CHAPTER 9
AUTHOR COLLINS COLLEX
***********###*********
Darius, observing the chaos from afar, saw the escalating tension between the two brothers. His attention, however, was drawn to Cara, who, with a swift movement, intervened in the conflict. Immediately, upon witnessing Sails's attack, Darius chanted in ancient words, his voice echoing with a powerful incantation.
{ Fulmen Furiosum Spatium }
Darius, with a swift movement, positioned himself between Cara and the oncoming attack. Chanting an ancient incantation, he unleashed a powerful spell,
{ "Phoenix Thunder Guff." }
A surge of blue flames engulfed his body, transforming him into a blazing inferno. With a powerful thrust, he launched himself at the moving wall, shattering it into pieces and neutralizing the threat. The intense heat of the attack incinerated three of Sails' knights, leaving him scarred and disfigured.
After Darius's decisive attack, Frey and the other warriors readied themselves for battle, their weapons drawn and their spirits ignited.
Darius, his eyes fixed on Sails, warned, "One more spell, and you'll lose your head." Turning to Cara, he urged her to leave with Sezo and his men, assuring her that he would handle the situation.
Sails, recognizing the futility of further resistance, retreated. As he left, he cast a menacing glance at Darius, vowing to avenge his fallen soldiers. "You win this time," he sneered, "but next time, the outcome will be different." With that, he and his forces withdrew from the hall.
Darius turned to Frey and instructed, "Ensure that everyone supporting Sails leaves the premises tonight. The banquet is over." He ordered the remaining guests to be escorted to their rooms, signaling the end of the tumultuous event.
As the order to disperse was given, those aligned with Sails quickly retreated, boarding their flying mounts and disappearing into the night sky. The remaining guests, unaware of the near-catastrophe, retired to their assigned rooms. The once vibrant banquet hall now stood silent, a stark reminder of the chaos that had unfolded. The night ended with a shocking display of power and a chilling reminder of the fragile peace that had been shattered.
After the tumultuous events of the night, Darius sought solace in the tranquility of the Eldergrove. As he ventured into the forest, he encountered a mysterious figure standing amidst the ancient trees. Drawing his sword, Darius challenged the intruder, demanding to know his identity and purpose.
A monstrous aura enveloped Darius, sending a shiver down his spine. He feared that a powerful creature, perhaps a beast from the depths of the Eldergrove, had emerged. But then, a familiar, yet playful voice broke the tense silence. "Students, it's been too long. Come, have a seat."
Darius's eyes widened in disbelief as he recognized the figure before him. It was his former master, a Demi-God and former leader of the Duke Flame family, believed to have perished over two decades ago. The man, a master at full Moon rank as of then, had been Darius's mentor and guide, pushing him to the limits of his potential. Darius, overwhelmed with emotion, exclaimed, "Master, how is it possible? I thought you were dead." The old man smiled warmly, "I'm sorry for your loss, my dear student. And congratulations on the birth of your child." He chuckled, a sound that echoed through the ancient woods.
As the night wore on, Darius and his master sat beneath the ancient trees, sharing stories and discussing the future. The old man revealed that he had faked his death to protect his family from the machinations of their rivals. By feigning his demise, he had forced the other Great Families to accelerate their plans, exposing their true intentions.
Indeed, by feigning his death, the old man had effectively lulled his enemies into a false sense of security. He could now strike without warning, eliminating the threat posed by the other Great Families. However, it seems that his plan has backfired, as his enemies have become cautious and hesitant to make any aggressive moves. Perhaps they suspect that he is still alive, or perhaps they are waiting for the right moment to strike.
The old man also revealed that he had ascended to the rank of Twin Moon Mage, a level of power shared only by King Meli. He explained that King Meli's time was drawing closer, and soon, the mantle of the most powerful being in the kingdom would fall to him. Darius, filled with awe and inspiration, wondered how long it would take him to reach such a lofty level.
The old man revealed that the absence of the Duke Flame family was due to a tragic event: the death of the family's heir in a seafaring expedition. A powerful sea beast had attacked the exploration team, claiming the lives of the young lord, his wife, and the entire crew. Only a young daughter, barely a year old, had survived. The family was in mourning, and the old man himself had been forced to take on the mantle of leadership, secretly orchestrating events from the shadows. That's why they didn't attend the banquet. The old man has been discreetly managing the affairs of the city, known only to a select few. The death of his son and heir has forced him to step out of the shadows and take control.
As dawn approached, the two continued their conversation, delving deeper into the mysteries of the kingdom. The old man, ever thoughtful, manifested two short, golden knife swords from his storage ring. "A gift for my talented grand student Kai," he said, presenting the weapons to Darius. With a final smile, he vanished, leaving Darius alone in the ancient forest.
Darius, filled with gratitude and renewed purpose, left the forest and returned to the village. The morning sun cast its golden rays upon the tranquil landscape as he made his way back home. The extraordinary encounter with his master had left an indelible mark on him, fueling his determination to become a powerful force for good.