??? POV
Deep within the corrupted forest, in a cavern beneath the roots of blackened trees, held the culprit behind the spreading of corruption within the forest. The cavern is illuminated by an ominous glow emanating from a massive artifact engraved with the rocky floor, casting shadows stretching onto crooked walls, giving it an eerie and dark vibe. Coiling around it were Tendrils of dark energy that weighed like living creatures.
Further behind the artifact was a throne that was made out of the same material as these artifacts, and on this throne was a shadowy figure called Malakar, the architect of corruption that had spread across the forest. His blood-red eyes burned with fury as he watched as another light on an artifact flickered before losing its ominous glow; a frown was plastered on his face. Striking the armrest on his throne, the throne remained intact but the ground beneath had cracked.
Years of careful, precise planning were beginning to crumble as another artifact was destroyed.
He placed a hand on the artifact beside him, its surface regaining a faint glow as it was feeding off of the corrupted energy. "Fools," Malakar murmured, his voice low and toxic.
"Going around playing heroes, but only to delay the inevitable."
He rose from his throne, with his long robes trailing behind him, sensing the ones responsible for hindering his plans;
A man capable of using Aether to enhance his body Aetheric Ascendance, he was quite skilled and capable in using Second Ascendant: Aetheric Resilience.
A healer who seemed to be an Adapt Weaver skilled in healing.
A guard with a halberd is not impressive.
And one of those pesky Seekers.
"And the child..." Malakar whispered with a sick smile on his face. "Such potential in one so small."
In the shadows emerged a figure, stepping into the ominous glow of the artifact revealed a hunched back figure in tattered rags. It was Vorlak, one of Malakar's loyal servants.
"Master, the child seemed to have energy signatures similar to the artifacts within him. Could he be...?" Vorlak course voice screeched.
"Yes," Malakar said, his voice filled with excitement. "The boy is tied to the artifacts, be it by fate or design. But that does make him a threat."
"Should I kill him, my lord?" Formal asked with eagerness in his voice, flashing his jagged teeth in the dim light of the cavern.
"No," Malakar said easing his hand. Not yet. He is but a child easy to mold and grow into a useful tool. Let's focus on bringing about chaos elsewhere; keep that village distracted while I prepare other plans."
He stepped away from the artifact, the shadows he cast swirling and moving as though it was alive. "Send our force to the village, make them pay for delaying my plans; keep the boy alive let him witness death."
Kael's POV
Days rolled by after the heavy battle, those the air was still tense. My parents were now far more quiet than they usually are, I guess they have a lot on their mind as they were often talking amongst themselves. Even Ana, normally a fountain of cheerful chatter, sat in silence.
I spent most of my time pretending to be a baby, as everyone thought that I was, but my mind was still racing with unanswered questions. That connection that I had felt during the fight was still on my mind, pulling at the edges of my mind. Whenever I tried to focus on it flashes of my past life of places and people that I don't quite remember. Honestly, it was fascinating to make slight progress in my memory.
But more than anything, a threat was still looming over us, as if it was in the shadows waiting to strike.
Malakar's Plan
The attack on the village will begin once the sun has set. The eerie silence in the village was a giveaway that something was going to happen. The chirping of the birds and the swaying of the leaves was replaced by an unnatural stillness.
Elias was in the workshop working on the dents on his armor and sharpening his sword when the alarm bell rang. He quickly got up placing his armor on and grabbing his sword, his sharp eyes scanning around him. Mira was already at the door with her staff in hand, glowing faintly as she prepared for whatever was coming.
Serum appeared from the shadows beside them, showing a grim expression. "Something coming from the forest."
Within moments, shadowy figures began emerging from the tree line, their forms constantly shifting and flickering like smoke. They moved with an eerie grave, their red eyes shining brightly in the night locking onto the village and those that reside in it.
Elias didn't hesitate. "Guards, to the front! Protect the villagers!"
Following his commands, the guards formed a line, their weapons held high, charging at the creatures. The clash was immediate and brutal. Steel met shadow, and though the guards fought hard, the creature's unnatural resilience made them difficult to kill.
Mira was in the heart of the battle, not staying in the rear like like last time, her barriers deflecting attacks while she cast blasts of aetheric light to repeal the creatures. Serum moved like a phantom, her daggers slashing with skilled precision.
Elias cut a shadowy beast with a powerful swing of his sword, His raging on amid the chaos. "Hold the line! Don't let them reach the houses! "
Kael's POV
I was still inside the house; I was in her hand as she held me tightly and reassuringly. "It'll be okay," she whispered not believing her own words as her voice trembled.
I wasn't so sure. I could feel the connection with the other artifacts pulsing stronger now, and I could feel the energy that was driving the creatures. It was as if a storm was in my mind. Overwhelming it so that I couldn't black any of it.
Closing my eyes, trying to focus more closely on the thread of energy. Then it happened again. Images flickered through my mind of my parents battling the shadows, the villagers fleeing, and finally, a man cloaked in darkness, his crimson eyes shooting open, looking around as if sensing my presence before locking onto it and looking into my eyes.
"Well, well," his voice echoed in my mind, filled with interest and humor. "The chosen one awakens. How fun."
The connection snapped, and I gasped for air, shocking Ana, who was still holding me. She began to reassure but I wasn't Listening to her. Still confused as to who or what was that. Whoever that is is dangerous.