[ Diluc’s Perspective ]
I carried Aren’s bloodied and unconscious body through the grand halls of the Celestial Sanctum. His breathing was shallow, his body cold from the blood loss.
Sylvie and Caelia were already waiting at the High Priest's chambers. The sight of Aren’s battered form made Sylvie pale.
"Aren!" she gasped, rushing forward.
Caelia's voice was strained. "What happened to him?"
My throat felt dry. I had no answer—not one that would make sense.
The High Priest approached, his face grim as he examined Aren's injuries. His fingers traced the burns and deep gashes etched across Aren's body.
"These wounds," the High Priest muttered, "were inflicted by elemental magic. Fire and earth. A skilled mage did this."
Caelia’s expression darkened. "How did Aren survive against a mage of that level?"
The High Priest's brow furrowed. "Any ordinary boy wouldn't have."
I clenched my fists, watching as they carried Aren to the healing chambers. I had an idea Aren is strong, but this... this was beyond what I had expected.
The air around us felt heavy, as if something unseen lingered. I had sensed it when I found Aren lying unconscious—the faint presence of something dark and powerful.
But when I searched the battlefield, I found no sign of the mage’s body. Only scorched earth and shattered stones remained.
No trace. No explanation.
Just that strange, lingering darkness.
I exhaled sharply, pushing the thought away. There was only one thing I knew for sure:
I had to grow stronger.
This wouldn’t happen again—not to Aren, not to anyone.
“I swear,” I muttered under my breath, “the next time I stand before an enemy, they won’t even have a chance.”
---
[Scene Transition: Alaric’s Pursuit]
The city streets were drenched in chaos. Flames flickered against the darkened sky, casting long shadows over fleeing citizens.
The leader of the Eclipse Order stumbled, blood dripping from a deep gash on his side. His breath came in ragged gasps, but desperation kept him moving.
Behind him, Alaric Wolfhart was relentless. His black hair gleamed under the moonlight, and his eyes were cold with fury.
Each step he took was measured, his presence bending the very air around him. His aura was a crushing force, and the leader could feel it drawing closer.
Up ahead, a figure emerged from the shadows—the Stage 5 swordsman of the Eclipse Order. His eyes narrowed at the sight of his injured leader.
“You’re hurt,” the swordsman noted calmly..
Several masked members of the organization followed behind, carrying a sealed container.
“Faster,” the leader snarled, pain etched across his face.
The swordsman glanced back, his eyes narrowing. “He’s chasing us.”
The leader cursed under his breath. “Our information was wrong. Alaric wasn’t supposed to be here.”
Their boots echoed against the cobblestone streets as they turned a sharp corner, moving toward a hidden passage near the city's outer wall.
The leader’s voice was tight. “Did you secure the target?”
The swordsman nodded. “Yes.”
“Good. We are retreating now.”
One of the masked members hesitated. “But Alaric—”
“I don’t care. We have what we came for,” the leader snapped.
As if summoned by their fear, Alaric appeared at the end of the alleyway. His eyes were glacial, devoid of mercy.
“You won’t escape,” he declared, his voice sharp and unyielding.
The swordsman tensed, gripping his weapon.
The leader growled, “We will fight another day.”
In a blur of shadows, the Eclipse members disappeared into the night.
Alaric’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t pursue them.
Tonight’s battle was over. But this was far from the end.
To be continued...
Please log in to leave a comment.