The academy grounds seemed quieter than usual as Kael followed Kaede, their footsteps the only sound echoing through the still night. The air felt heavy with tension, as if the entire world was holding its breath.
Kaede led him down a winding path toward a secluded area of the academy that Kael had never seen before. The further they went, the less like a school it seemed. Stone walls, old and weathered, began to replace the sleek, modern designs of the main academy building. This place was ancient.
They stopped before a massive gate. A set of twin stone statues flanked it, each one carved in the likeness of an armored warrior with their swords drawn.
"This is the training ground," Kaede explained, voice lowering as if the place itself demanded respect. "Only a few have ever stepped inside, and even fewer have made it out. It's where Wielders are tested in ways the academy can't prepare them for."
Kael's stomach tightened. "I didn't think we were that far along yet."
Kaede smiled. It wasn't the warm kind. It was the smile of a man who'd seen more than his fair share of battles—and scars.
"You're already in over your head, Kael. But don't worry. You'll be fine as long as you listen."
Without another word, Kaede pushed open the gate. The air inside felt different—charged, as though every step Kael took was another notch closer to an untapped power.
The ground was covered in soft moss, a contrast to the harsh stone around them. However, as they walked further in, Kael noticed the shadows growing thicker, pressing in on them like they were alive.
"This place... feels wrong," Kael muttered, trying to shake off the unease that crept up his spine.
Kaede didn't answer immediately. He was scanning the area, eyes sharp and calculating. "This is no ordinary place. It's designed to test your limits. It's where you'll face your deepest fears—and, perhaps, your own past."
They reached a stone platform in the center of the field. It was surrounded by a ring of black stones, ancient runes carved into them.
"Step into the center," Kaede instructed, voice low.
Kael hesitated. Something about the runes felt… ominous.
"I've seen these before," Kael said, squinting at the symbols. "They're from the Fracture."
Kaede nodded grimly. "Correct. These runes are tied to ancient Wills. Ones that have been long sealed away after the war. Some, like yours, have the potential to unlock devastating powers. Others… to destroy entire worlds."
"Do you think I can control it?" Kael asked, unsure.
Kaede's gaze softened, but there was something unreadable in it. "I don't know. But that's why you're here."
Kael took a deep breath, stepping cautiously into the center of the platform.
The air seemed to grow still, and for a brief moment, Kael felt himself surrounded by shadows—an eerie calm overtaking him.
And then, suddenly, the ground beneath him cracked open.
Kael instinctively jumped back, but it was too late. The shadows seemed to surge from the cracks, dark tendrils wrapping around his legs and pulling him down.
"Kael!" Kaede shouted, but Kael couldn't move. The shadows clung to him, suffocating him, dragging him into the depths below.
A voice echoed in his mind, low and distant. "You've awakened. You can no longer run from what you are."
Kael's vision blurred as he struggled to breathe, but he heard Kaede's voice cutting through the darkness.
"Focus! Use the Will! Control it!"
But Kael had no idea how. His powers had always come out in moments of desperation, without warning. He was still too scared of the force inside him.
Then the shadows shifted.
They split apart, revealing something—or rather, someone—standing before him. It was a figure, cloaked in darkness, with burning violet eyes staring down at him.
"Do you fear this power?" the figure asked, voice both familiar and strange.
Kael's heart hammered in his chest. He could feel the Last Will stirring deep within him, as if it recognized this figure. It wasn't just an enemy, but a part of him—an echo of something greater, darker.
"I don't want this," Kael gasped, struggling against the pull of the shadows.
"Then prove it," the figure said. "Prove that you're worthy of the power you fear."
The shadows closed in again, and for a split second, Kael thought he might lose himself in them.
But something clicked.
The memories flashed back—his brother's disappearance, Tetsu bleeding out in front of him, the pain of loss, of weakness. His deepest fears.
And then the floodgate opened.
The shadows around him began to warp, twisting into his command. They no longer consumed him—they bent to his will.
Kael lifted his arms, pushing the shadows away, feeling the power surge through him like never before. His body was no longer trembling—it was alive with raw energy, an unstoppable force.
The figure in front of him grinned, disappearing into the darkness as Kael stood tall, finally in control.
Behind him, Kaede watched in silence, a knowing look in his eyes.
"You're not just any Wielder, Kael Renji," he muttered under his breath. "You're a force of nature."