Draxor and the entity known as Darkness faced each other in tense silence. The air around them crackled with energy, and the ruins of the building that once stood firm began to crumble under the sheer weight of their presence.
Darkness let out a chilling roar, its voice resonating like a thousand tormented souls, and the building shattered completely. Debris rained down as both combatants ascended into the storm-filled sky. There, amidst the chaos, their battle began.
Red light from Draxor's aura clashed with the pitch-black void emanating from Darkness. The speed of their movements was incomprehensible, faster than light itself. Each strike and counterstrike shook the very foundations of Solarys, the world trembling under their power.
Darkness opened its maw, unleashing a massive dragon of black fire. The beast roared as it charged toward Draxor, its flames scorching the atmosphere. With precise timing, Draxor swung his crimson blade, splitting the dragon in two. Before he could recover, Darkness appeared behind him, whispering with a voice that could freeze blood.
DARKNESS: (whispering) "Not bad... but you're still nothing."
With a wave of its hand, an invisible force sent Draxor hurtling through the air. He crashed into a massive bridge, shattering its structure before plummeting into the sea below. The waters of Solarys churned violently, but a moment later, Draxor emerged, his aura glowing even brighter, his rage fueling his strength.
He charged at Darkness once more, his blade singing through the air. Darkness responded by growing shadowy claws from its hands and summoning spectral hands and blades from the void. The sounds of their clash echoed across the land as they fought, their weapons and powers colliding in bursts of energy. Even as Draxor dodged the shadowy hands and blades, Darkness taunted him.
DARKNESS: (mocking) "You amuse me, general. But tell me, do you really believe you can stand against the embodiment of despair?"
DRAXOR: (gritting his teeth) "I don't just believe it—I'll carve it into reality."
Darkness laughed, a sound that sent shivers through the air, before ascending higher into the sky. It unleashed a storm of lightning and tornadoes of fire, aiming to engulf Draxor. Undeterred, Draxor poured his energy into his blade. With a single swing, he destroyed the incoming onslaught. Yet, it was all a distraction.
Black chains materialized from the shadows, wrapping around Draxor and immobilizing him. Ancient blue runes spread across his armor, dimming his crimson aura and sealing his energy. As he struggled against the chains, Darkness descended before him. This time, its form shifted, solidifying into that of a beautiful yet terrifying woman. Her alabaster skin contrasted with her glowing red-and-black eyes, and her presence radiated both allure and dread.
DARKNESS: (smirking) "You've entertained me more than most in this world, Draxor. The tales of Solarys' generals weren't exaggerated. But this is where your story ends."
Draxor growled, his body straining against the chains as he cursed under his breath. Darkness opened her mouth, preparing to devour his essence. Her smile widened as she moved closer, but before she could finish, a blinding white light erupted from the horizon. The force of the light decapitated Darkness, scattering her form into countless fragments. The chains around Draxor vanished, and the runes on his armor faded into nothingness.
Draxor fell to one knee but quickly stood, his blade still in hand. He turned to see the source of the light—Naelia Vyrantha. She hovered in the air, her hands glowing with radiant energy.
DRAXOR: (yelling) "Why did you come back? Your mission was to keep the king safe!"
NAELIA: (crossing her arms) "Don't yell at me, old man. I left the king in one of Solarys' conquered worlds, under another general's protection. I wasn't about to let you have all the fun here. Besides, it's always been you and me, Drax. Where you fight, I fight."
Draxor's stern expression softened into a faint smile. He flew to her side.
DRAXOR: "What about the other colonies? Did you call for reinforcements?"
NAELIA: (serious) "It's chaos. The worlds we've conquered and the galaxies under Solarys' control are revolting. They've heard Solarys is under attack and are targeting our citizens to reclaim their territories. Our forces are stretched thin, holding the line."
Draxor clicked his tongue in frustration.
DRAXOR: "It was to be expected. When the heart of Solarys falters, the vultures come."
A sinister laugh echoed through the air. Darkness had regenerated, her form piecing itself back together.
DARKNESS: (mocking) "Interrupting a conversation is rude, child. Didn't anyone teach you manners?"
Naelia gritted her teeth, charging her light cannon.
NAELIA: "Even the power of ten thousand stars isn't enough to kill her..."
Before she could fire, Darkness moved with impossible speed, sending both Naelia and Draxor flying with a single blow. Red and blue lightning bolts rained down upon Draxor, who deflected them with his sword. Naelia crashed into a building, groaning as she tried to recover.
Darkness appeared before her, smirking.
DARKNESS: "You like games, don't you, child? How about this one?"
With a wave of her hand, the corpses of fallen Solaryan citizens rose, their eyes empty voids. They staggered toward Naelia, weapons in hand.
NAELIA: (disgusted) "You're using their bodies?! You're despicable!"
Naelia conjured swords of light from her hands, cutting down the undead with precision. But Darkness snapped her fingers, engulfing Naelia's light cannon in black flames, destroying it. Unarmed, Naelia fought valiantly, but the sheer number of enemies overwhelmed her. Darkness made them explode in fiery blasts. Naelia shielded herself with a barrier, but as the smoke cleared, Darkness appeared before her.
With a swift motion, Darkness' claws pierced Naelia's stomach. She coughed blood, her energy faltering.
DRAXOR: (yelling) "Naelia!"
Draxor deflected the lightning bolts and rushed to her side, unleashing a desperate slash that Darkness dodged effortlessly. He caught Naelia's limp body, her breathing shallow. Black veins began spreading across her skin.
DRAXOR: (softly) "Hold on, kid... You're not dying on me."
He looked at Darkness, his fury reaching its peak, but instead of attacking, he tore open the fabric of reality with his sword. Holding Naelia close, he escaped through the dimensional rift.
Darkness watched them vanish, laughing maniacally.
DARKNESS: (laughing) "Run, little general. Run as far as you can. It won't save you."
End of Chapter.