Chereads / Leveling up with my demon system / Chapter 50 - Beneath the Barrier: Niall's Vigil.

Chapter 50 - Beneath the Barrier: Niall's Vigil.

Silver walked briskly through the dimly lit corridors of the palace, her silver hair shimmering like a cascade of moonlight with every step. Her eyes were set with determination as she approached Master Callan's office. She knocked firmly, the sound echoing through the hallway.

"Enter," came the aged but strong voice from within.

Silver pushed the door open and stepped inside. Master Callan's office was lined with ancient tomes and mystical artifacts, a testament to his long years of wisdom and experience. He sat behind an ornate desk, his piercing eyes studying her as she entered.

"Master Callan," Silver began, trying to keep her voice steady, "I've been having these strange sensations ever since the blast. It's like a sense of déjà vu, a feeling that something monumental is about to happen in the kingdom."

Callan's expression softened slightly, but he remained composed. "The blast was a troubling event, Silver, but our kingdom is strong. We have faced many challenges and have always emerged victorious."

Silver shook her head, her disappointment evident. "You may be able to hide the truth from the people, but it seems the veil is also covering up your own eyes," she said, her voice rising with emotion. "You refuse to see the signs, to acknowledge the darkness that is creeping upon us."

Master Callan leaned back, considering her words carefully. "I understand your concern, Silver. But we cannot afford to let fear dictate our actions. We must remain vigilant and strong."

Silver's frustration was palpable. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. "Stubbornness will not protect us, Callan. Ignoring the truth won't make it disappear."

She turned on her heel, her silver hair billowing dramatically behind her as she walked out of the office. The wind from the open window seemed to follow her, carrying the tension of the conversation down the hallway. Master Callan watched her leave, a contemplative look on his face as he pondered the gravity of her words.

Silver hurried down the palace corridor, her mind still lingering on her recent conversation with Master Callan. Her silver hair flowed behind her like a shimmering river, catching the light with every stride. She was so deep in thought that she didn't notice the figure approaching from the opposite direction until it was too late.

"Watch where you're going, commoner," came a sharp voice as Silver collided with Rayna.

The impact jolted Silver out of her reverie. She stumbled slightly but quickly regained her balance. Rayna, on the other hand, was less than pleased. Her expression was a mix of irritation and disdain as she glared at Silver.

"Rayna," Silver said, her voice calm despite the tension in the air. "I didn't see you there."

Rayna's eyes narrowed, the insult evident in her glare. "That's Princess Rayna to you, commoner. You will address me with the respect my title commands."

Silver met Rayna's gaze steadily, unflinching. "I was on my way to check on something important," she replied, ignoring the correction. "The kingdom's safety concerns all of us."

Rayna scoffed, her expression one of thinly veiled contempt. "The kingdom's safety is in capable hands, not in the hands of a commoner who thinks too highly of herself."

Silver's eyes flashed with a hint of defiance. "Sometimes, it's the hands you least expect that can make the biggest difference."

Rayna took a step closer, her voice lowering to a challenging tone. "Why don't you prove it then, Silver? Let's settle this in a sparring match. Let's see if your actions can back up your words."

Silver's lips curved into a cold smile. "I would, Rayna, but I'm afraid I might not be able to hold myself back. And we wouldn't want any accidents, now would we?"

Her words hung in the air like a blade, sharp and unyielding. It was an insult wrapped in a thin veil of politeness, showing just how fed up Silver was with the continuous belittling.

Rayna's face tightened with barely suppressed anger. "You insolent—"

But Silver had already turned away, her silver hair billowing dramatically as she walked off, leaving Rayna fuming in the corridor. The wind from the open window seemed to follow her, carrying the tension of the encounter down the hallway. Rayna watched her leave, a scowl darkening her features, while Silver's defiant spirit shone as brightly as her shimmering hair.

Back at the mysterious crater, a man in a pristine white robe stood at the epicenter of the impact site. Niall, one of the highest-ranking Knights in the Imperial Order, renowned for his combat prowess and exceptional abilities. He was tasked with the critical mission of studying the crater and uncovering its secrets.

Sir Niall's white robe, adorned with golden embroidery symbolizing his rank and achievements, fluttered slightly in the gentle breeze. His long silver hair cascaded down his back, a stark contrast to the dark, jagged edges of the crater. With a deep breath, he extended his hands, summoning his barrier ability.

A shimmering, translucent dome formed around him, enveloping the entire crater. This barrier not only protected him from any lingering harmful effects but also allowed him to analyze the environment within the crater with unparalleled precision. The dome's surface crackled with energy, reflecting the intensity of his focus.

Inside the barrier, Sir Niall moved methodically, his eyes scanning every detail. He studied the scorched earth, the unusual patterns left by the blast, and the residual energies that lingered in the air. His hands glowed with a soft, white light as he channeled his ability, creating intricate sigils that floated around him, capturing data and providing him with crucial insights.

He knelt down, placing a hand on the ground, and a ripple of energy spread out from his touch. The earth responded, revealing hidden fissures and anomalies beneath the surface. Sir Niall's brow furrowed as he interpreted the readings, his mind piecing together the puzzle of what had transpired here.

"Remarkable," he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible within the confines of the barrier. "The residual energy is unlike anything I've encountered before. This wasn't just a simple explosion; it's something far more complex and dangerous."

As he continued his meticulous examination, the barrier fluctuated slightly, reacting to the powerful energies at play. Sir Niall remained undeterred, his focus unbroken. He knew that the information he gathered here could be crucial in understanding the threat that loomed over the kingdom.

The sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the crater, but Sir Niall remained steadfast, his barrier a beacon of light against the encroaching darkness. The task was monumental, but he was determined to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

Under the twin suns of a distant planet, the dusty streets of a frontier town buzzed with the activity of its human inhabitants. The sound of boots crunching on the rough terrain cut through the murmur of the bustling town as two figures approached the local tavern.

First came the cowboy. Clad in worn leather boots, chaps, and a wide-brimmed hat that cast a shadow over his rugged face, he moved with the easy confidence of someone who had seen his share of trouble. His eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned the surroundings with a practiced ease. A bandana hung loosely around his neck. The spurs on his boots jingled softly with each step, a subtle warning to anyone who might think of crossing him.

Behind him, a man in an old black suit walked with a different kind of confidence. His attire was immaculate despite the dust, a sharp contrast to the cowboy's rugged appearance. The black suit was classic, with a crisp white shirt and a narrow tie. He had an air of authority and mystery. But it wasn't just his clothes that drew attention—it was his presence. His strikingly handsome features caused heads to turn and conversations to falter. People found themselves momentarily losing their way, entranced by his enigmatic charm.

Together, they pushed open the swinging doors of the tavern, the sudden silence that fell over the room a testament to their imposing presence. The cowboy's boots thudded against the wooden floor as he stepped inside, his gaze sweeping the room and making a mental note of every exit and every potential threat. The man in the black suit followed, his stride measured and deliberate, exuding an effortless charisma that left the patrons spellbound.

The bartender, a grizzled old man with a stern expression, sized them up but kept his distance, his hands busy with glasses and bottles.

"What'll it be, gents?" the bartender finally asked, breaking the silence.

The cowboy leaned against the bar, a smirk playing on his lips. "Whiskey. Double."

The man in the black suit, still catching the eyes of those around him, gave a slight nod. "Water, if you please."

As the bartender moved to fulfill their orders, the two men exchanged a glance that spoke volumes. They were here for a reason, and it was clear to everyone in the room that trouble wasn't far behind. 

Under the twin suns of a distant planet, the man in the old black suit stood at the edge of a towering cliff, overlooking the vast expanse of the world below. His presence was commanding, his strikingly handsome features casting an almost ethereal glow in the harsh light. The people who had once been captivated by his charm now watched in horror, unable to comprehend the magnitude of what was about to unfold.

With a slow, deliberate motion, he raised his hands, his eyes narrowing with intense focus. The air around him began to shimmer, a palpable energy crackling as he summoned his devastating power. The ground beneath his feet trembled, and the sky darkened, as if the very planet sensed the impending doom.

A low, resonant hum filled the air, growing louder and more intense with each passing second. The man's entire form began to glow with an intense purple light, the energy swirling around him like a storm. He stood unwavering, his expression one of cold determination, as the power within him reached a climax.

With a final, decisive gesture, he unleashed a massive wave of pure, purple energy. The wave expanded rapidly, covering the entire planet in a blinding flash. The energy surged across the landscape, obliterating everything in its path. Mountains crumbled, oceans evaporated, and cities were reduced to nothing but ash in an instant. The ground split open, fiery chasms swallowing everything in their path. The sky was filled with a blinding purple light, the very air vibrating with the sheer magnitude of the destruction.

The man in the black suit remained motionless, his eyes fixed on the devastation he had wrought. The once vibrant planet was now a wasteland, its surface scarred and broken. The twin suns cast a harsh, unforgiving light on the desolation below, a stark reminder of the power he wielded.

As the dust settled and the echoes of destruction faded, the man lowered his hands, the purple glow dissipating. There was nothing left; no trace of life, no remnants of civilization—only an empty, desolate expanse. He turned away from the cliff, his expression unreadable, and walked back into the shadows, leaving behind a world utterly erased by his actions.