Chapter 16: One Soul in Two HeartsAfter the fierce battle that had ended with the destruction of some dark creatures, the situation was far from resolved. The wounds that had struck us were not healing quickly, and we needed to think of a new strategy to face the larger creatures.
I felt a strange sensation, as if I was stronger now than before. It seemed that the "Copy Potential" magic was working better, and I had a sense that the more I developed my skills in this world, the more connected I became to this universe.
But at the same time, there were other feelings creeping in. I had begun to build strong bonds with Lilia. These bonds went deeper than mere friendship, and it was clear that the magic we were using was having a profound effect on our hearts and minds.
We had become one soul in two hearts, fighters in a single battle against the dark forces trying to take control of our world.
However, there was another task ahead of us, and it was the most difficult one: finding the source of the darkness threatening this universe before the evil spread further.
Chapter 17: In the Depths of DarknessThe castle awoke to an unnatural silence after the battle. The atmosphere was filled with unease as everyone realized that the next battle would be more complicated. In the meeting room within the castle, I sat next to Lilia, discussing our future strategies.
"The creatures we defeated are just small pieces in a bigger game," said the general, contemplating the map in front of him.
"Where is the Dark Lord hiding?" asked one of the officers.
"Somewhere far away, we don't know his exact location, but we know his power comes from an ancient and dark source... not easy to reach," replied the general.
This was a turning point for me. I felt the need to make a quick decision. This world was strange, and the dark creatures were following a well-planned scheme. The Dark Lord everyone feared wasn't just a traditional enemy, but a force intertwined with time and space.
"We must find this source before we find ourselves facing the impossible," I said with determination.
But Lilia was looking at me with her violet eyes, as if she could see other dimensions. She spoke in a low voice:
"I don't fear the dark, but I fear that we might find something more terrifying than we expect."
Her words were heavy, as if they carried an unspoken warning. But we had no choice but to move forward. The darkness was approaching faster than we had anticipated.
Chapter 18: The Gates of the PastAfter days of preparations, we decided to head to the ancient forests that were considered sacred in this world. There were rumors of a mysterious gate deep within those woods, said to be the entrance to the ancient dark realm. But what few people knew was that this gate could only be opened by those who carried the right power.
Throughout the journey, Lilia was watching me closely. At times, it seemed like she was transferring invisible magical energy to me. It made me feel empowered, but it also deepened the connection between us, as if we were sharing a common fate.
The deeper we ventured into the forest, the colder the air became, and the trees grew denser. There was a strange feeling, as if the place itself was pressing on our minds, trying to leave us with a sense of disorientation.
At the moment we entered the heart of the forest, we began to hear strange sounds. Whispers and odd noises fluttered through the air. But Lilia, who had always been calm, suddenly stopped and said:
"We're close. Don't think we're alone here."
That warning was enough. I stopped and took a deep breath as I prepared for whatever we might face. Among the trees, a strange light emanated from a distant spot.
When we reached the location, there was a massive gate made of black stone, covered in ancient magical symbols. I couldn't believe my eyes. This was the gate they spoke of in the legends—the Gate of Annihilation.
Lilia, watching me, said:
"Don't open the gate until you're ready to face what lies behind it. This place is not as it seems."
I realized in that moment that this was my trial. It wasn't just a gate, but a decision that would change everything. What lay beyond it could alter everything.
Chapter 19: Across the ThresholdWith utmost caution, I approached the gate. The stone slabs shimmered with strange colors, as if they reflected ancient secrets. The magical pressure in the air was intense, so much so that I felt as if I was in a battle within my mind.
"I must be ready to face what's to come," I whispered to myself.
When I placed my hand on the gate, a burst of light exploded, and a beam of dark energy surged through the space. I couldn't control the magic, but I tried with all my strength to balance the pressure. In that moment, I was about to collapse.
But Lilia's hand was on my shoulder. I felt the magical energy flow through her, giving me the support I needed to keep going.
"We're in this together, Iyad," she whispered to me.
With those words, I opened the gate.
Chapter 20: Another WorldWe crossed through the gate, only to find ourselves in a completely different world. The air here was thick, saturated with darkness. The trees were twisted, the sky darkened in an unnatural hue, and the only light came from dark creatures flying through the sky.
"This is not a natural place," I said.
Lilia, though cautious, showed no fear. There were many questions swirling in her mind, but she focused solely on the mission. We had one goal: to discover the source of the darkness and end it.
But the deeper we ventured into this strange place, the more I felt something unsettling growing. There were creatures moving through the shadows, and eerie sounds filled the air.
Suddenly, a massive creature appeared before us, covered in endless shadows, its eyes glowing like black stars. It seemed more than just a creature—it was an embodiment of darkness itself.
It spoke in a low, heavy voice:
"Welcome to the realms of darkness, hero and companion. The end has begun... Are you prepared?"
The voice was like whispers that could shake my very bones. I realized then that there would be no turning back—that we were at the heart of the greatest battle against the darkness threatening this world.
End of Chapter 20