The dusty streets of Serenia stretched out before Elliot and Lyssara, the sun baking the earth and casting long shadows over the modest homes and bustling market. The town seemed unassuming at first glance, its people busy with their daily routines. But beneath the surface, whispers carried tales of fear and power.
As they passed through the market, an old man beckoned them over. His weathered face and sunken eyes betrayed years of hardship.
"You're strangers here," he said, his voice low. "What brings you to Serenia?"
"We're looking for information," Elliot replied cautiously. "Something that might help us."
The old man's expression darkened. "If it's information you're after, you'll need to speak with the Bull."
Lyssara frowned. "The Bull?"
The old man nodded. "He runs this town. A giant of a man, skin like stone, stronger than any mortal has a right to be. They call him the Bull of Serenia. If anyone knows what you're looking for, it's him. But be careful—he doesn't take kindly to outsiders."
The Bull's den was a fortress in miniature, a sprawling building at the edge of town. Its walls were adorned with crude banners and tribal markings, and guards flanked the entrance, their weapons glinting in the sun.
Elliot and Lyssara approached cautiously, their steps echoing in the tense silence. Inside, the den was a cacophony of laughter, clinking mugs, and the raucous voices of men boasting of their strength. At the center of it all sat Korran Uldar, the Bull of Serenia.
Korran was a massive man, his dark skin glistening with sweat and his body covered in intricate tribal tattoos. He lounged in a massive chair, a mug of ale in one hand and a smirk on his lips. His presence was magnetic, his aura one of raw power and unshakable confidence.
When Elliot and Lyssara stepped into the room, the noise died down. All eyes turned to them, the weight of the Bull's gaze settling heavily on their shoulders.
"Well, well," Korran rumbled, his voice deep and gravelly. "What do we have here? A pretty little thing and her… what, bodyguard?"
Lyssara's eyes narrowed, her hand instinctively moving to her dagger. Elliot stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "We're looking for information."
Korran chuckled, leaning forward. "Information isn't free, boy. You want my help? Then you'll pay my price."
His gaze shifted to Lyssara, and his smirk widened. "Her. She stays the night with me."
Lyssara's dagger was out before he finished speaking. She lunged with precision, aiming for his neck. The blade struck true—or so she thought. It stopped dead against his skin with a metallic clang. Korran didn't flinch. Instead, he laughed, a deep, booming sound that filled the room.
"You've got spirit," he said, grabbing her wrist with a grip of iron. "But you'll have to do better than that."
Lyssara struggled against his hold, her green eyes blazing with fury. Elliot stepped forward, his fists clenched. "Let her go."
Korran's gaze shifted to Elliot, his smirk turning into a sneer. "And what are you going to do about it, little man?"
Elliot's vision blurred as anger surged through him. Etreuf's voice echoed in his mind, sharp and eager. "Let me handle this. This brute will learn the true meaning of power."
Elliot hesitated, his body trembling as Etreuf pressed against his consciousness. Finally, he relented. "Do it."
Etreuf surged forward, taking control. Elliot's eyes flared with fiery light, his posture shifting to one of confidence and menace. Dark fire erupted around him, the power of the Conis fusing with his demonic strength.
Korran raised an eyebrow, his smirk faltering. "What the hell are you?"
Etreuf smirked, his voice low and dangerous. "Your reckoning."
Korran roared, charging forward like a bull unleashed. His massive fists swung with earth-shattering force, each blow capable of breaking bones and crushing stone. Etreuf met him head-on, their clash sending shockwaves through the room.
The two titans fought with relentless ferocity. Korran's skin was like stone, his strength unmatched, but Etreuf's speed and precision allowed him to land devastating blows. Dark fire and shadow danced around them, scorching the walls and sending the onlookers fleeing in terror.
"You're strong," Etreuf growled, dodging a punch that cracked the floor. "But strength alone won't save you."
Korran grinned, his tattoos glowing faintly. "And you talk too much."
With a roar, he slammed his fists into the ground, sending a shockwave that knocked Etreuf off balance. Korran seized the moment, landing a crushing blow that sent Etreuf crashing into a wall.
Elliot's voice broke through Etreuf's control, his determination cutting through the chaos. "Use the daggers! They'll break through his defenses!"
Etreuf snarled but obeyed, summoning the daggers. Their blades glowed with fused energy, fire and shadow intertwining in a deadly dance. As Korran charged again, Etreuf leapt into the air, crossing the daggers in front of him.
"Enough!" he roared, driving the blades into Korran's chest.
The impact was cataclysmic. Korran was hurled backward, smashing through a wall and landing in the dirt outside. For a moment, everything was silent. Then Korran groaned, struggling to rise, his body battered but unbroken.
"You… bastard," he muttered, coughing. "Fine. You win."
Etreuf stepped back, his fiery aura fading as Elliot regained control. Lyssara rushed to his side, her expression a mix of relief and concern.
Korran sat up, blood staining his teeth. "There's a temple… far to the north. Hidden in the mountains. They say it's a doorway… to other realms."
Elliot nodded, his body trembling as the power faded. "Thank you."
Korran chuckled weakly. "Don't thank me. Just don't come back."
Word of the Bull's defeat spread through Serenia like wildfire. The townsfolk gathered outside the den, their expressions a mix of fear and amazement. For years, Korran had ruled over them with an iron fist, his strength unmatched. Now, their invincible protector had been brought low.
As Elliot and Lyssara left the town, the whispers followed them.
"Who are they?"
"Did you see the fire in his eyes?"
"Maybe the Bull finally met his match."
But Elliot paid them no mind. His focus was on the road ahead, the temple in the mountains, and the secrets it might hold.