Chapter 20: Choice Amidst Destruction
The rumbling grew louder. The vibrations from the ground beneath their feet signaled the complete destruction of the Lumina Ruins. Large rocks began to fall from the ceiling, creating an explosion of dust around the room. Eric stood amidst the chaos, holding the Everia Sword that now glowed a faint golden light, while Leon stood not far from him, his face filled with frustration and anger.
"Do you know what you've done, Eric?" Leon shouted over the roar. "That sword is not just a symbol of our family! You've awakened something far greater than you can control!"
Eric glared at Leon, ignoring the splinters of rock that nearly hit him. "I don't have time to listen to your empty accusations, Leon. If you know anything about what happened, you better speak up now."
Leon grinned slightly, stepping closer even as the space between them began to collapse. "You are too confident, little brother. The sword may have chosen you, but that doesn't mean you can control the power that comes with it."
Before Eric could answer, a huge explosion sounded behind them. From the large hole formed in the wall of the ruins, pitch-black energy poured out like mist, flowing wildly. The aura was cold and oppressive, making both of them feel an incredible burden.
"So this is… the dark energy that is sealed here," Eric muttered.
Leon stepped back, his confident expression turning to doubt. "You have no idea what you're facing. That energy is not something that can be fought with just courage or strength."
Eric ignored Leon for a moment, his focus completely on the dark energy that was beginning to form a blurry figure in the center of the room. The figure looked like the shadow of a man in a long robe, with glowing red eyes.
"Descendants of the Everia family..." His voice echoed throughout the room, sending shivers down their spines. "You have broken my seal. Is this out of stupidity or courage?"
Eric gripped the Everia Sword tighter, taking a defensive stance. "I don't know who you are, but I will make sure that you do not bring destruction upon this world."
The figure chuckled, his laughter deafening. "So confident, just like your ancestor who first sealed me here. But you... you're not ready."
Leon who was standing on the other side tried to take advantage of the situation. He took out a small dagger from his belt and started chanting spells quickly, trying to attack the dark energy by surprise. However, before his dagger could get close, the dark energy absorbed Leon's attack without any difficulty, bouncing it back at Leon with double the power.
Leon was thrown against the wall, his body hitting hard before falling to the ground. Eric looked away for a moment, wanting to make sure Leon was still alive.
"Stop acting rashly, Leon!" Eric shouted.
But Leon, despite his injuries, just chuckled. "If you fail, we'll all die. I just made sure someone fought that thing."
Eric refocused on the dark energy figure. He knew that fighting head-on might not be the best option. The Everia sword vibrated in his hand, as if trying to tell him something.
"Do you... want to help me?" Eric asked the sword, half in disbelief. The light from the sword suddenly grew brighter, creating an energy field that protected Eric and Leon from further attacks of dark energy.
Eric stepped forward, the sword's aura enveloping him completely. "I don't know what you want from our family, but I will make sure you don't destroy anything again."
The dark energy paused for a moment, its red glowing eyes staring deeply at Eric. "If you wish to fight me, you must prove that you are the true successor of Everia. Show me your power!"
The battle between Eric and the dark energy began. Eric used the Everia Sword perfectly, each slash was able to cut the dark energy in two. However, the creature could not be destroyed so easily. Every time its body was injured, it would recover in an instant.
In the midst of the battle, Eric realizes that this dark energy is no ordinary enemy. It is a being tied to the history of the Everia family. To truly defeat it, he must make a difficult decision: will he use the full power of the Everia Sword, even if it means losing control of himself?
Meanwhile, Leon, still injured, tries to provide assistance in his own way. He begins to recall an ancient spell that Lady Seraphina once taught him, hoping to help Eric lock away the dark energy.
"Come on, Eric!" Leon shouted from a distance. "If you fail, our family will be destroyed!"
But before Eric could make a decision, the dark energy launched its final attack—a massive explosion that shook the entire room. The light from the Everia Sword suddenly enveloped Eric completely, protecting him from total destruction.
As the dust began to clear, Eric stood in the center of the room, his body glowing with the energy of the Everia Sword. The dark energy now broke into small fragments, floating in the air before disappearing completely.
However, before Eric could feel relieved, the chuckle came again, this time weaker but still menacing. "This is just the beginning... you're not ready for what's really waiting out there."
Eric took a deep breath, gripping the Everia Sword tightly. His eyes stared at Leon, who now stood with a mixed expression of awe and fear.
"Leon, we have to get out of here," Eric said coldly.
But before they could step out, another shadow appeared at the end of the room—a shadow similar to the Seventh Elder, but with a different aura.
"I have been waiting for you, Eric," the shadow said. "Your time to understand your destiny has just begun."
The shadow walked slowly, its steps almost soundless amidst the ruins that were starting to stabilize after the destruction of the dark energy. Leon and Eric both stared at the figure with great wariness.
"Who are you really?" Eric pointed the Everia Sword at the figure, his energy still protecting his body with a bright golden aura.
The shadow stopped a few steps away from them, grinning faintly. "Have no fear, Eric Valentinus Everia. I am one of the guardians of this family's destiny. I have been waiting for this moment... waiting for you to prove yourself worthy."
"Guardian of destiny? Are you one of our ancestors?" Eric asked, his voice firm even though he harbored many doubts.
The figure just chuckled. "Maybe, maybe not. What is certain is that I am part of the legacy you carry—a legacy that is more than just the family name or the sword."
Leon, who was standing behind Eric, now began to rise carefully, even though his wounds had not fully healed. "What do you want from him?" he asked sharply. "Eric has obtained the Sword of Everia, isn't that enough?"
The shadow glanced at Leon with a dismissive expression. "You do not understand how small your view is, Leon Everia. This sword is only the beginning. The real question is... is Eric capable of bearing a greater burden?"
Eric glared. "If you're here just to test me again, then go ahead. I won't run from anything that comes my way."
However, before the shadow could answer, the room began to shake again. This time, not from destruction, but from something else. A large symbol began to appear on the floor, emitting a golden yellow light.
"You still have a choice to make, Eric," the shadow said, its eyes sharp. "The dark energy may have been sealed away, but the power that brought it to this world remains. You can take your path now—continue your journey as the Martial King and bring the sword back. Or... you can delve deeper, find the source of this threat before it is too late."
Eric gripped the Everia Sword tighter. The choice he was given felt like a trap, but he knew one thing: if he left this place without finding out more, a greater threat would come.
Leon looked at Eric, then at the glowing symbol on the floor. "Whatever you choose, Eric, I hope you know what you're doing. Our world cannot bear any more destruction."
Eric took a deep breath, staring at the symbols on the floor that slowly formed a teleportation circle. The shadow said nothing more, just looked at Eric with hope.
"All right," Eric said finally, his voice firm. "I'll find out more. But if this is a trap, you'll regret ever doubting my resolve."
The teleportation circle began to glow brighter, enveloping Eric, Leon, and the shadow. The energy from the circle felt calming yet mysterious. Before they disappeared completely, the shadow's voice was heard once more, like a whisper in Eric's ear.
"Be strong, Eric Valentinus Everia. Because what you find ahead... is something that even the Martial King is not prepared for."
End of chapter...