The creak of the heavy door echoed through the empty corridors of the temple as the team stepped inside. The air was stale and damp, and the walls were covered in ancient inscriptions, almost worn away by time. Lux ran his hand over one of the symbols, trying to decipher them.

“This is the ancient language of the gods,” he said thoughtfully, leaning in closer. “Had I known I’d find something like this, I would’ve studied it more.”

“Doubt your book knowledge will help us,” Immunis grunted, giving him a sidelong glance. “We’re not here for a history lesson.”

“Oh, come on,” Velos smirked, looking around. “Let him have his fun while we still have time.”

Fauna interrupted them, quietly listening to the sounds around them. Her eyes, already slightly transformed, gleamed in the dim light.

“We’re not alone,” she whispered. “I can sense other presences.”

“Can you feel anything specific?” Kaine asked cautiously, keeping a bit behind. He had the same feeling, but his unease stemmed from something deeper than just potential enemies lurking in the shadows. It was something within himself.

“There are many,” Fauna’s voice trembled. “And they’re watching us.”

At that moment, something burst from the darkness. A huge, shapeless creature of shadow and light. Lux instantly activated his ability, his hands glowing with bright green light, ready to heal or attack. Velos was already beside Fauna, covering her with his body.

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“Get it together!” Kaine shouted, his voice sounding more confident than he felt. “They’re just illusions!”

But the creatures didn’t disappear. In fact, they seemed to become more real, and one of them lunged at Kaine. He dodged, but felt something cold wrap around his leg, pulling him to his knees.

“No, this can’t be real... Or can it?”

He looked up and saw the shadows surrounding his friends. Lux was battling with brightly glowing orbs, trying to keep the creatures at bay. Fauna had taken the form of a large cat, her fangs gleaming in the darkness. Immunis stood still, his mask trembling as poisonous spikes grew from his body, warding off the monsters.

“Why... Why is this place affecting me so much?”

“Kaine!” Velos shouted, snapping him out of his trance. “Get it together!”

He closed his eyes, trying to focus. He had to remember what made him strong. The shadows enveloping his body were more than just illusions—they were a reflection of his own fears. And then Kaine felt it... that connection. As if something was responding to his call.

“I... won’t give in,” he whispered through gritted teeth, clenching his fists. “You won’t break me!”

With a force that was almost unbearable, he thrust his hand forward, and the shadows suddenly obeyed. They moved around him, wrapping his figure like a cloak.

“What are you doing?” Lux shouted, watching in astonishment.

“Controlling it...” Kaine responded, his eyes glowing red. “I’m controlling my power!”

The shadows around him vibrated and then dissipated, vanishing into the air. The other creatures threatening the team disappeared as well, leaving only silence.

“Not bad,” Immunis said, stepping closer. “But this is just the beginning, isn’t it?”

Kaine nodded, feeling his heart slow down. His strength was leaving him, and he could barely stay on his feet. But something had changed inside him. A new part of himself had awakened.

“We have to keep going,” he said quietly, looking at the massive doors hidden in the shadows. “It’s the only way we’ll find the answers.”