CHAPTER 31: Blades Against Darkness - Part 3

  “Varn, deactivate your Prana Armor!” Almyria approached him, creating two layers of protective domes around them. A tiny needle protruded from the ring on her right hand.

  The needle inflicted a brief sting like a spark of fire, but warmth and comfort followed, spreading through his body. The pain from his internal injuries lessened, and his dislocated joint slid back into place.

  “I canceled all my spells to heal you,” she said as the five heads took turns ramming the protective dome, the thuds making it seem like they were inside a drum being beaten. “After this, I can’t help for a while as I need to start casting from scratch.”

  Just as the second layer of the protective dome shattered, Varne activated Pale Thundercloud, dashed with Blast Rush, and with his lightning-shrouded sword, decapitated one of the heads.

  The severed neck writhed before collapsing to the floor. The remaining four grew more aggressive in their hunting of him. Their movements were swift; Blast Rush allowed him to dodge each attack, but counterattacking was challenging. Shallow wounds healed quickly, and even the severed neck had regrew its head. Pillars fell, and the granite floor cracked in various places under the rampage of the five heads.

  The only way he had not tried was to behead all five at once.

  He struck one of the heads with Ruin Fist, causing it to reel. Not enough, he then hit it with the flat of his sword. The head drooped.

  He climbed onto it and ran along its neck towards the base of the necks. The four heads seemed to realize his intent and tried to bite him. Right then, Sacred Spears rained down, impaling the four and clearing his path.

  Pulling his sword back with a satisfied grin, Varne decapitated the base of the necks with a wide sweep of his lightning-clad blade. The severed necks twitched for a moment on the floor before vanishing into light fragments. The main body collapsed and disappeared in the same manner.

  The disappearance of the giant body revealed that the doors to the reliquary chamber had been breached. Almyria ran into the room, and Varne followed.

  “Return the Fire Core!” She shouted as Ashtrel lifted a red orb from a dais.

  “Have you overcome the Hydra? I am impressed,” he remarked, observing the two symbols on his arm turning black. “Nevertheless, I regret that I am unable to return this.”

  Almyria unleashed Sacred Spears. Light encased Ashtrel, illuminating the entire room. Yet, like before, the spears failed to penetrate his protective dome and devoured.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  As Ashtrel lowered his protective dome, Varne unleashed a series of full-powered Voidblades from behind Almyria. The purple scythes flew faster than crossbow bolts. No matter how quick Mana Decimae cast, they could not surpass the speed of a Prana technique.

  Varne thought he had the element of surprise, but it was he who was astonished. A segment of a wing with metallic feathers emerged from a mystical circle in the air, shielding Ashtrel. The Voidblades clinked against the feathers, leaving only shallow scratches.

  “Fighting against a proficient Prana Decima is always troublesome,” he said as the wing retracted. “I apologize, but I must take my leave.” Ashtrel bowed, his hand sweeping across his body. Along with the gesture, a dark rift opened behind him.

  “He’s going to teleport!” Almyria shouted.

  “Wait!” Varne ran with an outstretched hand, but only grasped air as the rift shrank and disappeared.

  “Where did he go?” Varne asked.

  “He could be anywhere. There's no way to know.” Disbelief mixed with disappointment etched Almyria's face. “And he took the Fire Core….”

  Soon after, the Matriarch arrived with the Legares. Almyria knelt before her, apologizing for the loss of the Fire Core. The Matriarch closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.

  “We can address the Fire Core at a later time,” she said, “our current priority is to eliminate the undead and attend to the injured.”

  Varne helped – for the lack of better alternatives. He could not just stand idly by while Almyria and the others bustled about. Fortunately, clearing the undead did not take long, and when it came to tending to the wounded, he was mostly tasked with fetching water.

  Finally, he heard the words he had been waiting for from the Matriarch. “Thank you for your assistance. You may rest now.”

  ***

  A knock on Varne’s door came before he woke. Alec stood in the doorway, informing him that he was invited to the synod hall and escorting him there.

  Matriarch Fehirim greeted him in person, touching two fingers to her forehead. Almyria stood beside her. Despite changing clothes and cleaning up, it was evident they had not slept all night.

  “Master Varne, if we are not mistaken, you plan to travel to the information city of Orfia in the east,” Fehirim said.

  He nodded.

  “We deliberated on this matter throughout the night,” Fehirim continued, “and we have a request. Almyria?”

  She touched her forehead before speaking. She had changed into attire more suited for travel – tighter fitting clothes, a grey robe, long pants, and knee-high boots. Her long hair was tied back into a ponytail.

  “Varne, I am ashamed to admit this. As the guardian of the Fire Core, it’s my duty to retrieve it, especially as I am the only one who saw Ashtrel's face clearly. Therefore, I will also go to Orfia to gather information about him. May I accompany you?”

  Varne hesitated to answer. On one hand, having a Healer – someone with the ability to heal using Mana, not just a mere physician – could provide a significant benefit. But on the other hand, a Mana Decima like her would slow down the journey.

  As if understanding his hesitation, Fehirim said, “Master Varne, as servants of Azarion, we possess special privileges for city entry. I am confident that Almyria can facilitate your journey, particularly given the heightened security since the passing of His Grace Ordofel.”

  His ribs, cracked and bruised in several places the day before, were now painless. Having a Healer was indeed practical. Varne nodded.

  They departed that afternoon. At the front gate of the temple, Almyria hugged her parents and then whispered something to her brother. Alec pretended to be brave, though his eyes dammed up tears.

  That little half-wit!