Chapter 11 (Volume 2)
Fire covered the sky.
The Sanctuary trembled under the heat. The General of Flames stood tall, its burning eyes fixed on Ji Young.
Kael stepped forward. "Stay back."
Ji Young tightened his grip on the Lightbound Blade. "I can fight—"
"No. Watch… and learn."
A wave of fire exploded forward.
Kael raised his hand. A wall of light appeared.
BOOM!
Fire and light collided. The ground cracked. Ji Young pulled Ji Min behind him as the force shook the hall.
Kael moved.
Fast.
He appeared behind the General and struck. Light cut through flames.
The General turned instantly and punched forward. Kael blocked, but was pushed back.
"So this is the strength of a Watcher?" the General said.
Flames rose higher.
Ji Young stood frozen, watching every movement. *This… is real power.*
Ji Min held her chest. "The fire… it hurts…"
Her light flickered, trying to protect her.
The General's gaze shifted.
"The Light Vessel…"
It raised its arm. A massive fire attack formed.
Ji Young's eyes widened. "No!"
He ran forward and stood in front of Ji Min.
The fire crashed down.
"I will protect her!"
The Lightbound Blade shone brighter. Not full power—but stronger than before.
The flames split.
The attack weakened.
Kael's eyes sharpened. "He's pushing beyond control…"
Smoke filled the air.
Ji Young stood, breathing hard. The sword glowed steadily in his hand.
The General stared at him.
Then it smiled.
"Interesting… little Guardian."
Its flames began to fade.
"This is not your end. Not yet."
Fire swallowed its body, and it disappeared.
Silence returned.
Ji Young dropped to his knees, exhausted.
Kael walked toward him. "You did well."
"I'm still weak…" Ji Young said.
"Yes," Kael replied. "But now… you have taken your first real step."
Ji Min hugged him. "You saved me…"
Ji Young closed his eyes.
This time, he didn't feel powerless.
Far away in darkness, the General of Flames knelt.
"My king… the Guardian is growing."
A deep voice answered,
"Good."
A slow laugh echoed.
"Let him grow… so I can destroy him myself."