Chereads / Abyssal Path : Ascent Of The Arcane Swordsman / Chapter 42 - Interlude: Searing Memories I

Chapter 42 - Interlude: Searing Memories I

Aether City is a renowned metropolis recognized for its advanced medical technology and skilled healthcare professionals who possesses a myriad of elemental abilities tailored for healing and support.

Nestled in the vast landscape of the Central State, this city boasted unparalleled medical expertise capable of treating even the most severe injuries.

Consequently, it became a favored destination for aspiring healers and support practitioners, both young and old, seeking to hone their magical talents in the domain of healthcare.

Within the confines of one of the opulent five-star hospitals in the city, a towering, muscular figure with lustrous golden hair paced restlessly.

His imposing presence was accentuated by the ethereal wisps of golden flames that danced and flickered around him, serving as a vivid reflection of his inner turmoil.

The mere fact that his emotions could manifest in the form of flickering flames showcased the immense magnitude of his power—a realm far surpassing that of a mere Grandmaster Mage.

His extravagant wealth was underscored by the audacious notion that he had effortlessly secured ownership of this very hospital for the past nine months.

This ostentatious display of authority, power, and wealth, however, paled in comparison to the true extent of his capabilities when he decided to unleash his full potential.

One could not grasp the significance of such a spectacle without comprehending the exorbitant costs associated with even the most minor burn injuries within facilities of this caliber.

Charles "Blazing Fiend" Steele, is a man of formidable repute and the reigning Supreme Leader of the infamous Nightmare Brigade.

Holding a position that fell just beneath the Monarch of this treacherous criminal organization, he commanded both fear and respect.

However, in the wake of today's momentous occasion—the birth of his daughter—Charles found himself humbled, reduced to the vulnerability of any ordinary man.

Despite the hospital's impeccable track record of achieving a 100% delivery rate, anxiety gnawed at his heart, for even the assurance of perfection couldn't quell the paternal worries that consumed him.

Abruptly, the doors of the ICU swung open with force, startling Charles. A nurse emerged, her voice urgent yet retaining a touch of politeness, addressing the man known as Mr. Charles.

Despite the ruthless reputation he held, the nurse never faltered in her courteous demeanor. It was widely acknowledged how fearsome this man could be.

However, as Charles entered the room, his body trembled with a mix of excitement and anticipation, a stark contrast to his usual stoic composure.

On the hospital bed lay his wife, her beauty seemingly enhanced even after enduring the rigors of labor.

Her lustrous brown hair glimmered beneath the luminescent crystal panels adorning the walls, casting a gentle, iridescent radiance.

The faint breeze surrounding her hinted at her considerable strength as a mage, albeit in an imbalanced state, giving rise to an airy but somewhat unstable aura.

Yet, no one minded, for each mage present was among the finest in their craft, their magical prowess awe-inspiring to behold.

However, what truly lit up Charles' face with unmistakable joy was the presence of a brown-haired girl nestled in the embrace of his beloved wife, Jasmine Steele.

The hospital room resounded with the delightful sound of her laughter as she gazed at the golden-haired man who adorned her with silly expressions.

Adding to the enchanting atmosphere was the sight of dancing golden flames upon Charles' hand.

Flames that had once incinerated towns and individuals now served as a source of amusement for the adorable baby.

The once serene atmosphere shattered like fragile glass as the holographic screens suspended in the air displayed Jasmine's flickering vital signs, a distressing sight that abruptly halted the joyous celebration.

The room, once filled with laughter and warmth, now became a haunting symphony of dread and worry.

A collective gasp escaped the lips of everyone present, their faces contorting with horror and disbelief.

The weight of the situation bore heavily upon their expressions, etching lines of concern and fear.

All eyes were drawn to the delicate figure of the baby, blissfully unaware of the impending danger, continuing to laugh at the mesmerizing dance of golden flames that twirled above her father's hand.

However, the gravity of the situation was not lost on the skilled magic healers in the room.

Their eyes betrayed a silent understanding, a recognition of the imminent threat that loomed over them.

They knew all too well that the stakes were perilously high, for their healing powers were no match for the devastating might of a combat mage.

The realization that failure could lead to their destruction weighed heavily upon their shoulders, yet they remained resolute in their determination to find a solution.

However, despite their unwavering resolve and tireless efforts, there were moments when circumstances unfold beyond the reach of mortal control.

The heavy door leading to the realm of death creaked open, shattering the fragile hopes that had been woven with intricate spells and the harnessing of healing energies through advanced medical technology.

The healers, their faces etched with deep lines of concern, were confronted with an unfathomable predicament.

Jasmine's sudden ailment remained an enigma, defying their understanding of illness and bodily malfunction.

The weight of the unknown bore down upon them, casting a suffocating pall over the room. They were acutely aware of the grim reality that loomed before them.

Should Jasmine succumb to the mysterious affliction, their own lives would surely follow suit. An indescribable tension permeated the air, suffusing the room with an oppressive unease.

The healers exchanged furtive glances, their eyes reflecting a mixture of apprehension and dread.

Charles, renowned not only for his physical strength but also for his keen intellect, had already pieced together the puzzle of what had transpired.

A fleeting shadow of grief flickered across his face as he beheld the telltale signs etched upon his wife's features.

Her pallid complexion, once vibrant with life, now spoke volumes of the impending tragedy. Her once lustrous brown hair, now transformed into a ghostly white, revealed the extent of the invisible forces at work.

Jasmine, the woman who had stood by Charles's side, tempering his path of destruction and reducing the toll of carnage, was now teetering on the precipice of death.

The realization struck Charles with a profound sense of sorrow and despair, for her imminent passing would not only rob him of his beloved companion but would also unleash a dark force, clearing the way for the relentless pursuit of chaos and devastation.

The healers, the last line of defense, were poised on the brink of annihilation, their fate intertwined with that of their patient. In the face of this grim truth, a heavy silence settled over the room.

The healers, their once-vibrant eyes now clouded with resignation, prepared themselves for the inevitable.

The final chapter of this tragic tale would be written with their death, leaving them pale and lifeless upon the cold ground.

It was a moment fraught with profound sorrow, where hope gave way to the inescapable grip of fate.

But before the grim fate could fully unfold, the faint, fragile voice of Jasmine managed to pierce through the heavy silence, reaching Charles's ears like a whispered plea.

"Charlie," her voice, barely audible, trembled with a mix of exhaustion and determination, "let's call her Amber."

In that fleeting moment, amidst the encroaching darkness, Jasmine's voice carried a spark of hope.

Charles, his heart aching with both grief and a glimmer of hope, leaned in closer to his wife, his eyes locked onto hers.

Their gazes, once filled with unspoken understanding, now brimmed with profound tenderness.

In that fragile instant, the immense bond they shared transcended the boundaries of life and death, intertwining their souls in a moment of profound connection.

With a deep breath, Charles nodded, his voice choked with emotion. "Amber," he whispered, the name carrying the weight of their love and the promise of a future intertwined with both joy and sorrow.

With Jasmine's final act, the world was granted a glimmer of light amidst the encroaching darkness.

#####

However, before Amber's luminous essence can grace the narrative of this tale, a tempestuous whirlwind of emotions must unfold.

Love, hate, revenge, and profound darkness all intertwine, each playing a crucial role.

Though unfortunate, these fiery trials are necessary, as they unveil the profound significance of Amber within the intricate tapestry of Life depicted within these very pages.