Fight the Clone

A suffocating stillness settled over the lake, thick and unnatural. Richard tightened his grip around the hilt of Eliath, his soul-bound sword humming in response to his unease.

His instincts screamed that something was wrong. His gaze remained sharp, scanning the dark waters, waiting.

He had known from the moment he stepped foot here that the demonic beast, the one that had torn apart the Night Owls Squad, was still alive.

The Academy had called it a tragedy, an unfortunate accident. They spoke as if the mission had been doomed from the start.

But Richard knew better. Something had been waiting for them that night. And now, it was waiting for him.

A ripple broke the surface of the lake. Then, a shadow rose from the depths, slow and deliberate, like a predator toying with its prey.

Richard braced himself, heart hammering against his ribs.