Kael's sword clashed against the blade of his reflection, the shockwave from their strikes rippling through the air and shaking the walls of the Tower of Echoes. Sparks of golden light and shadow erupted with each collision, their auras swirling together in a violent dance of power.

His reflection grinned, an eerie mirror of Kael’s determination. "You can’t win this," it said, its voice mocking but steady. "I know every move you’ll make. I am you."

Kael pushed harder, his blade pressing against the reflection’s with unrelenting force. "Then you know I don’t quit," Kael shot back, twisting his blade to break the lock and spinning into a wide slash.

The reflection parried smoothly, countering with a thrust aimed at Kael’s chest. Kael dodged, his golden aura flaring as he unleashed a flurry of strikes. Each swing carried precision and power, his movements honed from years of relentless training.

But his reflection matched him blow for blow, their movements mirroring each other like a deadly dance.

"You're strong," the reflection admitted, blocking another strike and countering with a swift kick to Kael's side. The impact sent him stumbling back, but he quickly recovered, planting his feet and bracing himself.

"And you’re annoyingly persistent," Kael retorted, his grip tightening on his sword.

The reflection tilted its head, its golden aura flickering ominously. "But strength isn’t enough. You fight for others, but deep down, you know the truth. You fight because you’re afraid. Afraid of being powerless. Afraid of being alone."

Kael’s jaw clenched. The words cut deeper than any blade, striking at the core of his insecurities.

"Shut up!" he growled, charging forward with renewed intensity.

Their swords met again, the clash of metal reverberating through the chamber. Kael poured his energy into his strikes, his aura blazing like a wildfire. But the reflection met him head-on, its own power surging to match his.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

"Admit it," the reflection taunted, sidestepping Kael’s attack and slashing at his back. Kael spun just in time to block, the force of the blow sending him sliding backward. "You’re not a hero. You’re just a broken soul trying to piece yourself together. And you’ll never succeed."

Kael’s breathing was ragged, his arms trembling from the strain of the battle. But he refused to give in.

"Maybe I am broken," he said, his voice steady despite his exhaustion. "Maybe I’ve failed more times than I can count. But I’m still here. I’m still fighting."

The reflection smirked, its aura intensifying. "Then prove it. Show me the strength you claim to have."

Kael closed his eyes for a moment, centering himself. When he opened them, his golden aura flared brighter than ever, illuminating the entire chamber.

"I don’t need to prove anything to you," Kael said, his voice resolute. "Because I’m not fighting for you. I’m fighting for everyone who believes in me. For everyone I’ve lost. For everyone I can still save."

He raised his sword, the blade glowing with golden light. With a deep breath, Kael channeled all his energy into a single, decisive strike.

The reflection’s smirk faltered as Kael’s attack tore through its defenses, the sheer force of the blow shattering its sword and driving it to its knees.

Kael stood over the reflection, his sword poised for the final strike. But he hesitated, his gaze softening.

"You’re right," Kael said quietly. "I am afraid. I’ve made mistakes. But those mistakes don’t define me. What defines me is what I choose to do now."

The reflection looked up at him, its expression unreadable. "Then finish it," it said, its voice almost... accepting.

Kael lowered his sword, his golden aura fading. "No. You’re a part of me, and I won’t deny that. But I won’t let you control me, either. I’ll face my fears, my doubts, and my failures. And I’ll rise above them."

The reflection stared at him for a moment before nodding slowly. "Perhaps you’re stronger than I thought."

Its form began to dissolve, the golden light fading into the air. Kael watched as the reflection disappeared, leaving him alone in the chamber.

The voice of the tower echoed once more. "You have faced yourself and emerged victorious. Few achieve such a feat. Continue, Kael Zephyrion. Your journey is far from over."

A door materialized at the far end of the chamber, its surface inscribed with glowing runes. Kael sheathed his sword and approached the door, his steps steady and determined.

As he stepped through, the weight of the battle lifted, replaced by a sense of clarity. He didn’t know what lay ahead, but for the first time in a long time, he felt ready to face it.

Kael’s journey through the Tower of Echoes was not just a test of strength—it was a test of his very soul. And though the path before him remained uncertain, one thing was clear: he would keep moving forward, no matter what challenges awaited him.