Zaryth lay on the ground, breathless, his body trembling and spent. Blood still trickled from his eyes as the heat of the battle bore down on him. The worshiper of the Sun God stepped closer, light gathering ominously in his palm. His lips curled into a sinister grin.
"My name is Zamaru," he declared, his voice like molten fire. "And I will be the one to kill you."
Just as Zamaru prepared to unleash the final blow, a streak of movement cut through the battlefield. Mavuika Natlan lunged in, her spear aimed at his chest, eyes burning with determination.
Zamaru dodged at the last second, sliding back effortlessly. His grin remained. "Ah, the little Natlan heir. How bold of you."
Mavuika narrowed her eyes, tightening her grip. "I won't let you kill him!" she shouted, hurling spell after spell toward him—ice shards, wind currents, and even a powerful fireball.
But to her horror, every spell melted away before reaching him, vanishing in the radiant heat surrounding his body.
Zamaru smiled mockingly. "It's useless. This is the blessing of the Sun God. Nothing can touch me."
Mavuika gritted her teeth, frustration and fear flickering in her eyes. Despite her efforts, she was clearly no match for him. Her magic was being devoured before it even reached its mark.
---
Suddenly, the air grew heavier, and a bright, silver light flashed across the battlefield. Elysia Silverlight, the holy knight of the empire, descended like a storm. Her armor shimmered with a blend of light and shadow, representing the duality that ran through their bloodline.
"Get away from my brother," she commanded, her voice calm yet filled with icy resolve.
Zamaru turned with a smirk, unbothered by her presence. "Ah, the holy knight. I was wondering when you'd show up."
Without waiting for a reply, Elysia launched into the fight. Her every movement was precise—one moment wielding light magic, the next cloaked in darkness, flowing seamlessly between both. She was a force to be reckoned with, striking with deadly speed and precision.
But Zamaru was no ordinary opponent. Despite Elysia's strength and mastery of duality, he met her blow for blow. His movements were fluid, his attacks relentless, and his radiant shield of heat pushed her magic back.
The battle raged, sparks of light and shadow clashing violently in the air. But even Elysia had her limits. Sweat dripped down her brow, and her attacks began to slow.
---
Ruby Joins the Fight
Just when Elysia began to falter, Ruby Silverlight charged into the fray. Lightning crackled around her, water swirled at her feet, and fire burned in her palms. Her silver hair danced wildly in the air, and her deep purple eyes shone with fury.
Zamaru's amused expression faltered for the first time as Ruby launched a coordinated assault alongside Elysia. The two sisters fought in perfect synchronization—Elysia striking with duality, Ruby overwhelming him with elemental magic.
Zaryth, lying on the ground, watched with hope flickering in his heart. They might actually win.
But just as they began to gain ground, Zamaru unleashed a devastating wave of heat, scattering them like leaves in the wind. Ruby and Elysia were thrown back, their magic unraveling against the scorching force.
---
Zaryth struggled to his feet, watching in horror as Ruby's body hit the ground hard. But something strange was happening.
Ruby's eyes turned red, glowing with an eerie light. A pulse of strange energy surged through the air.
And then— time froze.
The battlefield became unnervingly still. No one moved. No one spoke. The world was trapped in a moment of suspended reality.
Except for Zaryth.
His heart pounded in his chest as he stared at Ruby, whose glowing eyes now mirrored his own. "What are you doing, Ruby?" he shouted, his voice echoing through the frozen stillness.
Ruby's expression twisted in panic. "Brother… I can't control it! Help me!" she gasped, her voice trembling.
Zaryth's mind raced. "She's my twin," he thought. "Is that why she's manifested my powers? But… she doesn't have the core to control them."
The realization hit him like a thunderbolt—their souls were connected. Somewhere deep within, Zaryth must have unconsciously reached out to Ruby's soul, causing her to tap into his abilities.
But without the necessary control, her mind and body were unraveling under the strain.
Zaryth tsked in frustration. He had no choice. With a deep breath, he reached out to Ruby, focusing all his willpower. Their souls brushed against each other in the void of frozen time, and Zaryth poured everything he had into calming her.
"Come on, Ruby," he whispered. "Stay with me."
The tension eased, and with a soft shimmer, time resumed.
Ruby collapsed to the ground, unconscious but breathing. Zaryth staggered, catching himself before he fell. He felt completely drained, every ounce of his strength spent.
--
Zamaru watched the scene unfold with mild amusement. He gave Zaryth a slow, mocking clap.
"Interesting," he mused. "Your power isn't just yours. It bleeds into those close to you. A fascinating ability… but it won't save you."
He glanced toward the sky as if sensing something far away. Then, with a smirk, he said, "My lord is calling. I think I'll leave you all alive for now."
Zamaru's body began to glow, his form dissolving into radiant embers. "We'll meet again soon, Silverlight." With that, he vanished, leaving behind only the lingering heat of his presence.
---
The battlefield was finally silent. Elysia rushed to Ruby's side, checking her condition. "She's alright," she said with relief.
Zaryth let out a shaky breath, his body screaming in exhaustion. His vision blurred as he fought to stay upright.
"Zaryth!" A familiar voice called out, and Mavuika ran toward him. She knelt beside him, her eyes filled with worry.
"You idiot," she whispered, brushing the blood from his face with trembling hands. "Why do you always push yourself this far?"
Zaryth managed a weak smile, leaning into her touch. "Couldn't let you have all the fun, could I?"
Mavuika rolled her eyes, but her expression softened as she gently cupped his face. "Just… don't scare me like that again."
Zaryth's heart skipped a beat at the tenderness in her voice. For a moment, the chaos of the battlefield faded away, leaving only the warmth of her presence.
"Stay with me," she whispered. "Don't ever leave again."
He gave a tired chuckle, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I'm not going anywhere."
Mavuika smiled, leaning down to press a soft kiss on his forehead. "Good."