Chương 18: Hidden Powers?
Nizara's blade cut through the air like a lightning storm unleashed, bolts arcing out with every swing as he relentlessly pushed back the cultists. His laughter was wild, filled with a savage joy as he fought with everything he had. "You're nothing but a warm-up for me! Come on, give me more!"
The cultists, desperate and overwhelmed, hurled spells and lunged with their weapons, but Nizara countered every attack with brutal precision. He weaved through their assaults, striking with a speed that seemed impossible. Each slash of his sword left trails of crackling energy that electrocuted anyone within range.
One cultist, fear in their eyes, cried out, "We can't hold him off! He's unstoppable!"
Nizara grinned with maniacal glee. "I'm just getting started!"
His onslaught continued, unyielding and merciless, until one by one, the cultists fell under the weight of his attacks. In a final, devastating blow, he unleashed a concentrated burst of lightning that surged outward, electrocuting the last of them. They collapsed to the ground, unmoving.
Panting heavily, Nizara stood among the bodies, his heart racing. "Now, that was fun," he muttered to himself. But as he caught his breath, something strange happened. The bodies on the floor began to bubble and melt, turning into pools of dark, viscous liquid. Confusion spread across his face. "What… What the hell is this?"
Malachi's voice echoed through the chamber, sending a chill down Nizara's spine. "Fascinating… You've shown me more than I expected, Nizara. I'm looking forward to our next encounter." Nizara turned to see Malachi's form dissolving as well, his skeletal grin the last thing visible before he, too, became nothing but a pool of liquid.
"Damn it, what kind of sorcery was that?" Nizara growled, frustrated and on edge. But there was no time to dwell on it—he had a mission to complete. He rushed over to Zalthor, who was still bound, and quickly freed him.
Zalthor dusted himself off and looked at Nizara with a mixture of surprise and relief. "You actually pulled it off. I have to admit, you're full of surprises."
Nizara smirked. "Did you expect anything less?" He turned and called out, "You all can come out now! It's safe!"
The group of people Zalthor had been separated from cautiously emerged from the shadows, their faces filled with both gratitude and exhaustion.
Zalthor raised an eyebrow. "How did you even find them?"
Nizara crossed his arms and leaned back against a wall. "When I was wandering through the dark tunnels, I stumbled across them. They told me they had been saved by some guy who got separated from them. I figured that guy was you."
Zalthor nodded, piecing it together. "It seems fate has a strange way of bringing things together."
Before they could exchange more words, the underground chamber began to tremble. The ceiling cracked, and debris started to rain down. The whole place was about to collapse.
"Everyone, get close to me, now!" Nizara shouted, his voice carrying an edge of urgency. "I'll clear a path!"
The group huddled around him as Nizara's aura flared with intense energy. "ThunderBlade V2!" he roared, swinging his electrified sword upward. A wave of concentrated lightning burst forth, tearing through the falling debris and creating a safe path as rocks and rubble were blasted away.
With the path cleared, they sprinted through the collapsing corridors, racing toward the surface. Nizara led the charge, but his energy was rapidly draining. He could feel his legs growing heavier with every step. By the time they reached the entrance to the underground, sunlight barely filtering through, Nizara's vision blurred. As they finally emerged into the open air, he staggered.
"Made it…" Nizara managed to say before his legs gave out. His body collapsed, and he fainted on the spot, his energy completely spent.
Zalthor rushed to his side, checking his pulse. "He pushed himself way too hard," he muttered, a rare hint of concern in his voice. He then glanced at the group. "We need to get him somewhere safe. He saved all of us."
The group nodded in silent agreement, their faces reflecting both relief and a newfound respect for the reckless swordsman who had fought to keep them alive.
Nizara's eyes slowly fluttered open, his vision still hazy as he tried to make sense of where he was. The scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, a stark contrast to the suffocating darkness of the underground. He glanced to his side and saw Zalthor sitting quietly beside him, arms crossed and gaze fixed on the distant trees.
"Where… where are we?" Nizara asked, his voice hoarse and weak.
Zalthor looked down at him, his expression unreadable. "Thornshade. We're just outside the forest, away from that cursed underground. You've been out for a few hours."
Nizara pushed himself up, wincing as he felt the soreness in his muscles. "Thornshade, huh? How did we even get here?"
"After you passed out, I had to drag you all the way here," Zalthor replied with a hint of sarcasm, though his eyes remained sharp and serious. "But more importantly, there's something we need to talk about."
Nizara's brow furrowed. "What is it?"
Zalthor leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "How were you able to use magic down there, Nizara? That entire area was under an anti-magic spell. No one should've been able to summon even a spark of power, yet you were tearing through those cultists like the spell didn't exist. What's going on with you?"
Nizara's gaze fell to the ground as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't know, honestly. Something awakened in me during that fight, something I can't explain. It's like there's this energy, a power inside me that's completely different from my usual magic. And to be honest, it scares me just as much as it excites me."
Zalthor's eyes narrowed as he studied Nizara's expression. "You need to figure out what that power is and fast. If it's what I think it is… then you're in danger. Dark Magic isn't something to play around with. If the King even gets a whisper of you wielding it, you'll be branded a traitor and executed without trial."
Nizara clenched his fists, frustration brewing inside him. "You think I don't know that? But what am I supposed to do? I didn't ask for this power—it just showed up! If it turns out to be Dark Magic, I'm as good as dead."
Zalthor's voice grew stern. "Listen to me carefully. If you discover that it's Dark Magic, don't stay in the kingdom. Run. Leave everything behind and flee. Your life is more valuable than sticking around to see how the King reacts. You'd be marked as a rogue and hunted, but at least you'd still be alive."
Nizara was silent for a moment, the weight of Zalthor's words sinking in. Then he let out a dry chuckle. "You know… leaving might not be so bad. I've never really cared much for this world anyway. If it comes down to it, I'd gladly leave everything behind. Maybe even find a way out of this cursed life while I'm at it."
Zalthor raised an eyebrow, surprised by Nizara's resolve. "You're serious? You'd just leave?"
"If it's a choice between living in fear and breaking free, I'll take my chances out there," Nizara said firmly. "I'm tired of being bound by rules, kingdoms, and expectations. If this power is the key to leaving it all behind, then so be it."
Zalthor sighed and stood up, brushing the dirt off his cloak. "You're a reckless fool, you know that? But maybe that's why you've survived this long. Just… don't let your recklessness get you killed before you figure things out."
Nizara gave a faint smirk, pushing himself up to his feet. "No promises. But thanks for the concern, old man."
Zalthor rolled his eyes. "Come on, let's get moving. We still have a mission to complete."
As they began walking back towards the path leading out of Thornshade, Nizara turned to Zalthor, raising an eyebrow. "So, isn't our mission done? We figured out who the bandits were, and those cult members were clearly behind it all. Plus, the supplies made it to the village safely, right? Shouldn't we just head back to the kingdom?"
Zalthor nodded, glancing at Nizara with a slight smile. "You're right. We've accomplished the primary objective, and the supplies are where they need to be. Our job is done, at least for now. We should report everything back to the kingdom and let them handle the rest. The cult of the Forgotten Ones isn't something we can take on alone."
Nizara gave a relieved sigh. "Good. I'm not exactly in the mood for another underground deathtrap or fighting more mysterious cloaked weirdos. Let's head back before they decide to follow us."
"Agreed. Besides," Zalthor added with a smirk, "I could use a bit of rest after dragging your unconscious body halfway across Thornshade."
Nizara rolled his eyes but chuckled. "You won't let that go, huh?"
"Not for a long time," Zalthor said as they continued down the path, finally leaving behind the dark forest and the dangers that lurked within.
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue over the village of Thornshade. Nizara and Zalthor found a small clearing near the village outskirts to rest after their exhausting mission. Nizara lay on the grass, eyes half-closed, savoring a rare moment of quiet, while Zalthor sat nearby, sharpening his blade in calm, rhythmic strokes. The air was thick with the scent of earth and the sound of distant rustling leaves.
The peaceful silence was suddenly interrupted by the heavy thud of marching boots. The noise grew louder with each passing second, accompanied by the unmistakable clinking of armor. Zalthor's eyes snapped open, his instincts alert. He shot a glance toward the tree line where shadows shifted unnaturally.
"They're here," Zalthor muttered, his hand instinctively gripping his sword.
Nizara sat up, his expression shifting from exhaustion to curiosity. "Who's here?"
Emerging from the shadows, a squad of soldiers marched into view, their armor gleaming with the crest of the kingdom's elite Military Force. They moved with disciplined precision, encircling the area as they closed in. Leading the squad was a stern-faced captain with cold eyes and a commanding presence, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
Nizara's brow furrowed in confusion as he whispered to Zalthor, "What are they doing here? They don't usually send the Military Force to small villages like this."
Zalthor's gaze remained steady, scanning the approaching soldiers. "It's serious if they're involved. Something's off."
The captain halted a few paces from them, his gaze hard and assessing. "You two, identify yourselves and state your purpose in Thornshade. We've received reports of unusual activity."
Zalthor rose slowly, keeping his voice calm. "We're from the kingdom, sent on a mission to deal with bandit activity and ensure the safe delivery of supplies to this village. Our work is done here."
The captain's eyes narrowed. "Our orders come directly from the King. We're here to investigate reports of strange magical disturbances and sightings of cultists in this region."
Nizara and Zalthor exchanged a brief, concerned look. This was no longer just about bandits—the stakes had clearly escalated. Zalthor's voice remained measured as he responded, "We encountered individuals connected to the Cult of the Forgotten Ones underground. They were involved, but they're not the only problem."
The captain's expression darkened at the mention of the cult. "That's what we feared. But know this—anyone found using forbidden magic will be apprehended under royal decree."
Nizara's eyes flickered with caution. His recent power surge was still unexplained, and while he didn't know if it was Dark Magic, the uncertainty gnawed at him. He kept his thoughts to himself, instead flashing a casual grin to hide his concern.
"Looks like we're after the same enemies, Captain. Maybe we can exchange information on the way back to the kingdom," Zalthor suggested smoothly, aiming to defuse the tension.
The captain eyed them both critically before giving a curt nod. "We'll finish our search here. You're to accompany us back to the kingdom and give a full report to the King."
The soldiers began spreading out to continue their investigation, while Zalthor and Nizara remained under watch. As they prepared to leave, Zalthor's mind raced. The cult's resurgence, Nizara's strange powers, and the kingdom's sudden interest in Thornshade—it all pointed to something much bigger on the horizon.
Nizara, on the other hand, was still lost in his thoughts. The memory of the dark energy he'd unleashed and the mysterious voice in his head lingered. He didn't know what was happening to him, but one thing was certain—if his powers were tied to something darker, he'd have to make a choice before anyone found out.
As they joined the soldiers and made their way back, both Zalthor and Nizara knew that the situation was far from over. Whatever awaited them back in the kingdom, it was bound to bring more questions than answers—and more danger than either of them anticipated.
The journey back to the kingdom was tense, a stark contrast to the usual relief that accompanied the end of a mission. The Military Force led the way, maintaining a tight formation, while Zalthor and Nizara trailed behind, silently contemplating the events that had unfolded. Thornshade was left far behind as the dense forest gradually gave way to familiar cobblestone roads, marking the outskirts of the capital. The kingdom's towering walls loomed in the distance, a symbol of order and strength—but also of the scrutiny that awaited them.
As they approached the gates, Zalthor shot a quick glance at Nizara. The younger warrior wore his usual carefree grin, but Zalthor could see the shadows behind it. He knew Nizara was still mulling over his sudden power surge and what it might mean. Zalthor couldn't afford to let anyone else discover what he suspected—not until they figured it out themselves. For now, discretion was the best strategy.
Once inside the kingdom, they were ushered directly to the royal court. The grand hall was filled with nobles, military officials, and a few advisors whispering among themselves as they awaited the report. The King, seated on his ornate throne, watched them with sharp eyes. His presence was commanding, radiating authority that could silence an entire room with a glance.
The captain of the Military Force stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty, we've returned with the two warriors who were sent to Thornshade. They've dealt with the bandit threat, but there's more to report. I'll let them speak."
Zalthor and Nizara stepped forward, bowing before the King. Zalthor took the lead, his voice calm and measured. "Your Majesty, the bandit issue was resolved as ordered. However, during our mission, we uncovered a far greater threat. Deep beneath Thornshade, we encountered members of the Cult of the Forgotten Ones. They were planning something sinister, though we couldn't determine their full intentions."
A murmur ran through the court at the mention of the cult. The King's expression darkened, his fingers tightening on the armrests of his throne. "The Cult of the Forgotten Ones... so they truly have resurfaced after all these centuries. Did you gather any information regarding their plans?"
Zalthor nodded. "We did. We discovered that they've been attempting to revive Demon Lord Xanteria, just as they did thousands of years ago. They also mentioned bringing back his ancient allies, though it seems they've failed each time. The cultists we encountered were remnants—no leaders were present, save for one mysterious figure."
The King leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Who was this figure?"
Zalthor hesitated for a brief moment. He knew he had to be careful about how much he revealed. "He identified himself as Malachi Voidfire, the leader of the cult. He's a dangerous individual, capable of manipulating his followers and wielding powers that defy normal magic."
Nizara remained silent, his eyes wandering across the room, though his mind was anything but idle. He was piecing together his thoughts, wondering whether the strange power he'd used was somehow linked to the cult or something entirely different.
The King's gaze shifted to Nizara, clearly expecting him to contribute to the discussion. "And what of you, Nizara? You were present during this ordeal. What do you have to report?"
Nizara's usual bravado returned as he smirked, scratching the back of his head. "Well, Your Majesty, I handled most of the fighting. Those cultists weren't much of a challenge, to be honest. They were all bark and no bite. But yeah, like Zalthor said, they were definitely up to something twisted."
Zalthor quickly interjected before Nizara could say anything more reckless. "The mission was successful in terms of securing Thornshade and ensuring the supplies reached their destination. However, the presence of the cult raises concerns that extend beyond the village."
The King regarded them both thoughtfully. "You've done well to bring this information to light. The cult's return cannot be taken lightly, and measures will be put in place to root out their influence. Zalthor, you'll be tasked with providing a detailed report to my advisors later. Nizara, your bravery and combat skills have been noted, but I expect all missions to be handled with more care in the future."
Nizara nodded, still wearing that casual grin. "Of course, Your Majesty. I'll keep that in mind."
With that, the King dismissed them, signaling the end of the formal report. The court resumed its usual murmur of activity as the two warriors exited the grand hall, leaving the weight of the mission behind.
As they walked through the castle corridors, Nizara finally broke the silence. "Man, that was tense. I'm just glad they didn't dig too deep into what actually happened underground. If they knew half the weird stuff that went down, we'd be in a lot more trouble."
Zalthor shot him a sidelong glance. "You're not wrong. That's why I kept things vague. Until we understand what's happening with you—and that mysterious power—it's better that no one knows. I meant what I said earlier: if it turns out to be Dark Magic, you'll have to make a choice."
Nizara's expression grew serious for a moment. "Yeah, I know. But like I said before, if it comes to that, leaving this world wouldn't be such a bad thing for me."
Zalthor didn't respond, but he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more at play than either of them realized. Whatever path lay ahead, it was clear that the events in Thornshade were only the beginning.
As they walked out of the castle and into the bustling streets, the clouds overhead cast long shadows, a subtle reminder of the darkness that still loomed over the kingdom. The cult was back, and with them, new threats that could push even the most steadfast warriors to their limits. For now, though, they could only wait and see what new challenges fate had in store.
The next morning, as the first light of dawn broke through the castle's high towers, the kingdom's buzzing energy was already in full swing. Citizens bustled through the streets, unaware of the unseen threats lurking beneath the surface. Meanwhile, within the walls of the Attack Force Headquarters, a far more serious discussion was about to take place.
Nizara and Zalthor had been summoned by Commander Thorian and Vice Commander Alda, two of the most respected figures in the kingdom's military. Thorian was a grizzled veteran, his battle-worn armor reflecting countless wars fought and won. His icy blue eyes carried a sharpness that could pierce through even the most elaborate lies. Alda, on the other hand, was known for her strategic brilliance and calm demeanor. Her eyes, however, hid an unyielding resolve, and those who underestimated her often found themselves regretting it.
As the two warriors entered the spacious briefing room, they were met with the intense gaze of Commander Thorian, who stood behind a grand oak table littered with maps and documents. Vice Commander Alda was seated nearby, reviewing a report with careful attention. The room was adorned with banners and symbols of the Attack Force, giving it a formal, imposing atmosphere.
Thorian wasted no time, his voice a deep rumble as he addressed them. "You two have made quite a stir since your return. I want to hear everything—every detail of what you encountered in Thornshade."
Zalthor and Nizara exchanged a brief look before stepping forward. Zalthor, as usual, took the lead in the conversation, his voice steady and composed. "Commander, Vice Commander, the mission was successful overall. We secured the village, ensured the safe delivery of supplies, and dealt with the bandit threat. However, things took a turn when we discovered a hidden underground network beneath Thornshade."
Alda's eyebrows raised slightly, her curiosity piqued. "A hidden underground network? Go on."
Zalthor continued, careful to measure his words. "While exploring the tunnels, we encountered members of the Cult of the Forgotten Ones. They were performing some sort of ritual, attempting to revive the powers of their long-dead masters, including Demon Lord Xanteria. Their efforts seem to be part of a larger plot, though we couldn't discern all the details."
Thorian's expression darkened, his grip tightening on the edge of the table. "The Cult of the Forgotten Ones… I knew they were trouble, but to think they'd be so bold as to resurface now." He leaned forward slightly. "Did you get any indication of who's leading them?"
Zalthor nodded. "Yes. A man named Malachi Voidfire. He claimed to be the leader, though we didn't engage him directly. From what we gathered, he's a formidable opponent and is likely planning something much larger than what we saw in Thornshade."
Alda leaned back in her chair, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest as she processed the information. "And what about the bandits? Were they connected to the cult?"
Nizara jumped in with his usual nonchalance. "Nah, the bandits were just small fry. They were being manipulated by the cult but didn't have a clue what they were really involved in. We took them out easily."
Thorian's eyes narrowed, shifting his gaze to Nizara. "And what about the fight? From the reports, it seems like you handled multiple enemies on your own. You showed remarkable power, but there are concerns about how you managed it."
Nizara shrugged with a grin, leaning back slightly. "What can I say? I'm just that good."
Zalthor quickly intervened before Nizara's attitude could lead the conversation off course. "Commander, it's true that Nizara handled himself well, but the situation was more chaotic than we anticipated. The cultists were stronger than we expected, but in the end, we prevailed."
Alda studied Zalthor for a moment, clearly sensing that there was more to the story. "I see. And yet, something tells me there's more you're not saying."
Zalthor met her gaze without flinching. "With all due respect, Vice Commander, we've given a full account of what happened. The mission objective was completed, and the immediate threat has been neutralized. However, we recommend increased surveillance in and around Thornshade. The cult's presence suggests that they're still gathering strength."
Thorian grunted in agreement, folding his arms across his chest. "I'll take your recommendation into account. We can't afford to let these cultists gain any more ground. You're both dismissed. Rest up and be ready for the next assignment."
As they turned to leave, Alda's voice stopped them. "One more thing—keep an eye on each other. The cult is known for using insidious methods to corrupt even the strongest minds. If either of you notices anything unusual, report it immediately."
Nizara waved casually as they exited the room. "Don't worry about us. We're fine."
Once they were out of earshot and walking down the corridor, Nizara let out a deep breath. "That was intense. Good thing they didn't dig too deep into what happened underground."
Zalthor nodded, his expression serious. "I told you before—we can't let them know about your power until we figure out what it really is. If they even suspect it might be Dark Magic, you'll be labeled a threat."
Nizara's carefree smile faded slightly, but he nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I get it. But until then, let's keep things simple and stay sharp."
As they continued down the corridor, the weight of what they were concealing hung between them. The kingdom might have been safe for now, but the secrets they carried could very well be the spark that ignited a new wave of chaos.
*To Be Continued…*
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