Kai’s legs trembled as the giant spider screeched, its pale eyes fixed on him, mandibles clicking furiously. He stumbled back, mind racing, heart pounding against his ribs.

  He forced his shaking hands together, closing his eyes just for a heartbeat. He remembered his sister’s voice — calm, patient, guiding him late into the night when they trained by the river.

  The air shifted. The carvings on the walls pulsed faintly. The river murmured at his feet.

  Kai exhaled — and the water answered.

  The mist thickened. A thin veil of water rose around his body, twisting and swirling, catching the faint light. His figure shimmered — and then blurred, fading into the mist.

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  The spider paused, legs tensed. It twitched, scanning the space — but Kai was gone.

  Hidden in the mist, Kai crouched low, creeping silently around the rocks. His heartbeat steadied, his mind sharpened. He moved like the river — flowing where the spider couldn’t see.

  The spider lunged forward, slamming its legs into the water where Kai had just stood. Stone shattered, sending droplets spraying. But Kai was already behind it, gathering water between his palms.

  With a sharp breath, he hurled a blast at the spider’s rear leg.

  The creature shrieked, staggering slightly, whipping around — but Kai melted into the mist again. It struck wildly, claws scraping stone, but only met fog and water.

  For the first time, Kai smirked slightly.

  Above, Aiko skidded down the last slope, eyes wide as she saw the flickering mist and the spider’s thrashing form. Her gaze darted around — and then she saw it. A faint shape darting in and out of the fog, striking swiftly, slipping away unseen.

  She leapt down, drawing her own weapon, ready to join the fight.

  In the ravine, Kai felt his energy draining, but he stood tall, determination blazing in his eyes. The spider roared in frustration, tearing at the mist.

  Kai whispered, the river swirling at his feet.

  Author’s Note (After the Chapter)

  even crazier from here…

  — Author ??