Chapter 37: Shattered Masks

Kael tracked Rhylen's aura through the dense forest, his mind clouded with rage and grief. The death of the old man haunted him, and the weight of unanswered questions bore heavily on his shoulders. The legendary sword hummed faintly, almost as if urging him forward.

Elara and Aidan followed close behind, their weapons drawn and expressions grim. "Kael," Elara said cautiously, "are you sure about this? Rhylen is dangerous. We need a plan."

Kael didn't stop, his voice cold and unwavering. "There's no time for plans. He has to pay for what he's done."

As they reached a clearing, the oppressive aura grew stronger. In the center of the clearing stood Rhylen, his black cloak billowing slightly in the breeze. His mask gleamed under the faint light, the single red eye glowing menacingly.

"You've come," Rhylen said, his tone calm and mocking. "I was beginning to think you'd lost your nerve."

Kael didn't respond. He unsheathed the legendary sword, its blade pulsing with energy. Without a word, he lunged at Rhylen, his strikes fueled by anger and sorrow.

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The Fight Begins

Their blades clashed with deafening force, sparks flying as shadows and light danced around them. Rhylen's movements were fluid and precise, countering Kael's wild but powerful strikes with ease.

"You're stronger than before," Rhylen remarked, parrying another blow. "The sword suits you, little brother."

"Don't call me that!" Kael roared, his shadows flaring violently.

The fight intensified, the ground beneath them cracking from the sheer force of their attacks. Elara and Aidan watched from the sidelines, their faces pale as they struggled to comprehend the ferocity of the battle.

Kael swung the sword with all his might, and this time, he struck true. The blade connected with Rhylen's mask, shattering it into pieces.

The fragments fell to the ground, revealing a face Kael hadn't seen in years. His breath caught in his throat as he stared at the man before him.

"No…" Kael whispered, his grip on the sword faltering. "It can't be."

The face was unmistakable—sharp features, piercing eyes, and a scar running down his cheek. The man standing before him was his brother.

"Big brother?" Kael's voice broke, his rage replaced by disbelief and pain.

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The Truth Revealed

Rhylen—no, Kael's brother—smirked, his red eye dimming slightly. "It's been a long time, hasn't it, little brother?"

Elara and Aidan froze, their eyes wide with shock. "Brother?" Elara repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kael staggered back, his mind reeling. "Why? Why are you doing this? Why are you with them?"

Rhylen's smirk faded, his expression turning cold. "Because the world isn't what you think it is, Kael. Father lied to us. He lied to everyone. The Abyss isn't our enemy—it's our salvation."

Kael's eyes filled with tears, his emotions a whirlwind of anger and sorrow. "You're wrong! The Abyss destroys everything it touches! It killed—"

"It killed no one that didn't deserve it!" Rhylen interrupted, his voice rising. "Father was blind to the truth, and so are you. The Abyss doesn't destroy—it cleanses. It rebuilds."

Kael's hands trembled as he raised his sword again. "You're not the brother I remember. You're a monster."

Rhylen chuckled darkly. "Then show me, little brother. Show me if you have the strength to stop me."

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Anger and Sorrow

Kael lunged again, his attacks wild and desperate. But this time, his strikes lacked the focus they had before. His emotions clouded his judgment, and Rhylen easily deflected his blows.

"Pathetic," Rhylen said, slamming the hilt of his blade into Kael's stomach, sending him crashing to the ground.

Elara and Aidan rushed to Kael's side, but Rhylen didn't pursue them. Instead, he sheathed his weapon and turned to leave.

"Kael," Rhylen said, his tone almost regretful, "when you're ready to see the truth, come find me. Until then, stay out of my way."

As he disappeared into the shadows, Kael lay on the ground, clutching the sword and trembling with a mix of anger and grief.

Elara knelt beside him, her expression filled with concern. "Kael… what do we do now?"

Kael didn't answer. He stared at the shattered pieces of the mask on the ground, his mind a storm of memories and questions.

The fight was over, but the war within him had just begun.