Enigma Grove
At the entrance of the Enigma Grove stood Kage and Vayuna, their eyes scanning the forest. "The energy inside the forest feels stronger than it normally should be," she remarked, a sense of unease creeping into her voice.
"Did someone put more creatures in here that weren't needed?" Kage speculated.
The Nexus Academy had devised two distinct methods for populating the Enigma Grove with creatures for the training and practice of the Nexarc students. The first method involved a special team of skilled Nexarc workers who ventured into other realms, capturing a variety of creatures to put into the Grove. This hands-on approach not only tested the prowess of the workers but also allowed for a arranged selection of creatures that offered unique challenges to the students.
The second method involved the use of an automated magical portal. This enchanted portal continuously searched other realms for diverse creatures, instantly transporting them into the Grove. The advantage of this method lay in its efficiency, ensuring a steady influx of creatures without the need for direct intervention.
However, as with any magical system, there were limitations. The Enigma Grove had a predefined capacity, and the portal's operation required careful monitoring. If the portal was left open for too long or if an excessive number of creatures gathered near it simultaneously, it could lead to an unintended overflow, exceeding the Grove's limits and potentially causing unforeseen consequences.
Vayuna folded her arms, tapping her finger on her arm. "But it doesn't feel like the energy of the creatures, but the energy of the dead," she commented.
Kage and Vayuna, well-versed in the dynamics of the Enigma Grove, understood the unspoken rules of survival within its confines. The competition among Nexarc students to grow stronger often led to confrontations, ranging from battles to theft.
However, the current situation raised alarms for them being. The presence of a flowing blue mist, permeating the air with death energy, was an aberration not typical of the Enigma Grove. In their eyes, capable of detecting various energy types, the unnatural mist signaled a disturbance that transcended the usual interactions between students.
Leaves, once vibrant with the essence of life, now withered and crumbled to ash in the wake of the ominous mist. The air, once filled with the nocturnal symphony of creatures, fell silent, as if nature itself acknowledged the encroaching darkness with an eerie stillness.
Kage and Vayuna exchanged a glance, the weight of concern etched in their eyes.
"Do you reckon it's connected to the missing students?" Kage asked.
"Most likely, but there's something deeper at play," Vayuna replied. "I just can't quite put my finger on."
"Let's get moving. With any luck, we'll locate Kira and uncover whatever's emitting this death energy," Kage suggested, the urgency evident in his tone.
...
Underground once more, Alexei made the conscious decision to steadfastly accompany Kira, Entrusting her faith in Kira's guidance, they navigated as they made their way to the exit, finding themselves before a weathered, rusted door.
Kira looked at Alexei with hope. "Are you ready?" she asked. "Because from here on out, there will be no turning back to return to your old wasted life when there's so much more to do."
Alexei took multiple deep breaths. "I'm ready... and as you said, there's so much more waiting for me outside. I just want to do something else besides staying underground with no one to talk to."
A persistent question had been lingering in Kira's mind for quite some time. Despite witnessing the actions and deeds of Morgana, the question remained, why hadn't she chosen to escape? Her reason is the lingering emotions Alexei harbored for Morgana, a remnant of affection that endured even as they continued to explore multiple realms together, mutually aiding and supporting each other.
Pushing open the creaking, old rusted door, they were greeted by the warmth of the sun and the gentle caress of the breeze against their skin. Alexei, taken by surprise, found herself momentarily frozen, having not experienced sunlight for years. Inhaling deeply, she absorbed the fresh air into her body, radiating a newfound softness that enveloped her. Kira, sensing this subtle transformation, felt a shift in Alexei's demeanor.
"Everything feels and looks so good," Alexei said happily.
"I see you managed to escape," Kira and Alexei suddenly heard the sound of Morgana. 'I wondered what happened to Alexei. She shouldn't have failed me, right?' Morgana thought.
As she strolled around a large boulder near the rusted door, Morgana remained oblivious to Alexei's presence until she emerged right in front of Kira. Startled to her core, Morgana shock was palpable as she finally laid eyes on Alexei.
"Alexei!" Morgana screamed at Alexei, causing her to bow her head. "What are you doing? You caused her escape."
"...No, Motherwitch, I just didn't want to kill her," Alexei replied softly, but Morgana heard her.
"Haha! Alexei, are you kidding me right? You helped her escape because you didn't want to kill her when I specifically ordered you to kill anyone who goes underground," Morgana laughed out, looking at Alexei with an intense gaze.
Alexei didn't answer but kept her head bowed. As Kira was about to speak, Morgana spoke again.
"Alexei, quickly retreat back underground. I'll handle you once I finish with her, considering it appears you couldn't manage it," Morgana murmured with a subtle threat in her hushed and rapid tone.
Alexei began to release Kira's hand to return back underground, but Kira tightened her grip around Alexei's hand.
"Alexei isn't going anywhere back. She doesn't deserve this kind of life you have given her," Kira said.
"You shut up. I gave Alexei the best life I can," Morgana retorted.
"That's what you think for yourself."
"Even if I felt for it myself, she knew and seen that I did it for her."
"Alexei, I can't believe my eyes? Here you are, still lingering around. Are you really defying my orders at this very moment?" Morgana exclaimed in astonishment. T
Morgana was genuinely surprised to find Alexei still standing before her. Alexei had never defied her before, always adhering to every word without question. While Morgana disliked resistance, she rarely had to repeat herself or issue a command twice Alexei simply followed obediently. This really left Morgana taken aback.
"She doesn't have to take orders from you. She's not your pet," Kira said defiantly.
"Alexei, my dear... Whatever hopes and lies she may have filled your mind with, I'll make sure to take care of them... Permanently," Morgana stated softly, her tone carrying a subtle threat.
Suddenly, Alexei looked up at Morgana with a steely and intense gaze. "Morgana, I've come to a realization. I'm no longer taking orders from you, and I don't want you in control of my life. Despite exploring multiple realms and learning from you, I believed you could change once you achieved your goals. Today, I understand that your stubbornness prevents you from truly listening, no matter what anyone says. But now, I want to change my life. After everything I've done for you, I just want redemption," Alexei expressed with a sense of hope.
"So, that's what you want," Morgana said softly before looking at Kira. "So, you think by gaining Alexei on your side, you will defeat me..."
"Why would I when I know I will," Kira said aloud.
Kira released Alexei's hand, her leg healed enough for her to stand on her own. Alexei stood back, uncertain of what to do.
"Shadow Blades!"
Kira quickly conjured three shadow blades, sending them toward Morgan to test out her abilities.
"Sinister Souls!"
Meanwhile, Morgan conjured a flowing ball of uneven blue mist, sending it into the air toward Kira. Instead of heading straight for her, the ball burst in the air, unleashing tendrils of small flaming skulls that screamed through the air. They collided with Kira's shadow blades, destroying them, and continued straight toward her.
"Kira watch out" Alexei shouted in worry.
Despite Alexei's warning, Kira had already anticipated the incoming attack. She deftly sidestepped, and the skulls exploded on the ground behind her, causing the earth to decay. She moved slowly to the side, dodging another wave of flaming skulls.
Suddenly, blue-spiked, glowing chains emerged from the ground, tightly wrapping around Kira.
"Got you!. Welcome to my Hexbound Chains of Agony!" Morgana declared.