The sense of victory from the Trial of Eternity still lingered as Aeron and his companions returned to Elysium, but the air felt different—thicker, almost suffocating. The moment they stepped back onto solid ground, a cold wind swept through the valley, chilling them to the bone.
Aeron scanned the horizon. "Something's not right," he murmured.
The Sword of Shadows emerged from her usual spot behind him, her voice low. "I feel it too. We're being watched."
Lirael, ever vigilant, tightened her grip on her staff. Her eyes darted to the surrounding woods, but nothing moved except the rustling leaves. "It's more than just being watched. There's a presence here... something dark."
The Sword of Flames scoffed, her fiery aura flaring up in defiance. "Let them come. Whatever it is, we'll burn it down."
But Aeron wasn't so sure. The energy he felt wasn't something they could easily fight with swords and flames. It was something more insidious, a force that seeped into their bones and minds.
A soft voice echoed through the air, carried on the wind like a whisper from the abyss. "The chosen one…"
Aeron stiffened. The voice felt familiar yet distant, like a memory that hadn't fully formed. He glanced at the Sword of Shadows, whose face was unreadable. "You heard that?"
She nodded, her hand on the hilt of her blade. "It's a voice I've heard before… in Umbrawood."
Suddenly, the sky darkened as thick clouds rolled in, covering the sun and casting long shadows across the land. The world seemed to slow, the very air becoming heavy with a malicious intent.
"Prepare yourselves," Aeron commanded, his voice firm. His swords hummed with energy, ready to be drawn at a moment's notice.
Then, from the darkened sky, a shape began to emerge. Cloaked in black mist, a figure slowly descended, its form indistinct but menacing. Its eyes glowed a sickly green, and its presence brought an unnatural chill that sent shivers down Aeron's spine.
Lirael gasped. "That… that's a Voidwalker."
The Sword of Thunder grinned, stepping forward. "Finally, some real action!" Lightning crackled around her as she prepared to charge.
But Aeron held up a hand, stopping her. "Wait. This isn't just any Voidwalker."
The figure landed softly, its body wrapped in shadow. When it spoke, its voice was like nails on glass. "Aeron Vanguard, the gods' chosen one, and his swords. How… predictable."
Aeron narrowed his eyes, stepping forward. "Who are you?"
The figure's lips twisted into a wicked smile. "I am called many things. But for now, you may know me as the Abyssal Herald. I serve one far greater than any god you've encountered."
The Sword of Flames scoffed, her blade already igniting. "Greater than the gods? I'd like to see you prove that."
The Abyssal Herald let out a low, humorless chuckle. "In time, you will. But for now, I come with a message. The forces you've faced so far… they are nothing compared to what is to come. Elysium is on the brink of collapse, and your petty gods will not save you."
Aeron's jaw clenched, but he didn't move. "What do you want?"
The Abyssal Herald's eyes flickered with amusement. "I'm here to give you a choice. Join us—the true rulers of this world—and you will live to see its rebirth. Resist, and you will be nothing more than dust in the winds of oblivion."
The Sword of Earth stepped forward, her deep voice calm but resolute. "We'll never join you. We stand with Elysium."
The Abyssal Herald's smile faded, and the air around them grew colder. "So be it. You will regret your decision soon enough."
Without another word, the Abyssal Herald raised its hand, and the shadows around it writhed, taking form. From the darkness, twisted creatures began to emerge—monstrosities born of the void, their bodies shifting and warping with each breath.
Aeron drew his swords, his eyes blazing with determination. "We're not backing down."
The Sword of Thunder leaped into action, lightning streaking across the battlefield as she slammed into the nearest void creature, her blades cutting through it with ease. But for every one that fell, two more seemed to rise from the abyss.
Lirael stood back, her magic glowing faintly as she began to chant, weaving a protective barrier around the group. "These creatures… they're endless!"
The Sword of Shadows danced through the battlefield, her movements fluid and precise. "No matter how many we cut down, they just keep coming!"
Aeron's mind raced as he fought back the swarm of void creatures. The Abyssal Herald was watching from the edge of the battlefield, not intervening, merely observing. That meant this was just a test—a show of power.
Suddenly, a high-pitched screech pierced the air, and from the swirling mass of shadows, a massive creature emerged. Its body was a grotesque fusion of void and flesh, with multiple eyes and mouths that twisted and contorted in agony.
"That's new," the Sword of Flames muttered, her flames flickering as she prepared to strike.
Aeron locked eyes with the creature, his pulse quickening. "We need to take it down, now."
As the creature lunged, Aeron activated Blade Resonance, channeling the combined power of his swords into a single, concentrated strike. His swords glowed with the energy of fire, lightning, earth, and shadow as he dashed forward, slicing through the creature's thick hide.
The impact sent shockwaves through the battlefield, and the creature let out a final, ear-splitting shriek before collapsing into a pool of shadow.
But as the dust settled, the Abyssal Herald remained unmoved. "Impressive," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "But this is only the beginning."
Before Aeron could respond, the Abyssal Herald raised a hand, and the shadows enveloped him. In an instant, he was gone, leaving only the faint echo of his voice. "We will meet again, Aeron Vanguard."
The darkness lifted, and the creatures of the void began to dissolve, leaving the battlefield eerily silent.
Aeron lowered his swords, his heart still racing. He knew this was far from over. The Abyssal Herald's warning echoed in his mind, a grim reminder of the battles yet to come.
The Sword of Earth stepped beside him, her expression somber. "We've just scratched the surface of whatever this is."
Aeron nodded, his resolve hardening. "Then we'll dig deeper. Whatever's coming for Elysium, we'll be ready."
Lirael approached, her silver eyes still glowing faintly from the exertion of her magic. "We have to warn the kingdoms. If the Abyssal Herald is telling the truth, the entire world is in danger."
Aeron sheathed his swords, glancing at the horizon. "Then let's start with Ignisheim. We need allies if we're going to face what's coming."