Chereads / The Villain’s Ascension / Chapter 2 - The Divine’s Gambit

Chapter 2 - The Divine’s Gambit

The sky tore apart as the rift widened, spilling celestial light across the desolate battlefield. Kael Draven stood firm, his black cloak billowing in the unnatural wind, his silver eyes locked on the figure descending from the heavens. The Archmage of Eldara was here, and he brought with him the wrath of the gods.

Kael's smirk never wavered. "The great Archmage himself," he drawled, his voice calm despite the tempest raging above. "Come to play hero, have you?"

The Archmage landed lightly, his feet touching the scorched earth without a sound. He was tall and imposing, his golden robes gleaming like sunlight. His staff, carved from a single piece of celestial crystal, radiated an oppressive aura that made even the air around him feel heavier.

"Kael Draven," the Archmage intoned, his voice echoing unnaturally. "You have brought ruin upon the kingdoms. You have slain thousands and defied the divine order. Your reign of terror ends here."

Kael laughed, a deep, resonant sound that carried across the battlefield. "The divine order?" he sneered. "You mean the order that casts aside the weak, exalts the corrupt, and brands anyone who challenges it as a heretic? Spare me your sanctimonious drivel."

The Archmage raised his staff, its tip glowing with the radiant power of the Divine Flame. "Your words mean nothing, heretic. Prepare to face judgment."

---

Without warning, a column of fire erupted from the staff, racing toward Kael with blinding speed. Kael reacted instantly, raising a hand and conjuring a barrier of swirling shadows. The flames struck the barrier, hissing and crackling as they fought to consume it. For a moment, it seemed the Divine Flame might overwhelm the darkness, but Kael poured more power into the spell, forcing the fire back until it fizzled into nothingness.

"Impressive," Kael said, shaking off the residual heat from his hand. "But you'll need more than parlor tricks to stop me."

The Archmage didn't respond. Instead, he began chanting in an ancient tongue, his voice weaving a spell that resonated with the very fabric of reality. The ground trembled, and golden runes appeared in the air, forming a complex pattern around him.

Kael recognized the spell and cursed under his breath. "A binding ritual," he muttered. "Clever."

Kael thrust both hands forward, unleashing a wave of black energy that surged toward the Archmage. The runes flared in response, creating a shimmering barrier of light that absorbed the attack. The Archmage didn't falter, his chant growing louder as the ritual neared completion.

Kael knew he couldn't let the spell succeed. He needed to disrupt the Archmage before the runes could fully form. Summoning his power, he slammed his fist into the ground, sending a shockwave of shadow through the earth. Spires of dark energy erupted around the Archmage, but the golden barrier held firm.

Time was running out.

---

"Faye!" Kael shouted, his voice cutting through the din of battle.

From the shadows, Faye appeared, her daggers gleaming in the dim light. She moved with the grace of a predator, her eyes locked on the Archmage. Kael didn't need to give her instructions; she knew exactly what to do.

Faye darted forward, her movements so swift she was nearly invisible. She struck at the barrier, her enchanted daggers slicing through the air. The first strike glanced off harmlessly, but the second left a faint crack in the golden shield.

The Archmage faltered, his concentration breaking for a split second. It was enough.

Kael seized the opportunity, channeling his power into a concentrated blast. The wave of shadow slammed into the weakened barrier, shattering it like glass. The Archmage staggered, his ritual disrupted, and Kael closed the distance between them in an instant.

"You should have stayed in your tower, old man," Kael growled, his hand wrapping around the Archmage's throat.

---

The Archmage's eyes burned with defiance. "You think you've won?" he rasped. "The gods will not allow your darkness to spread unchecked."

Kael tightened his grip, his silver eyes blazing with fury. "Your gods are cowards, hiding behind mortals like you. They abandoned me long ago. Now, I'll show them what true power looks like."

With a surge of energy, Kael unleashed a torrent of shadow directly into the Archmage. The golden aura around him flickered and dimmed as the dark magic consumed him. The Archmage cried out, his voice echoing with pain and desperation.

For a moment, it seemed Kael would destroy him entirely. But before the final blow could land, a blinding light erupted from the Archmage's chest. Kael was thrown backward, skidding across the ground as the light coalesced into a glowing orb.

The Archmage collapsed, his body lifeless, but the orb remained, hovering in the air. It pulsed with divine energy, radiating an aura that sent shivers down Kael's spine.

"What… is that?" Faye asked, her voice uncharacteristically hesitant.

Kael pushed himself to his feet, his gaze fixed on the orb. He could feel its power, vast and unyielding, and for the first time in years, he felt a sliver of uncertainty.

---

The orb began to change, its surface rippling like water. Slowly, a figure emerged—a woman clad in silver armor, her face hidden behind a radiant helm. She carried a sword that shimmered with the light of a thousand stars.

Kael recognized her instantly.

"The Seraph of Judgment," he said, his voice low.

The Seraph pointed her sword at Kael, her voice echoing with divine authority. "Kael Draven, chosen of the Void, your existence is an affront to the balance of the realms. You will face the gods' wrath."

Kael's smirk returned, though it lacked its usual confidence. "Finally," he said. "A worthy opponent."

Faye glanced at him, her expression a mixture of concern and determination. "Kael, we need to retreat. That thing isn't just some mage."

Kael shook his head. "No. If I run now, the gods will see it as weakness. I've come too far to turn back."

The Seraph didn't wait for him to finish. With a single, fluid motion, she swung her sword, sending a wave of radiant energy hurtling toward him.

Kael raised his hands, summoning every ounce of power he had. The clash of light and shadow illuminated the battlefield, the force of the impact shaking the ground.

This was no longer a battle of mortals. It was a war between heaven and the void.