Chereads / Between Worlds: The Mystery of the Door / Chapter 21 - The Price of Power

Chapter 21 - The Price of Power

The vast plains beyond Aeloria, stained by the blood of twilight, became the stage for Thalrion's self-imposed exile. His betrayal of Aeloria and his contempt for humans, whom he considered inferior, had led him down a dark path. In his flight, destiny brought him to the vicinity of a peaceful human village, the kind of place he deeply despised. However, his solitude was interrupted by the appearance of a shadow, the same hooded figure that had left a trail of death in its wake, known to Lyria and Alex.

This presence, with an aura emanating power and terror, forced Thalrion to kneel under overwhelming gravity magic. The figure's voice, icy and ruthless, pierced Thalrion like the coldest steel. "Your cowardice is repugnant, but your betrayal has served a purpose. With the fall of Ignis, the demon king has seen a new use for you, one that will require... transformation."

Before the horrified Thalrion, the figure injured itself, allowing its dark blood to flow freely. Forced to consume the corrupt essence, Thalrion experienced an agony that tore through his being, reshaping him into a grotesque fusion of elf and demon. His former elegance was replaced by a monstrous form, with twisted horns and an appearance that would horrify anyone.

"Now you bear a new power, one that you must use to eliminate Aldrich and stop Aria before she becomes a greater threat. Test your strength with these simple mortals if you wish," declared the shadow before fading into the darkness of the night.

As villagers approached, moved by concern and curiosity, Thalrion's transformation reached its terrifying culmination. As he rose, his new and fearsome form caused panic and terror, sending the residents into a frantic retreat. However, driven by his newly acquired disdain for weakness and his mission to sow chaos, Thalrion unleashed his demonic fury upon them. His powers, now amplified and corrupted, left no hope for those attempting to flee.

The massacre in the village was a dark reflection of Thalrion's corrupted soul: a being who had forsaken any vestige of honor or compassion for malevolent power. This new path, marked by the blood of innocents and the darkness of his demonic pact, was only the beginning. With Aldrich and Aria in his sights, Thalrion became a shadow of death, an instrument of the demon king whose existence was dedicated to destruction and chaos.