Chereads / The Emporer of Demons / Chapter 6 - Ball of light

Chapter 6 - Ball of light

After Aeron tears away the creature's wings, he retrieves a sharp stone and uses it to crush the creature's head until it stops moving, ensuring that the threat is neutralized.

As he stands over the lifeless body, a sense of triumph and relief washes over him, but it is quickly replaced by something else—a strange, pulsating ball of light that emerges from the creature's remains.

Aeron watches in awe as the ball of light hovers above the creature's body, emitting a soft, ethereal glow. It seems to pulse with a life of its own, casting an otherworldly aura around it.

Aeron's instincts tell him that there is more to this light than meets the eye, something he cannot ignore.

Drawing closer, the ball of light seems to intensify, casting an ethereal glow on the broken landscape.

Aeron's gaze is drawn to the center of the ball of light, where he notices something peculiar—a faint image of the dead creature seems to be contained within it as if its essence has been captured in this shimmering form.

"What is this light?" Aeron wonders aloud, his voice barely a whisper in the silence of the desolate landscape. "And why is there an image of that creature within it?"

The thought of consuming the ball of light crosses his mind, and with it comes a wave of uncertainty. What would happen if he were to consume this strange, otherworldly substance?

Would it grant him power, or would it bring about unforeseen consequences? Aeron wrestles with these questions, but his hunger gets the better of him.

In a moment of impulse, Aeron reaches out tentatively, his fingers brushing against the surface of the light. To his surprise, the ball of light responds to his touch, as if it recognizes him.

It hovers over his hand, emitting a gentle warmth that soothes his nerves.

With a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, Aeron opens his mouth and allows the ball of light to enter.

As he swallows, he feels a strange sensation spread through his body—a warmth that seems to seep into his very bones. It is both exhilarating and terrifying, a feeling unlike anything he has ever experienced.

As the last traces of the light disappear, Aeron feels a surge of energy course through him. It is as if the light has infused him with a newfound strength, a vitality that pulses within him. He flexes his muscles, feeling the power that now courses through his veins.

But along with the surge of strength comes a new sensation—a craving, a yearning for more. Aeron realizes that he has become addicted to this strange light, that he needs more of it to satisfy this unyielding hunger that now consumes him.

It is a hunger that goes beyond mere sustenance, a hunger for power, for dominance.

Aeron's thoughts race as he tries to make sense of what has just transpired. Was this the essence of the creature he had consumed? Was it its soul, its very life force? And if so, what does that make him now? Is he no longer just Aeron, but something more?

As he grapples with these questions, another realization dawns on him—the need to feed. His body demands sustenance, and he knows he has to find it soon. With a newfound sense of purpose, Aeron turns his attention to the remains of the creature.

With deft movements, he begins to tear into the creature's flesh, devouring it with a ferocity that surprises even him. The meat is tough and sinewy, but Aeron is undeterred. He knows he needs the strength it will provide if he is to survive in this harsh and unforgiving world.

With each bite, Aeron feels a surge of vitality coursing through him, a reminder of the power he has gained. He consumes the flesh with a sense of urgency, knowing that he must replenish his strength for the challenges that lie ahead.

As he ate, Aeron's mind wandered, contemplating the events that had led him here. He thought of his former life, the life he had left behind. Memories of his friends and family flooded his mind, their faces now distant echoes in his memory.

He wondered if they were safe if they had found a way to escape the chaos that had consumed their world. He shook his head, banishing the thoughts for now. There was no room for sentimentality in this new world, only survival.

But he also thought of the future, of the challenges that lay ahead, and the strength he would need to face them. He knew that the trials he had faced so far were only the beginning, that the true test of his abilities lay ahead.

He would need to be stronger, and more resilient if he was to survive in this unforgiving land.

With his hunger sated, Aeron's mind turned to his next course of action. He knew he had to be prepared, that the challenges he faced would only grow more formidable from here on out.

Gathering the bones of the fallen creature, he set about fashioning crude weapons—a spear from its leg bone, a shield from its skull, and projectiles from its ribs. They were far from perfect, but they would have to do.

The leg bone was sturdy and long, perfect for a makeshift spear. Aeron carefully sharpened one end of the bone using the sharp stone he had used earlier, creating a crude but effective weapon.

It would serve as his primary means of offense, allowing him to strike from a distance and keep his foes at bay.

Next, he turned his attention to the creature's skull. It was surprisingly thick and resilient, making it ideal for use as a shield. Aeron carved out a handle on the back of the skull, allowing him to grip it firmly in battle.

It was heavy and cumbersome, but it would provide him with much-needed protection against the dangers that lurked in this land.

Finally, he turned to the creature's ribs. They were long and curved, perfect for use as throwing weapons. Aeron broke them into smaller, more manageable pieces, sharpening the ends to create deadly projectiles. They were lightweight and easy to carry, making them perfect for surprise attacks or hunting for food.

As he practiced with his makeshift weapons, Aeron couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered within him. He knew that these weapons alone would not be enough to ensure his survival, that he would need more than just physical strength to overcome the trials that lay ahead.

But for now, he was content to focus on the present, to hone his skills and prepare for whatever challenges awaited him.

He practiced thrusting with the spear, testing its balance and reach. He found that it was surprisingly effective, its sharp point capable of piercing through tough hides and armor.

He practiced throwing the rib projectiles, honing his aim and accuracy. It was a skill he had never needed in his former life, but one that would be crucial in this new world.

As he practiced, Aeron felt a growing sense of confidence. His movements became more fluid, more precise. He was beginning to master his makeshift weapons, turning them from simple tools into deadly instruments of survival.

With his preparations complete, Aeron set off once more, his eyes fixed on the horizon. He had a long journey ahead of him, but he was ready. Whatever this land held, whatever challenges lay in his path, Aeron was determined to face them head-on.