Chapter 19: The First Contact

The palace trembled. The walls, made of bone and scorched obsidian, pulsed with something that felt alive. Lava cracked and hissed in the veins of the floor, casting an amber glow. Chains rattled in the distance—like metal being dragged across hell. Zayn whispered, “This isn’t a palace. It’s… a prison.” Riven had her blade drawn already, eyes scanning the throne room ahead. Lilu clung tightly to Kael’s arm. Her voice barely rose above a breath, “I don’t like this place.” A voice, deep and layered like a chorus of grinding metal, echoed through the chamber.
“So… you’ve come. Little blades. Flickering lights. Thinking you can reach the sky while standing in ash.” A tall, figure stepped out of the shadows. Towering. Wrapped in molten chains, its body shimmered like a see-through black metal, revealing blood coursing like lava underneath. Its eyes were fire. Its form shifted constantly—at times regal, other times a monstrous skeletal titan. Rakka. He was beautiful and hideous all at once. Unholy. Kael stepped forward. “You’re Rakka. Ruler of this Realm?” Rakka’s voice was cruel silk. “A ruler? No. I am the chain that binds the scream. The silence that ends prayers.” Nyra raised her weapon. “Then why talk? Why wait? Let’s end this.” Rakka tilted his head. “Still impatient. Like your mother, Zayn.” Zayn’s jaw clenched. “You knew my mother?” “I burned her eyes shut when she refused to bow.” Zayn aimed his rifle. “I’ll return the favor.” Before he could fire, the ground cracked beneath them. A hologram—thin and wavering—appeared above them. A hooded figure. Its face unseen. But the pressure it emitted was undeniable. Rakka suddenly dropped to one knee. Chains whipped back. He bowed. Riven whispered, terrified, “Who the hell is that?” The hooded voice spoke once.
“You have failed, Rakka.” Rakka trembled. “I-I have kept the sword from awakening the Rakshak…” “They are here. The sword is near. If you cannot stop them, I will.” Then, the hologram vanished. Lilu, frightened, asked, “Was that Rashka…?” Rakka stood slowly. “He is not to be named. I do not serve him. I survive despite him.” His form rippled. The royal shape melted away into full demonic horror.
Flesh like iron cables. Joints glowing with heat. Teeth that curved like scimitars. He roared, and the palace screamed with him. Kael pushed Lilu behind. “Run!” Rakka charged. Chains flew from his body like living weapons. One slammed into Riven, flinging her across the hall. Zayn fired three shots—two bounced off, the third hit exposed flesh. Rakka bled molten light. “You will not touch the Door to the Second Realm!” Rakka’s voice thundered. Lilu stepped forward, sword in her hand. The holy one. The one they found in the temple. “Stay back!” Kael yelled. “You’ll get killed!” She raised the sword anyway. “I’m not afraid!” she shouted. “If I’m the one who must end this… then I will!” Rakka smiled—wicked and pitiful. “You? A child with stolen metal?” He rushed toward her—faster than anything that size should move. A chain lashed out, wrapped around Lilu’s waist, lifted her in the air. She screamed.
The metal seared her skin. Kael ran forward, trying to cut the chain. Zayn shot again. Nothing worked. Rakka laughed, “You think this sword makes you divine? You think fate protects you?” Then—he tightened the chain. Blood spilled. Lilu cried out. Rakka whispered, “Let me show you what fear tastes like…” Suddenly—light exploded. A voice spoke like wind.
“Enough.” Ravaa. He appeared from nowhere, calm and golden, walking across the molten stone like it was water. He raised his hand—and the chain turned to smoke. Lilu fell. Kael caught her. “You left us!” Nyra shouted. “I had to speak with someone,” Ravaa replied. “Now… I fight.” But before anyone could react—Ravaa was gone again. Vanished. As if he were never there. Rakka stood, smirking. “He always runs.” Zayn said, growling, “Then we fight alone.” And the five stood—bruised, scorched, bloodied—but burning with fire. The battle had only begun.