Chapter 30: THE ECHOES OF DARKNESS
Kaito stood alone in the aftermath of the storm, the silence surrounding him like a suffocating shroud.
The ground beneath him was cracked, scarred from the force of the battle, and the air hung heavy with the remnants of the energy that had collided. But in the stillness, Kaito could feel it—a whisper, soft yet unmistakable, echoing from the depths of his soul.
He closed his eyes, reaching deep within himself. The Abyss had retreated, but it had not disappeared. It was still there, lurking beneath the surface, like a dormant beast waiting to awaken once more.
Kaito could feel its presence, faint but insistent, a constant reminder of the power it held over him.
The golden light inside him still flickered, still fought to keep the darkness at bay, but it was no longer enough to banish the Abyss completely.
Why haven't I won? Kaito thought, frustration building in his chest. Why does it still linger? Why do I still feel it inside me?
For a moment, Kaito felt the weight of the burden pressing down on him.
The Abyss was not something he could simply defeat in battle. It was a part of him, a reflection of his darkest fears, his deepest regrets. It had taken root in his soul long ago, and no matter how hard he fought, no matter how many victories he won, it would always be there.
The air shifted suddenly, a chill creeping through the silence. Kaito's eyes snapped open.