Chapter 9 – The First Confrontation
The guardians had cornered us in the narrow clearing, their glowing eyes reflecting like red embers in the dim light. My muscles screamed in exhaustion from the relentless journey, and Selene's daggers shimmered faintly in her hands, poised for battle.
The cloaked figure from the portal stepped forward, radiating an aura that made the air itself tremble. I could feel the power emanating from him—raw, controlled, and terrifying.
"Human… you've survived longer than I expected," the figure said, voice calm yet chilling. "But this is where your luck ends."
I swallowed hard, gripping my energy blade. "We won't give up," I shouted, trying to sound braver than I felt.
Selene stepped beside me, eyes narrowing. "We fight together. Strike when I strike. Move when I move."
The guardians lunged, and the first wave of battle erupted. Energy clashed against dark claws, sparks flying in every direction. I dodged, swung, and struck with every ounce of power I had, the energy blade humming with my determination.
The cloaked figure watched silently, occasionally striking with controlled bursts of magic that sent us scrambling for cover. Each attack was precise, forcing us to coordinate perfectly. Selene's daggers moved like extensions of her body, deflecting attacks while simultaneously piercing our enemies.
"Keep moving! Don't let them corner us!" Selene shouted, rolling over a fallen tree trunk.
I nodded, weaving through the chaos. I could feel a strange heat building inside me—a surge of energy I hadn't fully controlled yet. My blade flared, reacting to the raw emotion coursing through me. The guardians faltered for a moment, and I saw my chance.
I lunged, striking with precision. The air around the guardian shimmered as my blade cut through its defenses. Sparks flew, and the beast let out an agonized roar before dissolving into glowing particles.
But before I could celebrate, the cloaked figure raised his hand, summoning a wave of dark energy. The ground trembled violently, throwing us off balance. I slammed my energy blade into the earth, creating a shield of pure light to block the attack, but the force nearly crushed me.
Selene cried out, deflecting one of the smaller guardians that had managed to sneak behind me. "Focus! We can't let him control the battlefield!"
I clenched my jaw, feeling the energy inside me pulse uncontrollably. My vision blurred as I drew upon something deeper, something raw and instinctive. With a roar, I unleashed a surge of energy that expanded outward, sending the guardians flying in all directions.
The cloaked figure stumbled back, eyes widening in surprise. "Impressive… but you are far from mastery," he hissed.
I panted heavily, barely standing, but I knew one thing: I had survived. For now.
Cliffhanger: As the dust settled, a deep, echoing roar shook the forest. From the shadows beyond, a massive creature emerged—far larger and more terrifying than anything I had faced. And standing atop it, with eyes glowing brighter than fire, was the true enemy… the one Selene had warned me about.