ALL NOVEL Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Shadows Within
That night, Ishiro's dreams took a darker turn. He found himself standing in an endless expanse of mist, the ground beneath his feet cold and unyielding. In the distance, faint silhouettes moved, their presence sending chills down his spine. He took a hesitant step forward, the mist parting to reveal a figure clad in dark armor. Its voice was deep, reverberating through the void.
"You are not ready," it said, a spectral blade appearing in its hand. Ishiro recognized the figure as the Killer Seven, a being he had seen in fragments of his dreams. Before he could speak, the figure pointed its blade at him. "Prove yourself, or be consumed."
But before Ishiro could respond, another figure stepped forward, this one cloaked in green and radiating an aura of control and power. Morro. "You seek strength, but strength comes at a cost," Morro said, his voice laced with disdain. "Let me show you."
Morro charged, his movements like a storm unleashed. Ishiro barely had time to react, drawing the Sword of Sanctuary in a futile attempt to block the onslaught. The green-clad figure moved with precision and power, each strike forcing Ishiro back. The mist around them seemed to come alive, twisting and pulling at Ishiro as he fought desperately to hold his ground.
"Is this all you have?" Morro taunted, delivering a crushing blow that sent Ishiro sprawling. As he struggled to stand, Morro placed a foot on his chest, pinning him to the ground. "You will never wield true power until you understand the cost."
With that, Morro drove the Sword of Sanctuary into Ishiro's chest. Pain lanced through him, but as the blade pierced his heart, a surge of energy erupted, engulfing him in a blinding light. When the light faded, the mist was gone, and Ishiro was alone. The Allied Armor of Azure shimmered on his body, and the Sword of Sanctuary rested in his hand. Morro's clothes now adorned him, their weight a reminder of the battle he had endured.
Ishiro awoke with a start, his breathing ragged. The armor and sword were still with him, tangible proof that the events in his mindscape had been real. As he stood, the first rays of dawn breaking through his window, he knew his journey had only just begun.