Chapter 36: The Demon's Proposal
Scene: The heroes are bound and surrounded by demons in the central square of Alumia. Malphas stands at the dark altar, absorbing the stolen magic of the fairies. The sky is filled with a sickly green hue, casting an eerie glow over the devastated landscape.
Narrator: Captured and bound, the heroes face the terrifying reality of Malphas's power. As the dark ritual progresses, hope seems to slip away, but Malphas has other plans.
Malphas: (smirking) Heroes, you've proven more resilient than I expected. Therefore, I offer you a proposal.
The heroes look up, eyes filled with a mix of defiance and curiosity.
Eren: (defiantly) What are you talking about?
Malphas: (mockingly) A simple contest. One of you will face me in a one-on-one fight. If you win, I will release you and the fairies. If you lose, well... I think you know what happens then.
The heroes exchange glances, knowing the stakes couldn't be higher. Before anyone can speak, Malphas continues.
Malphas: (darkly) And to make things interesting, I choose... Kael.
Kael looks up, his expression calm and resolute.
Kael: (firmly) I accept.
Aria: (worried) Kael, you don't have to do this!
Rylan: (determined) We can find another way!
Kael: (calmly) No. This is our best chance. Trust me.
Malphas waves his hand, and the dark chains binding Kael dissolve. He steps forward, ready to face the demon leader.
Malphas: (smirking) Excellent. Let's see if your wisdom matches your bravery.
The other heroes watch anxiously as Kael and Malphas move to an open area, the demons forming a circle around them. The air crackles with anticipation.
Eren: (whispering) Kael, be careful.
Kael: (nodding) I will. Stay strong, everyone.
Malphas conjures a dark, swirling aura around himself, while Kael focuses, his eyes glowing with a calm, ethereal light.
Malphas: (taunting) Do you really think you stand a chance against me?
Kael: (seriously) It's not about standing a chance. It's about doing what's right.
The battle begins. Malphas strikes first, unleashing a torrent of dark energy. Kael dodges with agility, countering with a precise blast of Mana. The two exchange powerful blows, their contrasting magics lighting up the battlefield.
Narrator: The clash of dark and light magic creates a mesmerizing, yet terrifying spectacle. Kael's wisdom and strategic thinking guide his every move, but Malphas's sheer power is overwhelming.
Malphas laughs as he intensifies his attacks, but Kael remains focused, using his knowledge of Mana to anticipate and counter every move.
Malphas: (mockingly) Is this the best you can do, wise one?
Kael: (determined) You underestimate the strength of unity and purpose.
Kael channels his Mana into a powerful, concentrated attack, striking Malphas and causing him to stagger. But Malphas quickly recovers, his eyes burning with fury.
Malphas: (furious) You will pay for that!
Malphas unleashes a devastating wave of dark energy. Kael summons a barrier of light to protect himself, but the force is immense. The ground shakes, and the air is filled with the sounds of their epic struggle.
Eren: (shouting) Kael, hang on!
Despite the intense battle, Kael manages to hold his ground, his determination unwavering. He draws upon every lesson, every piece of wisdom he has learned, knowing that the fate of his friends and Alumia rests on his shoulders.
Kael: (resolutely) I won't let you win, Malphas. Not while there's still hope.
Kael launches one final, powerful attack, pouring all his Mana and strength into it. The blast of light and energy collides with Malphas, creating a blinding explosion.
When the light fades, both Kael and Malphas stand, battered but defiant. The outcome hangs in the balance, as the fate of Alumia rests on this moment.
Narrator: With the battle reaching its climax, the determination and courage of the heroes will be tested like never before. In this critical moment, the true power of unity and hope must prevail.