Chapter 14:

The Truth Behind the Contract

Veil of the Shadow Hunter


The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows across Leegna's room. Despite the warmth of the sun, Leegna felt a chill that had nothing to do with the weather. The events of the past few days had left him with a gnawing sense of unease, and the fleeting glimpses of the Time Guardians only added to his growing concerns.

-Determined to seek clarity, Leegna decided it was time to confront Yuj directly. He had felt the power coursing through him and saw the changes it had wrought, but he needed to understand the full scope of the contract he had made with the shadowy being. He called out to Yuj, his voice steady but filled with underlying tension.

Leegna :"Yuj, I need to speak with you. I want to know the truth about our contract and what you're really after."

The room seemed to darken as Yuj materialized, his form emerging from the shadows with an almost palpable gravity. His piercing eyes met Leegna's, and the air grew heavy with expectation.

"You seek answers," Yuj said, his voice a smooth, resonant murmur. "Very well. What is it that you wish to know?"

Leegna took a deep breath, his mind racing. "I want to understand the true nature of our contract. What did I give up, and what are you really gaining from this arrangement?"

Yuj's gaze remained inscrutable. "The contract you entered into is one of mutual exchange. You have been granted access to a portion of my power, a gift that comes with its own cost. In return for this power, you have agreed to offer a portion of your life force. This exchange is the foundation of our agreement."

Leegna's heart sank as he absorbed Yuj's words. "So, my life force is being used as currency? What does this mean for me? What will happen if I continue down this path?"

Yuj's expression shifted slightly, as if acknowledging the weight of Leegna's concern. "The power you have received enhances your ability to perceive celestial beings and their weaknesses. Your right eye, now marked with a darker blue hue, allows you to see and understand these entities more clearly. This insight can be a powerful tool in navigating the hidden forces that influence your world."

Leegna touched his right eye, the darker blue hue feeling like both a gift and a curse. "But what are the limitations of this power?"

Yuj's voice grew more somber. "You must be aware that while this power grants you extraordinary perception, it comes with significant constraints. You will find that you cannot interact with or affect objects and beings outside of the celestial realm with the same efficacy. Your ability to manipulate or harm such entities is limited."

Leegna's brow furrowed in confusion and frustration. "So, I can see these celestial beings and their weaknesses, but I can't actually touch or harm objects that aren't of the same realm?"

Yuj nodded. "Correct. The contract binds you to a specific realm of influence. The power you wield is focused on celestial entities, and your ability to affect the material world is restricted. You are bound to work within the confines of this arrangement."

The realization hit Leegna like a wave. He had assumed that the power would grant him more general capabilities, but the restrictions were a harsh reminder of the cost he had paid. His ability to perceive weaknesses was valuable, but it came with a significant drawback.

"Why?" Leegna asked, a note of anger creeping into his voice. "Why set it up this way? What is it that you truly want from me?"

Yuj's gaze grew more intense, and his voice took on a more commanding tone. "My motives are aligned with the greater balance of the cosmic order. Your role is to be a bridge between the realms, a force that can influence the celestial without directly intervening in the material world. Your power serves a purpose beyond your current understanding, and it is part of a larger design."

Leegna felt a surge of frustration and betrayal. "And what happens if I refuse to continue this arrangement?"

Yuj's expression remained inscrutable. "The terms of our contract are binding. To withdraw would have consequences that extend beyond mere physical limitations. Your role in the grand scheme is significant, and abandoning it would disrupt the balance that has been set in motion."

The weight of Yuj's words left Leegna with a profound sense of disquiet. The power he had gained came with strings attached, and the truth of his situation was both enlightening and troubling. He was caught in a web of cosmic forces and contracts, with implications he was only beginning to grasp.

As Yuj began to fade back into the shadows, Leegna felt a mix of resolve and apprehension. The revelations of the day had clarified his position, but they had also deepened the complexity of his journey. He was bound by a contract with hidden costs and faced with a power that was both a blessing and a limitation.

Leegna stood alone in his room, the weight of his choices heavy on his shoulders. The path ahead was fraught with challenges, and the true extent of his role in the cosmic balance was still shrouded in mystery. With a deep breath, he prepared himself for the journey that lay ahead, knowing that the stakes were higher than he had ever imagined.

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