Chapter 18: The Awakening

As his training progressed, Ithan began to sense a deeper connection to the Sigil. With each passing day, it felt less like a weapon and more like an extension of himself, a force of protection and power intertwined with his very soul.

Lyra guided him through exercises that combined combat with the magical control he had developed. They sparred often, pushing each other to their limits. During one intense session, a strange phenomenon occurred—his Sigil emitted a radiant light, and Lyra stumbled back, awe-stricken.

“That light… I’ve read about it. It’s called the Awakening,” she said, her voice barely a whisper.

Confused but intrigued, Ithan reached out, and the light seemed to respond, swirling around him like a shield.

“The Awakening is a state few reach,” Lyra explained. “It means you’ve become one with the Sigil. You can now channel its power without risking your own life force.”

In that moment, he realized the full gravity of his journey. The Hollow King was more powerful than he’d ever imagined, but so was he. They would clash, and only one of them would survive.

After a brief silence, Lyra stepped forward, her expression resolute. “Ithan, now that you’ve achieved this, there’s something you need to know. The Sigil you bear is one half of an ancient weapon. The other half lies with the Hollow King.”

The revelation sent a shock through him. “So, to end this… I have to face him directly.”

Lyra nodded. “Yes. But we’ll face him together.”

With a newfound determination and the Sigil’s power fully awakened, Ithan looked toward the horizon, ready for the final confrontation that awaited him.