James stood there like a statue, his mind a chaotic mess of thoughts he couldn't untangle.
His body refused to move, locked in place by the overwhelming force coming from the two weapons in front of him.
It wasn't just fear—though he was terrified—it was the sheer weight of the air around him. It felt thick, pressing down on his chest and shoulders like an invisible mountain.
Even breathing took effort, and his legs were trembling, not from weakness, but from the crushing pressure radiating from Kaela and Yevan's weapons.
Kaela's weapon was like something out of a dream. A sleek, silver rapier, its blade shimmered like liquid moonlight, with glowing runes etched along its length.
The runes pulsed softly with a snow-white light, cold and pure, like freshly fallen snow on a mountaintop. It was stunningly beautiful, yet it made James's skin crawl with its icy aura.
Cold mist trailed from the blade, hanging in the air like frozen smoke, and wherever Kaela moved, the frost seemed to follow her, clinging to the grass beneath her feet.
The rapier looked elegant, almost delicate, but James could feel its lethal power. It was a weapon meant for precision, deadly and graceful like Kaela herself.
Yevan's weapon was the complete opposite. Where Kaela's rapier was sleek and refined, his hammer was monstrous and brutal.
The massive spiked hammer was so large it looked like it could crush a boulder with one swing.
Its surface was covered in jagged edges, and glowing purple runes crawled across it like veins of lightning.
The runes pulsed ominously, casting an eerie light that made the weapon seem alive, as though it was hungry for destruction.
Despite its terrifying appearance, the hammer had a strange majesty to it, like a relic from an ancient battlefield. The air around it seemed to ripple and hum with raw, destructive energy, as if even being near it was a risk.
James could feel his instincts screaming at him. He didn't know how he knew, but he just knew that if these two weapons clashed at full force, the resulting shockwaves alone would kill him.
Not hurt him. Kill him. He was utterly powerless in the face of such overwhelming power. His heart pounded furiously in his chest, his thoughts spiraling into panic.
And then Kaela moved.
No, she didn't just move—she vanished. One moment she was standing still, and the next, she was gone, a blur of silver and frost cutting through the air.
James's heart nearly leapt out of his chest as the ground beneath her feet cracked and exploded, sending shards of dirt and frost flying.
Boom!
The shockwaves rippled outward like a sonic boom, rattling the trees and making James' hair whip back violently.
"Y-Young Master!" Yevan's voice boomed, his sharp eyes darting to James for a split second.
But that was all Kaela needed. In the blink of an eye, she reappeared behind Yevan, her rapier raised and ready to strike.
The speed and precision of her movements were so unreal, so impossibly fast, that James could barely keep up with what was happening.
But before her blade could reach its mark, Kaela's icy gaze softened. Her lips curved into a warm smile as her eyes landed on James.
"Jamie!" she called out, her voice sweet and full of affection.
The crushing pressure disappeared instantly as both Kaela and Yevan dispelled their weapons in unison.
The air that had been suffocating James only moments ago was now light and breathable, as if nothing had happened.
His body finally relaxed, but his legs felt like jelly. He almost collapsed then and there, gasping for air like he'd been drowning.
Before James could catch his breath, Kaela rushed at him, closing the distance in a heartbeat.
She threw her arms around him and hugged him so tightly he thought she might actually snap a rib.
"Oh, Jamie, I missed you so much!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled against his shoulder. She smelled faintly of lavender, with a hint of frost that made him shiver, though not unpleasantly.
"Kaela," James wheezed, trying to wiggle free from her death grip. "You're… really strong… you know that, right?"
Kaela pulled back just enough to look at him, her face lighting up with laughter. "And you've gotten so much taller! Though you're still not as strong as me, little brother."
She pinched his cheek playfully, making him groan in embarrassment.
Yevan stepped forward then, his towering figure casting a long shadow over them. Despite his intimidating presence, his voice was calm and respectful.
"Young Master James, it's nice to see you back on your feet," he said with a slight bow. Then, turning to Kaela, he added,
"Your growth is remarkable, Lady Kaela. Those new enchantments on your soul weapon are intriguing. But I suppose we can discuss them later."
James's ears perked up at the mention of soul weapons. He'd never heard the term before, but his curiosity burned. 'Were those terrifying weapons Kaela and Yevan had summoned earlier what they called soul weapons?'
He had so many questions but didn't dare interrupt. Yevan excused himself after a final bow, leaving James and Kaela alone in the garden.
"Walk with me, Jamie," Kaela said, looping her arm through his and guiding him down a winding path through the garden.
The garden was breathtaking, filled with strange and exotic flowers that seemed to glow faintly in the dim light.
Some were a deep, shimmering blue, while others were fiery orange or golden yellow, their petals fluttering as though alive. The air was heavy with their sweet, almost magical fragrance.
"This place is amazing," James said, unable to hide his awe. "And you… You've changed so much, Kaela. You're more beautiful and powerful than ever."
Of course, these were all lies. He had never seen this young and beautiful lady ever before. He had to choose his words carefully in other to not slip up. It was very risky.
Kaela's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink, and she looked away shyly. "Thank you, Jamie," she said softly. "But you'll be just as powerful as me soon. Tomorrow, when you awaken your soul weapon, you'll see."
James's eyes widened. "Tomorrow?" he echoed, his heart skipping a beat.
The idea of having his own soul weapon, of wielding something as incredible as Kaela's rapier, filled him with a strange mix of excitement and nervousness.
Kaela stopped walking and turned to face him, her expression serious. "Jamie… do you remember anything about the hunting expedition?"
James frowned, confused. "No," he admitted. 'Why does everyone keep asking me about it? Father mentioned it during dinner too.'
He thought hard, piecing together what little he could.
Everyone seemed strangely concerned about his memory of the event. Was something being kept from him? Or was it too dangerous for him to know?
Kaela sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "It's probably for the best," she said softly, her voice tinged with sadness.
She hugged him tightly again, as if to shield him from whatever burden she carried.
"I have to see Father," she said reluctantly, stepping back. "But we'll catch up later, alright?"
James nodded, watching her leave. The garden seemed quieter without her, the glowing flowers swaying gently in the breeze.
As he stood there alone, a determined look crossed his face. 'I have to awaken my soul weapon. I need to be strong like her. No… stronger. Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough.'
______
Power stone Goal!
20 PS - 1 Bonus chapter
50 PS - 2 Bonus chapter
100 PS (Quite an achievement as of now) - 3 Bonus chapters.