Chapter 19: The Final Test
The large room in the ruins of Lumina was filled with an eerie silence. The purple portal was still open, emitting a dark energy that felt like it was pressing down on Eric's chest. From within it, a mysterious figure slowly stepped out. His body was covered in a black robe with an ancient symbol glowing faintly on his chest. His face was hidden by shadow, but his eyes glowed red like embers.
"Who are you?" Eric gripped the Everia Sword tightly. The sword's energy pulsed softly in his hand as if trying to speak to him.
The figure chuckled, his deep voice echoing throughout the room. "Who am I? Just a guardian... or perhaps more accurately, the final test for whoever claims the sword."
Eric frowned. "So you're part of this? What's your goal?"
"My goal? I am just a shadow of the past created to test those who intend to carry this sword. You, Eric Valentinus Everia, are the chosen heir of the family. However, are you worthy of holding this inheritance?" His voice contained mockery. "Prove yourself, or be destroyed here."
The figure raised its hand, and the air around them changed. Purple energy from the portal enveloped the room, creating an illusory field that mixed darkness and strange shimmers of light. Eric felt his body grow heavier as if the dark energy was trying to crush him until he gave up.
"If this is the final test," Eric said, his eyes brimming with determination, "I will pass it. This sword is not just mine, but the Everia family's."
Without wasting any time, the figure shot toward Eric at incredible speed. The first attack was barely visible, but Eric managed to raise his sword to block it. The impact sent a wave of energy that cracked the floor around them.
"You are fast, but the sword will judge you," the figure said as it attacked again, this time with a flurry of attacks. Eric dodged some, but one energy blow sent him flying into the wall.
Eric stood up with heavy breath, blood flowing from the corner of his lips. However, the Everia Sword suddenly glowed brighter, flowing warm energy into his body. Eric felt his wounds heal quickly, and new strength flowed through him.
"This sword… responds to me?" he muttered.
The figure laughed coldly. "The sword will test your heart. If your will wavers, it will lead you to destruction."
Eric closed his eyes for a moment, then reopened them with a steady gaze. He raised the sword high, concentrating his energy on the blade. A bright blue light filled the room, driving away some of the dark energy.
The battle continued intensely. Eric began to understand that the Everia Sword was not just a weapon, but an extension of himself. Every movement of his sword became smoother as if the sword was guiding him. When the figure launched its final attack, Eric retaliated with a slash full of energy, slicing through the darkness around him.
The figure stopped, his body beginning to fade. "Interesting… you are worthy indeed… but remember, this is just the beginning. The sword will lead you down a more dangerous path."
Before disappearing, the figure pointed toward the slowly closing portal. "Your enemy is out there, heir. Prepare for what is coming."
When it was all over, Eric stood in the middle of the now silent room. Everia's sword glowed dimly as if exhausted from the battle. But Eric felt different—stronger, more certain.
He gripped the sword firmly, then looked towards the exit of the ruins. "Whatever comes, I am ready. I will not let the Everia family legacy fall."
Eric took a deep breath, looking at the sword that was glowing dimly in his grasp. But he didn't have time to feel triumphant. The dark aura of the portal slowly fading left a mark that pierced the atmosphere of the room. Even though the mysterious figure had disappeared, the room felt colder than before.
But before Eric could move, the floor beneath him began to shake. The energy he had just released seemed to have affected the stability of the ruins. Cracks began to spread from the center of the room, climbing the walls and up to the ceiling.
"Collapse...?" Eric muttered, realizing the danger that was about to happen.
At that moment, the Everia Sword in his hand began to glow a brighter blue light, as if giving a warning. Eric focused, letting the sword guide his steps. He darted towards the passageway he had entered, trying to find a way out before the ruins became his grave.
On the way, Eric heard something behind him. The sound of footsteps. Not just an echo of his own footsteps, but someone was following him.
He turned his head, only to see Leon's figure emerge from the shadows, with an expression full of arrogance.
"Leon?" Eric paused, clenching his sword. "What are you doing here?"
Leon grinned, his eyes fixed on the shining Sword of Everia in Eric's hand. "You managed to find the sword. Great job, little brother. But unfortunately, it's not for you."
Eric stared at Leon with narrowed eyes. "What do you mean?"
"That sword belonged to the Everia family, yes, but you? You're just a dissident who refuses his way. I am the true heir." Leon stepped closer, his hand outstretched. "Leave it to me, and I will forgive your mistakes."
"Don't be stupid," Eric said coldly. "This sword will not accept anyone who is not worthy. Even if I give it to you, you will never be able to use it."
"I will decide for myself." With one swift movement, Leon launched himself at Eric, attempting to snatch the sword with his bare hands.
But before he could touch it, the sword emitted a powerful blue light, bouncing Leon off with an invisible force. His body was sent flying, hitting the wall hard.
Leon groaned in pain, but he quickly got up with an angry expression. "What... what are you doing?"
"That wasn't me." Eric lifted the sword slightly, watching its light pulse slowly. "This sword will accept no one but its owner."
Leon clenched his fists, the anger on his face growing clearer. "You think this is over? That sword is just the first step, Eric. You won't always win."
Eric looked at Leon calmly but with a warning look. "Go away, Leon. This place is going to collapse soon, and I don't have time to fight you."
Leon gritted his teeth, but after weighing the situation, he turned around and left with heavy steps.
Eric took a deep breath, then ran towards the exit of the ruins. When he reached the outside, bright sunlight greeted him, but he could not feel calm. In the distance, he could see Leon standing on the cliff, looking at him from a distance before disappearing into the shadows.
Eric gripped the sword tightly, feeling the energy within it that seemed to pulse in rhythm with his heart. "If this is the final test, then what awaits me...?" he murmured.
Eric realized that the figure was not only testing his strength but also his determination to use the Everia Sword. He noticed his opponent's attack pattern—slashes that always targeted weak points in his defense, and each attack drained his energy bit by bit.
However, as his gaze fell upon the Sword of Everia, something began to happen. The ancient runes on the sword's hilt shone brightly, spreading a holy aura that filled the entire room. The light pierced through the darkness as if responding to Eric's unwavering determination.
The mysterious figure paused for a moment, his eyes narrowing at the light. "So you've finally begun to awaken the sword's true power. Interesting," he said in a more serious tone.
Eric felt new energy flowing into his body as if the sword had given him additional strength. He gripped the sword tighter, then spoke in a loud voice, "This power is not just mine. This is the inheritance of the Everia family, and I will prove that I am worthy of holding it!"
With that shout, Eric leaped forward, attacking with speed and power far beyond before. His slash this time not only blocked the figure's attack but also shattered the dark energy that enveloped it. The mysterious figure staggered back for the first time, his gaze changing from disdain to wariness.
"You exceeded my expectations, brat. But this isn't over yet." The figure raised his sword high, gathering a large amount of dark energy.
Eric knew he had to end this before it got worse. He focused all his energy on the Everia Sword, making it glow brighter than ever before. The light formed a massive wave of energy that enveloped the entire room.
"With this, I will conclude this round!" Eric shouted, launching his final attack. The wave of holy energy slammed into the mysterious figure, creating a massive explosion that shook the entire ruins.
As the dust and smoke began to settle, Eric stood panting in the center of the room. The mysterious figure was seen falling to the floor, his body beginning to fade like a shadow losing its form. Before he disappeared completely, he said in a calmer tone, "You have proven yourself, heir of Everia. The sword is yours... but remember, the burden that comes with its power is greater than you can imagine."
The figure disappeared, and the room fell silent again. The purple portal that had been open before was gone, leaving Eric alone in a room full of debris.
Eric stared at the Everia Sword which now looked even more brilliant, as if it had received his acknowledgement. However, he had no time to celebrate his victory. Small tremors were still felt around the ruins, indicating that the place would collapse at any moment.
"It's time to get out of here," Eric muttered, sheathing his sword and starting to run out of the room.
However, as he approached the exit, he saw another figure standing in the doorway. Eric stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing to try to recognize who was in front of him.
"Eric," a deep voice sounded. From the shadows, Leon appeared with a cold expression and a curious gaze at the sword in Eric's hand. "So, you managed to get that sword."
Eric took a deep breath, gripping the Everia Sword tighter. "Leon, what are you doing here?"
Leon smiled faintly. "Just making sure you don't make a big mistake. But, it seems I came just in time to take what is rightfully mine."
Eric's eyes flashed with alarm. "Don't even think about it, Leon. This sword is not yours, and you know it."
"Ah, but Eric," Leon replied slyly. "We'll see."
(To be continued...)