The first strike came fast, a streak of darkness slicing through the air toward him. Jude reacted on instinct, his body moving before his mind could process. He twisted, the attack barely missing him, dissipating into nothing as it struck the ground.
Another came. Then another.
Jude dodged, his pulse hammering. The shadows were alive, writhing, striking at him with an intelligence that was not their own.
He clenched his fists, summoning the power within him. The memories, the knowledge, they surged forward, guiding him. His body responded, energy crackling through his veins.
When the next attack came, he did not dodge.
He met it.
A burst of light flared from his palm as he intercepted the shadow's strike, the impact sending a shockwave through the ruins. The darkness recoiled, twisting violently before retreating into the air.
Jude exhaled, his stance firm.
The figure watched.
"You are not yet complete," it said. "But you are close."
