Kazuya's hand hovered over the glowing crystal, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The figure's plea still echoed in his head: Free me, and I will grant you the power to cleanse this world of it's darkness.
Behind him, Lyriana's expression was tense. "Are you sure about this? If this is a trap, we might not get another chance to stop it."
Kazuya turned to her, his gaze steady. "I don't think we have a choice. If we want to purge the corruption spreading through this land, we need all the help we can get."
Lyriana hesitated before nodding. "Then I'll back you up. Whatever happens, we face it together."
With her support firm in his mind, Kazuya pressed his palm against the crystal. The instant his skin made contact, a blinding light erupted from the artifact, forcing both of them to shield their eyes.
The ground trembled violently as tendrils of radiant energy coiled outward, shattering the shadows that had clung to the walls. The light grew brighter and brighter, until finally, with an ear-splitting crack, the crystal split in two.
When the light faded, a figure emerged from the shattered remains.
They were tall and ethereal, their form draped in flowing robes of gold and white. Their hair shimmered like threads of pure light, and their eyes glowed with an otherworldly brilliance. Chains of shadow hung loosely around their wrists, crumbling to dust as they stepped forward.
Kazuya and Lyriana stood frozen, awestruck by the figure's presence.
The being spoke, their voice soft but resonant, echoing with both sorrow and hope. "Thank you for freeing me. I am Solmara, the Radiant Sentinel. For centuries, I was bound here, my light suppressed by the shadows that sought to consume this world."
Lyriana stepped forward cautiously. "You said you'd help cleanse the corruption. Can we trust you?"
Solmara's gaze softened. "The darkness that holds this land in its grip is not just a force—it is a will. It twists and corrupts, spreading like a plague. I was imprisoned for defying it, but now that I am free, I will aid you in destroying it."
Kazuya narrowed his eyes. "If you're so powerful, why were you captured in the first place? And how do we know you won't turn on us once the darkness is gone?"
Solmara's expression grew somber. "You are right to question me. I was defeated because I underestimated the shadow's cunning. But I swear on my very essence, I seek only to restore balance to this world. I am bound by the light, and it does not permit deceit."
The weight of her words resonated with Kazuya. He activated Analyze, his eyes scanning Solmara.
Name: Solmara, the Radiant Sentinel
Level: ???
Abilities: Light Manipulation, Purification Aura, Solar Flare, Radiant Shield, Blessing of the Sentinel
Alignment: Lawful Good
The screen flickered briefly, unable to display her level. Kazuya frowned. "It's hard to trust someone when their strength is off the charts."
Solmara smiled faintly. "That strength is yours to command, should you accept my blessing."
Lyriana's eyes widened. "A blessing? What kind?"
Solmara raised her hand, and a soft glow enveloped Kazuya and Lyriana. "I offer you a fragment of my light, a gift to shield you from the shadow's influence and enhance your abilities. With it, you will be able to fight the corruption more effectively."
A notification appeared in Kazuya's vision:
You have received Solmara's Blessings!
Light Resistance: Nullifies damage from dark and shadow attacks.
Radiant Aura: Passive ability that increases ally strength and weakens enemies in a 10-meter radius.
Purification Strike: A skill that cleanses corruption and deals massive damage to shadow-aligned enemies.
Lyriana gasped as her own stats glimmered briefly, her light magic surging with newfound intensity. "This… this power is incredible!"
Kazuya clenched his fists, feeling the energy coursing through him. "If this helps us fight the darkness, I'm all in."
Solmara inclined her head. "Then our pact is sealed. Together, we shall bring light to this world."
Before Kazuya could respond, the chamber began to rumble again. The air grew cold, and a deep, guttural laugh echoed around them.
"So… the Radiant Sentinel has been freed," a voice sneered. "How delightful. It saves me the trouble of hunting you down."
A figure materialized at the far end of the room, cloaked in writhing shadows. Their presence was suffocating, the darkness emanating from them like a living entity.
Solmara's expression hardened. "Morvas, the Shadow Herald."
Morvas chuckled, his glowing red eyes fixed on the group. "Did you think you could escape unnoticed? The corruption runs too deep, Sentinel. Even your light cannot pierce its heart."
Kazuya stepped forward, his sword drawn. "We'll see about that. I've faced worse than you."
Morvas sneered. "Bold words for a mortal. Let's see how long your bravado lasts."
He raised a hand, and the shadows around him coalesced into a massive, serpent-like creature. The beast hissed, its eyes blazing with malevolence as it lunged toward them.
Kazuya and Lyriana moved in tandem, their newfound abilities allowing them to counter the creature's attacks. Solmara joined the fray, her radiant magic clashing violently with Morvas's shadowy powers.
The battle was fierce, the chamber shaking under the force of their attacks. Kazuya activated Purification Strike, his blade glowing with light as he cleaved through the serpent's form. Lyriana fired arrows of concentrated magic, each one striking with pinpoint accuracy.
Solmara confronted Morvas directly, their powers colliding in a dazzling display of light and darkness.
"You cannot stop what is coming," Morvas growled, his voice laced with malice. "The shadow's will is eternal."
Solmara's eyes blazed. "And so is the light."
With a final, combined effort, Kazuya, Lyriana, and Solmara unleashed a devastating attack that obliterated the serpent and forced Morvas to retreat.
"This isn't over," he snarled, his form dissolving into the shadows. "The darkness will consume you all."
As silence returned to the chamber, Kazuya lowered his sword, his breathing heavy.
Lyriana glanced at Solmara. "What was that thing?"
"An emissary of the shadow," Solmara said grimly. "He is but one of many. We must prepare for what lies ahead."
Kazuya sheathed his sword, his resolve unshaken. "Then let's not waste any time. If the darkness wants a fight, we'll bring the light to them."