Title: The Face I Fear
The Mirrorlands shimmered like a dream turned inside out. Mountains floated. Trees grew upside-down. Lakes reflected not water—but memories.
Kael stepped forward, heart thudding.
Each step he took, he saw echoes—of his younger self. Crying. Failing. Screaming into a pillow. Wishing he was someone else.
Azrion:
"The seal is inside that temple… but beware. This place reflects the truth you run from."
Inside the glass temple, silence reigned. Then
Kael saw himself.
A mirror-version. Taller. Stronger. A wicked grin. Eyes full of hatred and pride.
Mirror-Kael:
"You think you've grown stronger? You're still weak. Just Azrion's puppet. Without him, you're nothing."
The clone moved like lightning, kicking Kael across the room.
Kael (groaning):
"You're not me…"
Mirror-Kael:
"No. I'm who you were meant to be. Angry. Vengeful. Powerful. Not this pathetic idealist clinging to kindness."
They clashed—fists colliding, spells crackling, the glass world shattering around them.
But the more Kael fought, the stronger the mirror grew. Because fighting meant denial.
Until Kael stopped.
He dropped his sword.
Kael (calmly):
"You're right. I was weak. I was angry. I was filled with hate."
The mirror flickered.
Kael:
"But I chose something different. I chose to protect… not destroy."
His symbol blazed. The mirror shattered. The seal behind it cracked and dissolved.
Kael fell to his knees, exhausted but free.
Azrion (in awe):
"You didn't just defeat him. You forgave him. That… was strength."