Chapter 15: The Echo of Blades
The world blurred.
Valerian's sword met the original's in a clash that cracked the very fabric of the vale. Sparks erupted like dying stars, their impact sending shockwaves through the canyon. Obsidian shards jutted from the earth, splitting as if the land itself recoiled from their duel.
Valerian's breath was ragged. Every swing against this twisted version of himself felt like striking against inevitability. This was more than battle—it was a reckoning.
"You think you're strong?" the original sneered, pressing forward. "You're a shadow. A contingency. I made you."
Their swords locked, faces inches apart. The older Valerian's eyes glowed with a corrupted brilliance—red and silver warping like a bleeding moon. "You were never meant to win. You were meant to unlock the door and die."
Valerian gritted his teeth, forcing the blade aside and slamming his fist into the man's face. "Then maybe I'll rewrite the plan."
> [System Alert: Unstable Temporal Zone Detected. Combat Buffs Activated Temporarily. +20% Strength, +10% Agility. Duration: 5 minutes.]
Valerian surged forward, faster now. Umbra moved to intercept, but the original raised a hand.
"Don't," he ordered. And to Valerian's surprise, Umbra stopped. Confused. Conflicted.
"What did you do to him?!" Valerian shouted.
"I didn't do anything," the original said with a twisted grin. "He remembers who made him."