Trial By Fire Part 1

Chapter 30: Trial By Fire Part 1

The demon shaman lunged, its claws trailing wisps of dark energy. Shiro, spurred by the God of Death's words, finally reacted with intent. Golden light erupted from his palms, raw Kegou coalescing into a chaotic blast.

"Burn Weave!" the voice echoed in his mind, the first tendrils of understanding weaving into his actions. The blast struck the demon, forcing it back, but the dark energy around it flickered, absorbing the impact.

The demon hissed, its eyes burning brighter. Illusions shimmered around Shiro – his mother, his friends, their faces twisting into grotesque mockeries. "Not this time!" he roared, forcing his eyes shut. He focused on the chaotic energy within, feeling its raw power. The God of Death's voice guided him. "Feel the threads, Shiro! The tension in their weave! They are lies, born of fear!"

He could feel them now – subtle vibrations in the air, a discordant hum against the steady thrum of his own Kegou. He lashed out blindly, golden tendrils of energy tearing through the illusions. The demon snarled, its claws extending into wicked blades of solidified shadow. It moved with impossible speed, a blur of darkness. Shiro barely dodged, feeling a searing pain as one of the blades grazed his arm.