Chapter 22: The River’s Trial
Kael sank deeper into the River Styx. Slowly, his vision began to fade.
He found himself dreaming.
"Damn it, I’ve been dreaming way too much lately," he murmured.
But this was different. He recognized this place.
It was the same place where Kael had seen that man when he picked up his father’s sword. The figure still sat alone in the distance, unmoving. But this time, something was different. The unknown man got to his feet and walked toward Kael slowly.
With each step, his face became clearer.
His eyes were dead. Hollow. They carried the weight of someone who had lost almost everything. His expression had no warmth—only the remnants of a soul long worn out. His armor hung poorly on his body, damaged. He looked like a man who had fought numerous battles and won.
Kael looked at the man and mumbled, "Who are you? Why do I keep seeing you?"
His voice came out quieter than he intended.
At first, the man said nothing. He just stared at him. Then, with a disgusted look on his face, he asked, "What are you doing?"
Kael frowned. "Do I know you?"