Kael stood firm, the shadow beasts circling him like predators sizing up their prey. Their red eyes glowed menacingly in the darkness, and Malakar's laughter echoed through the clearing.
"Do you feel it, intruder?" Malakar taunted, spreading his arms wide. "This place is saturated with despair and hatred. Your light is meaningless here."
Kael's golden eyes narrowed as he raised his staff, its tip gleaming with faint energy. "Darkness thrives where light is absent. Unfortunately for you, I am here."
The beasts snarled, and Malakar's hand shot forward. "Destroy him!"
The creatures lunged as one, their claws slashing through the air. Kael moved swiftly, his cloak billowing as he sidestepped the first attack. He raised his staff and channeled his energy into a spell.
"Radiant Lance!"
A spear of pure light shot forward, piercing through three beasts in a single strike. Their bodies disintegrated, leaving only ash behind.
Kael didn't pause. Spinning on his heel, he thrust his staff downward. "Aurora Quake!"
The ground erupted in a shockwave of golden energy, sending the beasts sprawling. Their snarls turned to whimpers as they dissolved under the assault.
Malakar watched the battle unfold, his expression unreadable beneath his hood. Despite Kael's display of power, the dark commander remained unfazed.
"You fight well for a mortal," Malakar said, his voice cutting through the din. "But your strength is finite, while the darkness is eternal."
Kael didn't reply, focusing instead on the last wave of beasts. He muttered another incantation, his staff glowing brighter with each word.
"Lightweaver's Judgement!"
A cascade of golden energy rained down from above, engulfing the remaining beasts. Their anguished cries faded into silence, leaving the clearing eerily quiet.
Kael turned to Malakar, his breathing steady despite the exertion. "You rely on others to fight for you. Is that the extent of your power?"
Malakar chuckled, a low and sinister sound. "You misunderstand. The beasts were merely a test."
He raised his hand, and the obelisk behind him pulsed with dark energy. The runes carved into its surface glowed brighter, their crimson light casting an ominous hue over the clearing.
The ground shook violently as a massive form emerged from the shadows—a towering beast twice the size of the others, its body cloaked in writhing tendrils of darkness. Its roar was deafening, and Kael felt the sheer weight of its presence.
"This is your end, intruder," Malakar declared.
Kael tightened his grip on his staff. "We'll see."
The colossal beast charged, each step shaking the ground. Kael rolled to the side as its massive claw slammed into the earth, leaving a deep crater.
Rising to his feet, Kael summoned another spell. "Solar Bind!"
Chains of light erupted from the ground, wrapping around the beast's limbs and holding it in place. The creature roared in fury, struggling against its bonds.
Kael seized the opportunity to attack, channeling his energy into a devastating spell.
"Divine Surge!"
A beam of radiant energy shot forward, striking the beast square in the chest. It let out an ear-piercing shriek as the light tore through its form, scattering its dark essence into the air.
Malakar stepped forward, his movements unnaturally smooth. "Impressive. But you've merely scratched the surface of my power."
Kael's eyes locked onto the dark commander. "Then show me what you're capable of."
Malakar extended his hand, and the air around him darkened. Shadows coalesced into a blade, its edge shimmering with malevolent energy. "Very well. Let us see if your light can stand against true darkness."
Their weapons clashed, light and shadow colliding in a dazzling display of power. Each strike sent shockwaves rippling through the clearing, the force of their battle threatening to tear the forest apart.
Malakar's strikes were swift and precise, but Kael countered with equal skill, his movements fluid and deliberate. Despite his limited power, Kael fought with the confidence of someone who had faced countless battles.
"You're holding back," Malakar said, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Kael smirked. "Maybe I just don't think you're worth my full strength."
Malakar's expression darkened. "Arrogant fool!"
He raised his blade, channeling dark energy into a devastating attack. "Eclipse Rend!"
A wave of shadow erupted from the blade, racing toward Kael. Without hesitation, Kael planted his staff into the ground.
"Barrier of Dawn!"
A golden shield appeared around him, deflecting the attack. The impact sent sparks flying, but Kael stood firm.
"You'll have to do better than that," Kael said, his tone calm but edged with defiance.
Malakar growled, his composure slipping. "Enough of this!"
Kael seized the moment, channeling his energy into one final spell. The air around him grew heavy with power as he raised his staff high.
"Celestial Verdict!"
A massive beam of light descended from the heavens, striking both Malakar and the obelisk. The ground shook violently as the obelisk shattered, its dark energy dissipating into the air.
Malakar let out a scream of rage as the light engulfed him, his form disintegrating into nothingness.
When the light faded, the clearing was silent once more. The obelisk was gone, and with it, the oppressive energy that had plagued the forest.
Kael lowered his staff, his breathing heavy. He turned and began walking back toward the village, his steps steady despite his exhaustion.
The villagers greeted Kael with cheers and relief when he returned, though he accepted their gratitude with quiet humility.
"You've done it," Aldric said, his voice filled with awe.
"For now," Kael replied. "But this was only the beginning. There are greater threats out there, and we must be ready."
Lyra approached him, her eyes shining with admiration. "You never cease to amaze me," she said softly.
Kael met her gaze, a faint smile playing at his lips. "And you never cease to surprise me."
As the night wore on, Kael stood alone at the edge of the village, staring out into the forest. The battle had been won, but his journey was far from over. The shadow beasts were only a symptom of a larger problem—a problem that would take him far beyond this small village.
"This world needs more than a protector," Kael murmured. "It needs someone who can challenge the darkness itself."
With that, he turned and walked back into the village, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
End of Chapter 5