Dark & Light – Chapter 20: The Path to Strength

Settling In

The tavern creaked softly as Rai walked through its familiar wooden halls, taking in the warmth of the place. The scent of aged oak mixed with the faint traces of burning wood from the fireplace.

After weeks of travel, it felt surreal to be back under a solid roof.

Vael had disappeared into the storeroom to take stock of supplies while Rai dropped his bag onto a table, letting out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

"We're really back," he muttered to himself, running his fingers along the smooth wood of the bar counter.

Despite the countless questions in his head—about Vael's past, the demons chasing him, and even himself—for tonight, he just wanted to enjoy this moment of peace.

Vael eventually returned, tossing Rai a bundle of fresh clothes.

"Get some rest. You'll need it."

Rai caught the bundle and raised a brow. "You say that like I'm not already exhausted."

Vael smirked. "You will be."

With that ominous warning, Vael headed toward his own quarters, leaving Rai to settle in for the night.

Dawn Breaks, Training Begins

A sudden kick to his bed jolted Rai awake.

He groaned, eyes barely open as he saw Vael standing over him, arms crossed.

"Up."

"You—" Rai rubbed his face. "You could've just woken me up normally."

Vael smirked. "Where's the fun in that?"

The tavern was still dark, the first light of dawn barely creeping through the windows. Outside, the mountain air was crisp and cold, but Vael didn't seem to care as he motioned for Rai to follow him outside.

Rai groggily pulled himself up, threw on his boots, and stumbled out after him.

The Refinement of the Energy Blade

The open area behind the tavern had been cleared out long ago, leaving a flat training ground surrounded by cliffs and misty peaks.

Vael stood in the center, arms crossed as Rai stretched his stiff limbs.

"First, show me your energy blade."

Rai exhaled, focusing. He closed his eyes, feeling the familiar energy within him.

Slowly, he extended his right hand, willing the power to manifest. Light surged into his palm, forming a semi-solid blade.

But as he focused harder, dark energy flickered across it, twisting the shape.

It held form, but it still wasn't stable.

Vael observed silently for a moment before shaking his head. "It's sloppy."

Rai scowled. "I just woke up."

Vael ignored his complaint. "Your blade needs refinement. If you can't create a sharp, controlled weapon, it's useless. If an opponent shatters it mid-battle, you're dead."

Rai tightened his grip, trying to hold the form steady. "So how do I fix it?"

Vael took a step forward, his eyes locked onto Rai's hands.

"Your energy blade isn't just an extension of your power—it's an extension of your mind. Your hesitation, your doubts, your lack of control—your weapon reflects all of that."

Rai took a deep breath, closing his eyes again.

This time, he tried to clear his mind, focusing only on the sensation of his energy flowing.

The unstable flickering began to steady.

Vael nodded. "Good. Now, keep refining it. You won't leave this spot until you can hold it without breaking form."

The History of Celestial Weapons

As Rai continued his exercise, Vael sat on a nearby rock, watching with his usual unreadable expression.

Then, after a while, he spoke.

"You won't be able to survive without a Celestial Weapon."

Rai, still focusing on his energy blade, frowned. "Why? I have this, don't I?"

Vael scoffed. "That blade is useful, but it won't cut through most high-tier demon warriors. Every single one of them has a Celestial Weapon. If you ever fight them without one, you're already dead."

Rai hesitated. "So what exactly are they?"

Vael exhaled, leaning forward slightly. "Celestial Weapons are the greatest weapons ever forged. They are weapons infused with divine or demonic power, each one unique. They can only be wielded by those strong enough to control them."

Rai raised a brow. "And how do you get one?"

Vael's expression darkened slightly. "They're not easy to come by. Each one is forged using fragments of celestial materials—ancient stones, metals, or even the remains of fallen divine beings. The higher the quality, the stronger the weapon."

Rai's curiosity deepened. "So there are different levels of Celestial Weapons?"

Vael nodded. "Yes. The strength of a Celestial Weapon depends on the amount of celestial fragments used to create it. The more fragments, the more powerful it becomes. Some are forged with a balance of angelic and demonic essence, while others lean heavily toward one side. The strongest ones? They're not just weapons—they're legends."

Rai absorbed the information, his grip on his energy blade tightening.

"And yours?"

Vael's eyes flickered toward him. "What about mine?"

"Your daggers. They're Celestial Weapons, right?"

Vael was silent for a long moment before finally answering.

"Yes. But they're different."

Rai waited, but Vael didn't elaborate.

After a while, Rai sighed. "So basically, I need one if I want to survive."

Vael nodded. "If you ever fight a true high-tier warrior, yes. Without a Celestial Weapon, you'll be outmatched."

Rai exhaled. "And where do I get one?"

Vael smirked. "You're not ready for that yet."

Rai groaned. "Of course I'm not."

The Next Six Months

Vael stood, dusting off his coat. "Your priority for the next six months will be refining your energy blade and perfecting your control over your energy. No distractions. No wasted effort."

Rai sighed, letting his energy blade flicker out. "Great. Six months of swinging around an invisible sword."

Vael smirked. "Better than dying."

Rai rolled his eyes but said nothing.

Because deep down—he knew Vael was right.

And if Celestial Weapons were as powerful as Vael claimed, then one day, Rai would need one of his own.

But for now, all he could do was train.

End of chapter 20.