Chapter:9-Judgement

(Kael's mind remains trapped in the void between light and shadow. The voice continues to echo around him.)

??? (deep, ancient tone): "Endure, vessel."

(Kael clenches his fists, his body weightless in the abyss. The visions flashing before him grow clearer—a battlefield of shattered swords, a towering figure wielding a blade of radiant energy, and then—himself, standing before the very weapon that now binds him.)

Kael (thinking, struggling): What… is this?

(The blade before him hums with power. It is neither ordinary steel nor simple magic. It is something more. Something alive.)

(In the real world, Liza watches Kael's unconscious body, her hands trembling.)

Liza (softly, desperate): "Kael… Please wake up."

(The healers continue their efforts, but Kael does not stir. His breathing remains ragged, his body drenched in sweat.)

Healer: "His mind is elsewhere. We can heal his body, but his spirit—his very being—is in turmoil."

(Liza's father watches in silence. His sharp eyes take in every detail, but his expression remains unreadable.)

Liza (clenching her fists, voice breaking): "Why won't he wake up? He saved me… He doesn't deserve this."

(Then—)

(FOOTSTEPS.)

(A heavy presence fills the room as someone approaches. A man with dark, graying hair, dressed in a long, worn coat. His posture is relaxed, yet there is an undeniable authority in his gaze.)

Alden.

Alden (grumbling): "Hmph. This kid… Making things harder for himself."

(Liza turns sharply, eyes widening.)

Liza: "Alden?"

(Alden crosses his arms, his sharp gaze settling on Kael. He exhales, shaking his head.)

Alden (muttering to himself): "Stop making him suffer. He's just a kid."

(Inside Kael's Mind—The Blade's Judgment.)

(The ancient voice speaks once more, emotionless and absolute.)

??? "You have been chosen. You must prove yourself."

(Kael glares at the towering figure in front of him.)

Kael (gritting his teeth): "Chosen? I never asked for this!"

(The voice does not answer. Instead—)

(WHOOSH—!!!)

(The blade before him surges forward—straight toward his chest.)

Kael (eyes widening): "Tch—!"

(He raises his hands to defend himself, but the moment the blade touches him—his mind is consumed by blinding light and crushing darkness.)

(Kael's mind remains trapped in the void. The overwhelming presence continues to call him, but he does not respond. It is not the blade—it is something deeper, something vast and ancient.)

??? (voice straining, distant): "Vessel… hear me…"

(But Kael cannot. His consciousness is adrift, unaware of the force trying to reach him. The Fragment of Light pulses within him, seeking a connection, yet failing each time. He is not ready—not yet.)

(In the real world—Alden steps forward.)

(A thick tension fills the room. The healers continue their efforts, but none of their magic seems to reach Kael. His body is healed, yet he does not wake. Sweat drips from his forehead, his breathing uneven.)

Liza (desperate): "Alden, do something! He—he won't wake up!"

(Alden sighs, rubbing his temples.)

Alden: "Tch. Stubborn kid. He doesn't even know what's inside him."

(Liza stares at him, confused.)

Liza: "What are you talking about?"

(Alden doesn't answer her directly. Instead, he kneels beside Kael's unconscious body, placing a firm hand over his chest. A faint, golden glow radiates from his palm.)

Alden (muttering an incantation): "Bound by fate, yet lost in shadow—awaken, child. Open your eyes."

(For a moment, nothing happens. Then—Kael's body jolts violently.)

(Everyone in the room tenses. His fingers twitch, his breath sharpens, and his eyes—)

(Kael's eyes snap open—glowing faintly, as if reflecting a distant light.)

Kael (gasping, disoriented): "—!"

(Liza exhales in relief, gripping his arm.)

Liza: "Kael! You're awake!"

(Kael blinks rapidly, his vision blurry. He sees Liza first, then the unfamiliar ceiling above him, then—Alden.)

Kael (groggy): "Who…?"

(Alden huffs, standing up.)

Alden: "Finally. Thought you'd sleep forever, kid."

(Kael's heart pounds in his chest. He doesn't remember everything from his unconscious state—but one thing lingers in his mind. A voice. A presence. Something—or someone—was trying to reach him.)

Kael (thinking, frowning): What… was that?

Next: Kael's recovery, and the first hints of his connection to the Fragment of Light.