Azar's Gift: Chapter 17-Chaos Reversal
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As the ancient voice resonated from the depths of the monolith the ground beneath them shook. Dark tendrils of shadow slithered out from the cracks in the stone reaching out like fingers. Jarec instinctively tightened his grip on Mins arm pulling her back as far as he could.
"Velaris," Jarec murmured glancing between the swirling darkness and his companion. "What is this thing?"
Velaris hovered just above the ground remaining eerily motionless. His sharp unyielding eyes glowed faintly with intensity as they tracked the shadows movement. "Its a remnant... something ancient something that should have stayed buried." He spoke in a tone almost resembling a growl. "But now its awake and it wont rest until it feeds."
"Feeds on what?" Ulla inquired stepping closer her gaze shifting to Mina who was still trembling from the encounter.
Velaris golden eyes flickered towards Mina for a moment before he replied. "Power. Life. Anything that has a pulse."
Tharion stepped ahead, his face giving away little, yet the rigid line of his jaw revealed his worry. At his side stood Aureon, his enormous golem like companion, shielding him with its bright glowing runes that cast a gentle golden glow, barely pushing back the shadows.
*We must move swiftly,* Tharion urged his tone steady but laced with urgency. *This force is not one we can allow to roam freely. It will obliterate everything in its path.*
Jarec nodded in agreement, though his thoughts raced. Whatever this entity was it appeared linked to the darker aspects of the world possibly even influenced by Azars chaos. The thought sent a shiver down his spine. Velaris had warned about the perils of delving too deeply into chaos and now those perils were manifesting before them.
Without warning a crackling sound pierced the air and Jarec turned just in time to witness the monolith start to split apart. Dark tendrils tightened around the stone their energy becoming more intense with each passing moment. The fissures in the stone glowed with an otherworldly radiance and from the depths of the monoliths core a figure began to emerge.
It stood tall and humanlike, but its shape was entirely composed of darkness. Its eyes glowed a deep shade of red and its presence exuded an aura that sent shivers down Jarecs spine.
"Who... dares to interrupt my rest?" the shadowy figure hissed with a voice that was both chilling and serpentine. Jarec swallowed nervously taking a step back instinctively. Velaris quickly positioned himself in front of Jarec his small frame crackling with energy as he glared at the being.
"We do," Velaris retorted defiantly. "Return to the pit you crawled out of." The shadowy figure tilted its head seemingly amused. "Such arrogance for a creature," it sneered.
"You and your kind have lost sight of your place. I existed here long before you and I will remain long after you turn to dust." Velaris growled, his body radiating a brilliant golden light. "Youll have to get through me first."
Before anyone could react the shadow surged forward faster than a blink. Velaris met it head on his body colliding with the energy in a burst of light. For a moment it seemed like Velaris had the hand—his radiant power clashing with the shadows malevolence. But the shadow entity was far stronger than it appeared. With a swipe the shadow hurled Velaris back sending him crashing into a nearby tree. Jarecs heart sank as he watched his Con struggle to rise, his body shaking with effort.
"Velaris!" Jarec shouted rushing to his side. But Velaris wasn't finished yet. Through gritted teeth he forced himself back into the air, his golden eyes burning with a determination that mirrored Jarecs own.
"We can't confront this creature directly," Velaris murmured, his voice strained. "Not in this way." Tharion observing the shadows ferocity stepped forward, his gaze steely.
"Aureon," he commanded. The golem like Con responded at moving toward the monolith with deliberate steps. The runes adorning Aureons body began to radiate even brighter casting a golden light that pushed back the encroaching darkness.
"I'll buy you some time," Tharion said to Jarec calmly. "We have to contain this thing before it spreads. If we can cut it off from the monolith it will weaken."
Jarec nodded quickly taking stock of the situation. Velaris who was still hovering next to him also gave a slight nod. They had no choice but to trust Tharion's plan.
Aureon raised its arms and with a low rumbling growl slammed its fists into the ground. A ripple of golden energy spread outward forming a barrier that began to encircle the monolith and the shadow creature.
For a brief moment it seemed like the plan might succeed. The shadow figure recoiled as the barrier closed in around it its form flickering with instability. But then with a guttural roar the shadow lashed out slamming into the barrier with such force that it shook the ground.
"It's too strong!" Ulla shouted her voice laced with panic. "We need more power!"
Velaris narrowing his eyes turned to Jarec. "We have one option left," he said urgently.
"We merge."
Jarec blinked in surprise. "Merge? Like in the old tales? I thought that was just a myth."
The glint in Velaris' eyes was a mix of resolve and playfulness. "Not for us, Jarec. We both embrace the chaos of Azar. If you have faith in me, we can tap into a power that surpasses anything we've ever wielded."
Jarec paused briefly, aware that he had no alternative. He gave a nod. "Go ahead."
Without wasting any time, Velaris' form started to shimmer and in a flash he transformed into pure energy merging with Jarec. Jarec felt a jolt of chaotic energy rushing through him causing his body to tremble with such intensity that it seemed like he might burst apart.
But just as swiftly the energy settled. Now infused with Velaris' essence Jarec felt enhanced, quicker. His eyes shone with a golden glow and his movements became seamless and instinctive as if he and Velaris were one entity.
"This... is astonishing," Jarec murmured his voice resonating with the tones of both himself and Velaris. The connection between them had deepened merging them into a being.
"Hang on," Velaris' voice echoed in his mind.
"There's something I must teach you now that we're linked in this way."
Jarec experienced an urge surging through him like a whirlwind of energy at his core. Velaris steered his mind revealing how to tap into the tumultuous power gifted to him by Azar. Unlike the magic wielded by other Gifted this was unrefined, wild and unpredictable.
"It's referred to as the *Chaotic Reversal*," Velaris clarified. "It enables you to send the energy of any attack back towards your adversary but with extra intensity. Chaos doesn't annihilate – it transforms, contorts and comes back."
"How do I—"
"Can't explain now. Just follow my lead." The shadowy creature, sensing the new power radiating from Jarec, lunged forward with its dark tendrils aiming to crush him. However, Jarec, guided by Velaris, raised his hand, his body shimmering with chaotic energy. When the shadow's attack struck him instead of causing harm, Jarec felt the force of the assault surge into him swirling like a tempest of chaos. And then with a swift motion he unleashed the Chaotic Reversal.
The impact of the shadow's assault surged back towards the creature but it twisted and intensified by the chaotic energy. The dark figure let out a scream of agony as its own power was turned against it tearing through its form with brutal force.
"Now, while it's weakened!" Velaris urged.
Jarec still infused with Velaris' power lifted both hands summoning the energy of chaos to envelop the creature. The air crackled, with unstable energy as he unleashed a surge of chaotic destruction upon it.
The dark being twisted and howled in agony as the turmoil tore it to shreds its shape breaking down into tendrils of mist. With one last haunting cry the shadow disappeared, leaving only the shattered remains of the towering structure in its wake. Jarec fell to the ground gasping for breath while the energy of Velaris gradually peeled away from him, taking shape.
into his familiar shape beside him.
Jarec gasped still trying to catch his breath from the intense moment. Velaris replied with a smug grin That was just a taste of the possibilities we have ahead of us.
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