The Fight for Control
Kael charged, his blade cutting through the chaotic energy swirling around the Shard. Ascaris turned, his body now crackling with the Shard's power. His movements were faster, more fluid, as if the artifact had enhanced him beyond human limits.
Their clash was ferocious. Ascaris's strikes were charged with energy, each blow sending shockwaves that cracked the temple floor. But Kael's strength was unrelenting, and he met the general's attacks head-on, his blade carving arcs of destruction through the air.
"You can't stop this!" Ascaris bellowed, his voice amplified by the Shard's influence. "This power was meant to be wielded!"
Kael gritted his teeth, his muscles burning as he deflected another strike. "You don't control it! It controls you!"
Their battle tore through the chamber, debris raining from the ceiling as the Shard's energy grew more unstable. Mira watched from the shadows, her daggers drawn but useless against the storm of power raging around them.
The fight reached its peak when Kael landed a devastating blow, shattering part of Ascaris's armor and sending him crashing into a crumbling pillar. The general staggered to his feet, blood trickling from his exposed face.
"You think you've won?" Ascaris snarled, his voice trembling with rage and desperation. "You don't understand what you're dealing with!"
He turned back to the Shard and reached out again, his hand trembling. The artifact flared brighter than ever, its energy twisting around him like a vortex.
Kael's instincts screamed at him to stop the general, but before he could move, Mira's voice rang out.
"Kael, no!" she shouted. "The Shard—it's reacting to you! If you get closer, it'll pull you in too!"
Kael hesitated, his gaze flicking between the Shard and Ascaris. The whispers were back, louder now, calling his name, promising him strength beyond imagination.
"Take me, Kael. You are worthy. Together, we will reshape the world."
He shook his head, clenching his fists. "I don't want your power."
The Shard pulsed, almost as if it were… laughing.