Chereads / Starforged Sovereign / Chapter 20 - Chapter 20: A New Beginning – The Power of the Fragment Unleashed!

Chapter 20 - Chapter 20: A New Beginning – The Power of the Fragment Unleashed!

The chamber was still, the Fragment of Eternity now resting in Luan's hand. It felt as though the entire world had shifted, its weight heavy with the implications of what had just transpired. The warriors, the trials, the tests of strength—all of it had been leading up to this moment.

"You did it," the voice of the Celestial Core echoed in Luan's mind. "The Fragment is yours. The power you have unlocked is unimaginable."

Luan stood in the center of the chamber, his heart racing. He could feel the immense energy coursing through him, a force so vast that it threatened to consume him. But at the same time, he felt a deep sense of clarity, as though he had transcended something, something essential.

The Fragment wasn't just a weapon. It wasn't just raw power. It was the key to understanding the very fabric of the universe. And Luan was now its wielder.

---

The Celestial Path Awaits

As the last remnants of the trial faded away, the room began to glow brighter, illuminating every corner with an ethereal light. The floor beneath Luan's feet began to shift, and a new path opened up before him—one that led toward the unknown.

"The power you hold now," the Celestial Core said, "is not just for you. It is for the universe. The balance of all things is fragile, and you must guide it. The enemies who have sought this power will not rest. They will come for you."

Luan clenched his fist around the Fragment, feeling its energy pulse within him. The realization hit him like a wave. His life had changed forever. He was no longer just Luan Santana, a young man from Earth. He was now the wielder of the Fragment of Eternity, a force that could alter the fate of worlds.

"You will not be alone," the voice continued. "There are others who will aid you on this journey. The path you walk will be fraught with challenges, but with the Fragment, you will have the power to overcome them."

---

The Path Forward

Luan took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. He had always known there was something more to his existence. From the moment he had first touched the Celestial Core, he had felt a connection to something greater than himself. And now, that connection had reached its zenith. He was ready to step into the unknown.

"Where do I go from here?" Luan asked aloud, his voice echoing through the now-silent chamber.

The Celestial Core responded with a soft, almost solemn tone. "The universe is vast, Luan. You must seek out the fragments that are scattered throughout the realms. Each one holds a part of the power needed to restore balance. There are those who will stop at nothing to claim these fragments for themselves, to use them for dark purposes. You must find them first."

Luan nodded, his resolve solidifying. "I understand. I will do whatever it takes."

---

The First Encounter

Before he could take another step, the floor trembled beneath him. A ripple of energy shot through the air, and suddenly, a figure materialized before him—a tall, imposing figure cloaked in dark robes. The figure's face was obscured by a mask, but Luan could sense the immense power radiating from him.

"So, you are the one who has claimed the Fragment of Eternity," the figure said, his voice cold and menacing. "I have heard rumors, but I never imagined it would be someone like you."

Luan's hand instinctively tightened around the Fragment, his senses heightened. He could feel the tension in the air, thick with the promise of battle. This man—this being—was no ordinary opponent.

"Who are you?" Luan asked, his voice steady but laced with caution.

The figure tilted his head slightly, as if amused by Luan's question. "I am one of many who seek the power you now hold. The Fragment of Eternity belongs to me. And I will not let you keep it."

Without warning, the figure raised his hand, and dark energy swirled around him. The very air seemed to crackle with power, distorting as if the laws of reality were bending to his will. Luan braced himself, knowing that this was no mere threat. This was a battle for the Fragment.

"You think you can defeat me?" the figure sneered, his eyes glinting with malicious intent.

Luan's grip tightened on the Fragment. He could feel its power urging him forward, but he knew he had to be careful. The Fragment was powerful, but so was this enemy. He had to strike with precision.

---

The Battle for the Fragment

The figure lunged at Luan with lightning speed, his dark energy forming into jagged tendrils that lashed out like whips. Luan barely managed to dodge, the tendrils cutting through the air with terrifying force.

"You cannot escape me," the figure growled, his voice like a venomous hiss. He struck again, his energy blasts slamming into the ground where Luan had just been standing. The force of the attack sent shockwaves through the chamber, the walls cracking and crumbling under the pressure.

Luan's heart pounded in his chest. He could feel the Fragment's power resonating with his own, but he knew he had to be strategic. This enemy was powerful, and he had to outsmart him, not just overpower him.

"Celestial Burst Strike!" Luan shouted, channeling the energy of the Celestial Core into his attack. The shockwave of his punch collided with the figure's dark energy, creating an explosion that shook the very foundations of the chamber.

The figure staggered but quickly recovered, his eyes burning with fury. "You dare challenge me, mortal?" he spat. "You will regret this."

Luan's mind raced. He could feel the enemy's power rising, but he was not afraid. The Fragment had chosen him for a reason, and he would not back down now.

With a roar, Luan summoned the full force of the Fragment, unleashing a blinding wave of energy that swept across the room. The figure's dark energy faltered for a moment, and in that instant, Luan made his move.

"Celestial Collapse!" Luan shouted, concentrating all of his energy into a single, devastating blow. The wave of light surged forward, crashing into the figure and engulfing him in a torrent of power.

For a brief moment, everything went silent. Then, the figure's form began to disintegrate, his energy shattered by Luan's attack. The battle was over. Luan stood victorious, but his body was drained, the effort of using the Fragment taking its toll.

---

A New Threat Emerges

Luan collapsed to his knees, breathing heavily, the energy from the battle still surging through him. But as he caught his breath, he realized something—he had only just begun. This enemy was only the first. There would be others, more powerful and more dangerous.

"This is just the beginning," the Celestial Core warned. "The true power of the Fragment of Eternity has yet to be unlocked. You must continue your journey, Luan. You must find the other fragments and stop those who seek to use them for evil."

Luan nodded, determination filling his heart. He had come too far to stop now. With the Fragment of Eternity in his grasp, he would face whatever challenges lay ahead. The universe was vast, and he had a mission—to restore balance and unlock the true potential of the Fragment.

As the chamber faded into the distance, Luan knew that the journey would be long and filled with dangers. But one thing was certain—he would not face it alone. The power of the Fragment was with him, and he was ready for whatever the universe had in store.