Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Trial of the First Fin

Kaido's breathing was steady, but his mind raced. The surge of power he had just experienced felt raw, untamed. His body still ached from the impact of the shockwave, yet something inside him craved more.

Indar emerged from the shadows once again, his piercing gaze locked onto Kaido.

"Power without control is meaningless," Indar said. "If you cannot command the First Fin, it will destroy you."

Kaido clenched his fists, the sensation of energy still flickering beneath his skin. "Then teach me," he demanded.

Indar raised a hand, and in an instant, the room around them shifted. The darkness receded, revealing a vast, open battlefield. Jagged rocks jutted from the ground, and an eerie wind howled through the empty expanse.

"Your first trial begins now."

A deep rumbling shook the ground, and from the distance, a creature emerged. Its form was monstrous—twisted, unnatural. Its body was covered in jagged scales, and dark, pulsating veins ran along its limbs. Unlike the eight-fin beasts Kaido had seen before, this one carried only a single fin.

"This is a creature of the First Fin," Indar said. "Defeat it, and you will learn to wield your power."

The beast let out a deafening roar and charged. Kaido barely had time to react before its clawed hand slashed toward him. He ducked, narrowly avoiding the strike, but the sheer force sent him skidding backward.

I'm too slow…

Kaido tightened his grip, trying to summon the power within him. He had felt it before—surging, untamed—but now, in the face of real danger, it remained dormant.

The creature lunged again. Kaido dodged, barely keeping ahead of its attacks. Every strike sent cracks through the rocky battlefield, each blow a reminder of his weakness.

"You hesitate," Indar observed. "You fear the power inside you."

Kaido gritted his teeth. He did fear it. This strength was not his—it belonged to something far greater, something unknown. But if he didn't use it now, he would die.

The beast roared once more, leaping toward him with deadly intent. This time, Kaido didn't run. He closed his eyes for a split second, focusing on the energy within him. He let go of his doubt, his hesitation—he embraced the First Fin.

A rush of power flooded his limbs. His vision sharpened, his movements became lighter. As the beast's claws came down, Kaido moved faster than he ever had before. He twisted his body, evading the attack with ease.

And then, without thinking, he struck.

His fist connected with the beast's chest, and a shockwave erupted from the impact. The creature howled in agony as cracks spread across its body. A second later, it shattered into nothingness.

Kaido stood there, his heart pounding, his fists still trembling with the lingering energy of the First Fin.

Indar nodded, his expression unreadable. "Now, you understand."

Kaido exhaled slowly. He had taken the first step, but he knew this was only the beginning. The First Fin had awakened, but eight more remained.

And each one w

ould be more dangerous than the last.

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