Narrator's POV
Kali only smirked, bringing his hands together, conjuring a swirling scarlet orb of chaotic energy that promised destruction in its wake.
The four demons charged at Kali in unison, but as Kali released the swirling orb of chaotic energy, each demon was struck and sent flying in different directions. Descending with a powerful thud to the ground, Kali's landing created a wave of chaotic energy, denting and cracking the earth. Turning towards the immobilized Eavan, Kali looked at him with an enigmatic glint in his eyes that betrayed an emotion indecipherable even to himself.
"Rahhhh!!!" One of the demons roared, advancing towards Kali.
Anticipating the demon's attack, Kali swiftly countered with his magic, enveloping the demon's fist in crimson energy that rapidly spread throughout its body.
Shaking his head, Kali affirmed, "Not a chance."
With a swift and forceful motion, Kali directed his hand towards the ground, causing the demon's body to mirror the gesture and succumb to his control. As the demon lay under Kali's dominance, he extended his hand towards Eavan's divine sword, which glowed with crimson energy, floated towards Kali, and swiftly stabbed the demon in the heart. The demon screamed in unimaginable agony as its form disintegrated into dust. Unlike Stelios, these four demons were merely ordinary beings without any special attributes.
As one of the demons perished, the remaining three stared in sheer terror at the beautiful being with silver hair. In an instant, Kali vanished and reappeared behind the second demon, plunging the divine sword directly into its heart, turning the demon to ash like its predecessor.
"Wh-who is h-he?" One demon pondered in horror. "How could he be that powerful?"
The two remaining demons stood frozen with fear at the sight of facing such a formidable opponent, who effortlessly vanquished their kind. Enraged, their red eyes burned with animosity.
One of the demons screamed in agony as it was engulfed in crackling crimson energy. Kali extended his arm, clenching his fingers as if grasping the air, generating a fist with intense crimson energy visible. The other palm moved in a dismantling motion, causing the demon to levitate in mid-air, its body slowly dismembered limb by limb in a gruesome and excruciating manner. The last demon witnessed in horror as its companion was tortured, body dismantled piece by piece—a sight too gruesome for the faint of heart to behold. With a final thunderous roar, signaling its demise, the last demon succumbed to the crimson energy, its life extinguished from its flaming red eyes.
With his eyes ablaze with crimson energy, Kali turned his gaze towards the final demon.
"Tell your Master not to trifle with us, lest The Devilish Angel, the Sovereign of Dark Cultivation, come for them," Kali warned menacingly.
The remaining demon had no choice but to nod in submission, swiftly taking flight to escape, leaving behind the enigmatic silver-haired figure known as "The Devilish Angel," who proclaimed himself as "The Sovereign of Dark Cultivation."
As the demon vanished from sight, Kali's knees buckled, and he knelt on the ground, his labored breath forming a mist in the cold air. Tremors wracked Kali's body as if he were being struck by unseen forces. The reason behind this turmoil was his extensive use of dark magic, specifically Chaos Magic and Essence Domination Magic. Such potent magic demanded a significant amount of mana to sustain. Knowing that his Requip Magic was insufficient to battle a demon of such raw power, Kali had drained almost all his mana. Transforming into Malakara's form already strained his body, but enduring the pain was necessary to defeat Stelios. After dispatching Stelios and claiming his soul, Kali reverted to his original form to confront the remaining demons. With not a drop of mana left in his core, Kali's body was vulnerable and weak. He experienced the excruciating side effects of depleting his mana, his vision clouded with dark spots until unconsciousness overtook him on the muddy ground, raindrops gently kissing his bruised yet ethereal visage.
Eavan, having long succumbed to fatigue, lay unconscious alongside Kali, both figures marked by their battle-worn and bruised forms. In a small cave, Caden's eyelids began to flutter open, his hand instinctively reaching to his forehead in confusion. Upon regaining his senses, he stood, memories flooding back as he emerged from the cave.
"Second Master?!!!, Kali?!!!" His voice echoed through the forest, the storm having subsided, replaced by the soothing fragrance of fresh foliage. His eyes widened in search of the two, the battleground where Kali and Stelios clashed now devoid of its former beauty. The once lush forest was now a charred and desolate scene—trees burnt, lifeless, some reduced to ashes.
"No, they can't be," Caden shook his head in horror. Promptly, he lifted his hand, revealing a golden key.
"With nature's whispers and wild allure, I call upon the animal spirit pure. From forest depths and skies above, appear to me, I summon thee, The Resilient Firebird, Phoenixa!" Caden invoked, the golden key crackling with golden energy in his grip.
A golden magic circle materialized in the air, evolving into a verdant archway adorned with vines and blooming flowers, exuding the essence of fresh earth and foliage. Within the portal emerged The Firebird, Phoenixa, whose fiery wings circled her Master on the ground.
"Phoenixa!! Please find Second Master and Kali! Help me!" Caden pleaded.
The Firebird nodded and, with a swift flicker of flames, began her search. Meanwhile, Caden, driven by determination, ran while calling out for Eavan and Kali.
"Second Master! Kali! Where are you!" Caden's repeated cries reflected his anguish, tears welling in his eyes, his expression wrought with concern.
As Phoenixa's screech resonated through the forest, Caden hastened to her location. On reaching Phoenixa, Caden was led to Eavan and Kali, where he knelt beside Eavan, gently holding his face.
"No, what happened?" Caden inquired, his sorrow evident. Placing a hand on Eavan's forehead, he was horrified to feel the intense warmth.
Realizing that Eavan was not the only one in distress, Caden rose, almost stumbling in his haste. Beside the unconscious Kali, his once-beautiful visage now marred by bruises and cuts, Caden kneeled, overwhelmed by concern for both.
"Phoenixa!" Caden called out.
"I'm sorry, Caden, but I lack the ability to heal them," Phoenixa replied, sharing in his sorrow at their plight.
In such dire circumstances, Caden recollected the teachings of the Roekel Clan and channeled calmness within himself. Taking a deep breath, he fortified his resolve.
"Phoenixa, bring Eavan and Kali to the village," Caden commanded.
Responding promptly, Phoenixa gently carried Eavan and Kali, flying towards the village located at the foot of the mountain. Meanwhile, Caden ran, striving to keep pace. Upon their arrival at the village, Caden sought immediate assistance from the villagers, who swiftly responded. Phoenixa handed over Eavan and Kali for treatment by the healers.
"Thank you, Phoenixa. Close the portal," Caden instructed, and Phoenixa's figure illuminated before dissipating until she vanished.
Following the villagers tending to his companions, Caden remained attentive, ready to safeguard them throughout.
Due to the absence of a Gifted Healer in the village of Aelrock, only herbal remedies were available to treat the wounds of Eavan and Kali, preventing them from awakening or rising immediately. Three days passed before Kali's silver eyes fluttered open, his gaze returning a glint of silver. Despite the lingering heaviness, he managed to sit up from his prone position and lean against the headboard of the bed. Memories flooded back, causing Kali to hold himself with a lost expression, unable to sense his magic. It appeared that he had indeed depleted all his mana, rendering him vulnerable without his magical power. Recollecting something, a thought struck him.
"The Kalist," Kali mused.
The Kalist was a book created by Kali and an enigmatic being who had aided him. It contained spells and a wealth of information representing their combined knowledge. More significantly, The Kalist possessed its own power, enabling Kali to utilize the book's spells without depleting his mana. This realization brought a sense of relief to Kali, alleviating his concern over his current weakness. Gathering his strength, Kali left the room and approached an adjacent chamber, opening the door to find an unknowing Eavan and a sleeping Caden.
"You do really have feelings for Eavan, don't you?" Kali uttered in his mind, picking up a blanket and laying it over the sleeping Caden.
Assured that they were unharmed, Kali exited the establisment. To his surprise, it was already night. The moonlight cast an ethereal glow around Kali's beautiful countenance. Despite the cold air, Kali remained unfazed as he walked to the village's outskirts, ensuring no prying eyes were witness to his actions. Taking a deep breath, he clasped his hands behind his back before separating them, releasing a black smoke. Conjuring a tome, an ancient leather book shrouded in black smoke materialized, its pages flipping at Kali's command until settling on a spell.
"Vita Elixia, Sanitas Perficia," Kali chanted, his form radiating with energy as his wounds healed, restoring his strength. The energy dissipated, leaving Kali renewed and whole once more, physically healed.
Although the spell revitalized his physical body, Kali's mana remained depleted. Understanding the spell's limitations, Kali's primary focus was on regenerating his mana since his physical state was now restored.
"I should cast this spell on Eavan as well," Kali mused, beginning to return.
The demon left by Kali returned to their citadel, promptly reporting the events, particularly the Gifted who demonstrated a formidable prowess, introducing himself as the Sovereign of Dark Cultivation. Enraged upon learning of the defeated Stelios, the Demon Leader expressed an interest in meeting this exceptional Gifted.
On the fourth day, Eavan finally awoke to find Kali seated with a pensive expression on his face. Observing Caden sleeping beside him, Eavan rose from his lying position.
"Where are we?" Eavan inquired in a hoarse voice. Rising, Kali handed Eavan a glass of water, which he gratefully accepted, refreshing his throat.
"We're still at Aelrock Village," Kali responded, taking the glass from Eavan and placing it on the table.
"We should start moving," Kali stated seriously, prompting Eavan to nod in agreement.
Caden felt immense joy upon seeing his companions awake. Following a brief discussion to catch up on missed events, they prepared to depart. Before setting off on their journey, they expressed gratitude to the villagers who had assisted them, eliciting a warm response as the villagers thanked them for saving Aelrock Village by ridiing it of demons.
"May we know your name, fair Gifted?" a villager asked.
"Just address me as Kali, The Devilish Angel," Kali replied with a smile, surprising the villagers with his response, to which they nodded in agreement.
"The Sword Master, The Golden Spirit Caller, and The Devilish Angel. The Roekel Clan is truly a force to be reckoned with," the villagers thought, feeling secure knowing they had defenders in times of peril. Little did they know that Kali was not affiliated with the Roekel Clan.
On the other side, at the Skyhill temple, a majestic structure perched atop a towering mountain, shrouded in swirling clouds, stood as the sacred domain of the revered Roekel Clan. Known for their expertise in Divine Magic and swordsmanship, the Roekel Clan attracted numerous disciples seeking to absorb their teachings under the guidance of wise and formidable mentors.
Approaching the temple, one would be welcomed by a vast backyard adorned with towering trees seemingly reaching for the sky. A tranquil river traversed the temple grounds, its gentle murmur enhancing the serene ambiance of the place.
The temple featured an expansive training ground where disciples honed their skills under the watchful eyes of the Roekel Clan. Meticulously designed facilities catered to the students' needs, providing an ideal environment for learning and development.
"Why haven't Eavan and Caden returned yet?" the Headmaster's authoritative voice queried, emitting dominance. Mark swallowed nervously before responding.
"There may be an issue they need to address before returning to Skyhill," Mark replied.
"Are you hiding something from me, Mark?" the Headmaster pressed in a threatening tone.
"I have nothing to hide from you, Headmaster," Mark answered politely.
"Retrieve them," the Headmaster commanded strictly.
"Headmaster—"
"Are you defying me now, Mark?" the Headmaster's icy voice cut through, leaving Mark no choice but to bow.
"Understood, Headmaster."
Prior to turning to fetch his brother, Mark, aware of Eavan's whereabouts due to a tracking spell, acted promptly. He knew Eavan's sentiment towards the Gifted and understood why he delayed returning to Skyhill. Mark had to dispel Eavan's delusion to avoid their father's wrath.
Eavan, Caden, and Kali strolled peacefully, savoring the fresh air caressing their senses and skin, their robes flowing gracefully. However, Eavan suddenly halted, prompting Kali and Caden to stop.
"Second Master, is there something wrong?" Caden enquired with concern.
"Show yourself," Eavan's voice resonated.
A cracking branch alerted them to a figure in a moonlit robe emerging from behind the tree.
"Mark?" Eavan inquired, surprised to see his brother.
"First Master," Caden bowed out of respect, despite the unexpected encounter with Mark. Kali observed Mark with an emotionless gaze.
"We need to talk privately," Mark urged, sensing urgency in Mark's tone. Eavan agreed without hesitation, leaving Caden and Kali to converse out of earshot.
"We must return to Skyhill immediately," Mark began, furrowing Eavan's brow in puzzlement.
"Eavan, listen to me. That Gifted practices dark cultivation, he is dangerous and must be imprisoned. You cannot shield him from justice!" Mark hissed upon noticing Eavan's reluctance to hand over Kali.
"He saved me," Eavan softly defended. Mark laid his hands on Eavan's shoulders, trying to convey the seriousness of the situation.
"Eavan, you must listen! You cannot protect that Gifted. You will be held accountable if you do not surrender him to the Headmaster. I don't want you to face punishment; you know how severe the Headmaster's punishments are, and I don't want you to endure them," Mark implored. Despite Mark's urgency, Eavan pondered in silence, revealing the rune tattoo on the back of his hand.
"Body link spell?!" Mark reacted with surprise.
"What have you done, Eavan! Remove the spell!" Mark's anger surfaced, urging Eavan to act. Meeting Mark's frantic gaze with his icy stare, Eavan questioned, "Wouldn't removing the spell be betraying him?"
"You would not be betraying him, Eavan. He is not your comrade; he is a prisoner of Skyhill, and you were assigned to capture and return him," Mark explained. Yet, Eavan's hesitation persisted.
"Answer me, Eavan. Choose! Me or him? If you continue this folly, not only you but I will also face consequences! So, choose, Eavan—me or him?!" Mark's tone escalated, resorting to threatening Eavan to enforce his point, despite the coercive approach making him seem domineering and harsh. He had to use this tactic to sway Eavan, even if it meant portraying himself as a strict and authoritarian brother to protect Eavan.
"Answer me, Eavan!" Mark demanded.
Kali and Caden were engrossed in their conversation, unaware of the impending tension.
"Cay?" Kali softly called out.
"Hmmm?" Caden responded.
"How many spirit keys do you have?" Kali gently inquired, surprising Caden with the question but not taking it negatively.
"I only have one key, Phoenixa's key. It was originally my Mother's, and she passed it down to me after her passing," Caden explained with a touch of melancholy, reminiscing about his late mother. Nodding in understanding, Kali extended his hand, glowing with energy, and conjured a silver key from his palm. Though Kali's mana was still weak, he could manage simple actions like summoning his keys.
"Woah!" Caden marveled at the sight of the silver key in Kali's palm before Kali handed it to him. Initially surprised by the gesture, Caden received the key from Kali and examined it closely.
"This is a silver animal spirit key," Kali revealed, which widened Caden's eyes in astonishment.
"What? And you're giving it to me?" Caden asked, still shocked at holding an animal spirit key.
"I want to give it to you as a token of trust," Kali smiled.
"Huh? But—" Caden began to decline the gift, but Kali interrupted, reassuring him it was a rare gesture to honor his summoning abilities.
"It's okay; summoners are rare to find, and I trust you'll be a strong summoner in the future," Kali explained softly.
"Are keys uncommon?" Caden whispered, but Kali's response was clear.
"That's the key of the Stone-eyed Serpent, Gorgonius," Kali affirmed.
"The Stone-Eyed Serpent?!" Caden's disbelief was evident.
"Yes, the Stone-Eyed Serpent," Kali repeated.
"Are you sure about giving this to me?" Caden asked, hopeful.
"Absolutely," Kali answered with a warm laugh.
Caden hugged Kali in gratitude, and Kali reciprocated the embrace before separating with smiles.
"Thank you very much, Kali," Caden expressed his heartfelt thanks, tears of joy welling in his eyes.
"You're welcome, Cay," Kali replied. However, their moment of joy was abruptly interrupted by a dangerous gleam of metal, prompting Kali to swiftly push Caden away from the sword-wielding attacker.
Shocked to see Eavan in a moonlit robe with a divine sword, Kali was taken aback by the sudden aggression.
"Eavan?" Kali whispered, trying to understand the situation.
As Eavan continued his advance, Kali dodged his attacks, but Eavan's icy gaze hinted at a determination to confront Kali.
Summoning the Kalist within him, Kali cast a spell, "Ventus Eruptio, Tempestas Vehementis!" A powerful gust of wind surged towards Eavan, who countered with a "Sacred Barrier," enveloping himself in golden light. To Kali's surprise, his attack rebounded and struck him forcefully, sending him flying and crashing into a sturdy tree.
"Ahhh!" Kali screamed in pain, while Caden, shocked, was about to assist when someone gripped his elbow.
"First Master?" Caden exclaimed in surprise.
Eavan dashed towards Kali, casting his spell, "Chain of the Divine!" A golden magic circle appeared, forming golden chains that bound Kali, draining his strength and rendering him unable to resist. As Kali gazed at Eavan with tears in his silver eyes, a sense of resignation overcame him.