOW
Chapter 20: The Looming Shadow
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A Growing Unease
The group traveled through the shifting expanse of the Realm of Echoes, the air heavy with an ominous energy. The eerie silence was only broken by the occasional distant cry of an unseen creature.
Yuki, walking at the back of the group, fiddled nervously with his artifact. "So, uh, anyone else feel like we're being watched?"
Kaida, ever alert, scanned the area, her hand on the hilt of her sword. "We've been watched since we left the Tower of Infinity. Whatever's out there is biding its time."
Aria stopped and turned, her gaze piercing. "It's not just something out there. The shadows themselves are alive, shifting, waiting for the right moment to strike."
"Great," Yuki muttered. "Just what I needed—living darkness."
Kaida shot him a look. "Maybe if you spent less time complaining and more time focusing, we'd get through this faster."
"Hey!" Yuki protested. "I'm plenty focused. I haven't tripped once in the last hour!"
"That's because you've been holding on to my sleeve the whole time," Kaida replied, yanking her arm free.
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A Strange Encounter
As they continued, they came across a strange sight—a lone figure sitting by a small campfire in the middle of the desolate expanse. The figure was clad in tattered robes, and their face was obscured by a wide-brimmed hat.
"Finally, someone who's not a shadow monster!" Yuki said, rushing forward.
"Wait!" Aria called, but it was too late.
The figure looked up as Yuki approached, revealing a weathered face with eyes that glimmered like stars. "Ah, travelers," the figure said, their voice warm and melodic. "Come, sit by the fire. You must be weary."
Yuki plopped down without hesitation, his hunger overriding any caution. "You don't happen to have food, do you?"
The figure chuckled and reached into their robes, producing a small bundle of wrapped provisions. "For you, young one, anything."
Kaida and Aria exchanged wary glances before joining Yuki by the fire.
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The Storyteller's Warning
As they ate, the figure began to speak. "You've come far, and yet your journey has only begun. The Tower of Infinity may have shown you the truth, but the cost of that truth will follow you."
Aria leaned forward. "Who are you? And what do you know of the Void?"
The figure smiled. "I am but a storyteller, a wanderer in this realm. As for the Void… it is both a source of power and a curse. Those who touch it are forever marked."
Kaida's eyes narrowed. "Marked for what?"
"For destruction," the storyteller replied. "The shadows you face are but the beginning. The Void's truth has awakened forces that seek to reclaim it. And they will stop at nothing to do so."
Yuki, who had been happily munching on a piece of bread, paused. "Wait, so you're saying we're doomed?"
The storyteller chuckled. "Not doomed. Not yet. But the path ahead will test you in ways you cannot imagine."
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A Parting Gift
As the fire began to die down, the storyteller reached into their robes once more and pulled out a small, glowing orb. "Take this," they said, handing it to Yuki.
"Me? Why me?" Yuki asked, eyeing the orb suspiciously.
"Because you are the fool," the storyteller replied with a grin. "And sometimes, the fool is the only one who can see the path that others cannot."
Yuki accepted the orb hesitantly, feeling its warmth seep into his palm. "What does it do?"
"You'll know when the time comes," the storyteller said cryptically.
Kaida stood, her hand on her sword. "Why help us? What's in it for you?"
The storyteller's smile faded. "Because I, too, have walked the path of the Void. And I know what lies at its end."
Before anyone could ask more, the figure and the fire vanished, leaving only the orb in Yuki's hand.
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The Shadows Close In
As the trio continued their journey, the sense of unease grew stronger. The mists thickened, and strange whispers filled the air.
"I don't like this," Kaida muttered, her hand never leaving her sword.
"Join the club," Yuki said, clutching the orb tightly.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them began to tremble, and the mists parted to reveal a massive shadowy figure blocking their path. Its form was indistinct, shifting and writhing like a living nightmare.
Aria raised her staff, her voice steady. "It's another shadow guardian. Be ready."
Kaida drew her sword. "Yuki, stay back this time."
But before they could act, the shadow guardian spoke. "You carry the mark of the Void. Surrender it, or be consumed."
Yuki stepped forward, surprising everyone. "Yeah, no thanks. I've had enough of being consumed for one lifetime."
The guardian roared, its voice shaking the ground.
"Great job, Yuki," Kaida said. "Now it's angry."
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The Power of the Orb
As the guardian charged, Yuki held up the glowing orb instinctively. To everyone's shock, a beam of light shot out from it, striking the guardian and halting its advance.
"Whoa!" Yuki exclaimed, nearly dropping the orb.
Aria's eyes widened. "The orb… it's channeling Void energy! Yuki, keep it steady!"
Kaida took the opportunity to strike, her blade glowing as she slashed at the guardian's legs. Aria followed up with a blast of magic, and the guardian let out a deafening roar before dissolving into mist.
Yuki stared at the orb in his hand. "Okay, that was awesome. Can I keep this?"
Kaida sighed. "You're going to hurt yourself with it, aren't you?"
"Probably," Yuki admitted with a grin.
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A New Resolve
As the mists settled, the trio took a moment to catch their breath.
Aria looked at Yuki, her expression thoughtful. "The storyteller was right. You may be a fool, but you have a way of turning the tide in the most unexpected ways."
Yuki shrugged. "Hey, luck's gotta count for something, right?"
Kaida sheathed her sword. "Let's just hope your luck holds out. We're going to need it."
With the orb in hand and a renewed sense of purpose, the trio continued their journey, the shadows ever looming on the horizon.
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End of Chapter 20