The dark shadows of the forest fell over Shadow and Elriya like a blanket. Moonlight filtering through the branches quietly illuminated the two figures moving silently. The city ahead rose like a distant threat with its iron towers. The Duke's castle was on the other side of the city, but soldiers patrolled every corner, vigilant and unyielding.
Shadow stopped and gestured to Elriya. "Let's observe from there. We need to watch every move carefully."
The two of them positioned themselves silently among the thick branches. They studied the soldiers' formations, patrol routes, and the interplay of light and shadow. Their strategy was whispered, drawn carefully in hushed tones.
At that moment, Elriya accidentally stepped on a small stone; a faint crunch echoed through the air. The soldiers immediately raised their weapons and advanced toward the direction of the sound.
Shadow's eyes darkened. His shadow tendrils spread silently but powerfully. The soldiers' bodies were shaken by an unseen force; they lost their balance and began dropping their weapons.
Elriya took a deep breath, and her ring glowed. The ring given by Asterielle began to absorb the magic from the soldiers' bodies. The power taken from Katherina flowed through Elriya's veins, filling her body like a wave of energy. With every breath, she felt stronger, more resolute.
One by one, the soldiers collapsed near the trees; silence once again enveloped the forest. Elriya lightly waved her hands, and the energy was now completely under her control. She looked at Shadow, her eyes a mixture of trust and determination.
"Alright, now we can move," Shadow said, retracting his shadow tendrils.
Together, they continued through the perilous terrain around the city, each step part of a game filled with both shadow and light—and danger.
Shadow and Elriya slipped through narrow streets into the city. Magical surveillance devices and sentries watched carefully from every corner. The city bore the mark of the Duke's ruthless control and the fear of its people: blood stains, destroyed market stalls, and insults carved into the walls… The city was living a moment of pure despair. With each step, Shadow's tendrils silently swept the streets, while Elriya kept her energy minimal, moving unnoticed.
After a while, a crowd ahead caught their attention. The Duke's soldiers aimed their weapons at rebellious citizens, filling the streets with death and chaos. Injured people writhed on the ground, their screams echoing off the dark walls.
Elriya instinctively moved to help. "We have to help them!" she whispered.
Shadow stopped her. "Not now! If they notice us, the Duke will know we're here. Everything will be over."
After a brief but firm discussion, Elriya proposed a plan:
"Shadow, you subdue the soldiers. I'll absorb Katherina's magic and use an advanced healing spell to save these people. I can control both the soldiers and the civilians."
Shadow nodded. "Alright. But we must be quiet and fast."
Seconds later, Shadow used his shadow tendrils to silently incapacitate the soldiers, leaving them sprawled on the ground, completely disoriented. Elriya used the ring to absorb the soldiers' magical energy. Katherina's power flowed into her body; light emanated from her while her ability to communicate grew stronger.
Elriya took a deep breath and began to speak. "The people's hope is not gone! The city still stands! You are not powerless. Together, we can resist the Duke. Stand with us!"
The advanced healing spell restored each injured person, light surrounding them. People stood up, wounds closing, hope rekindled in their eyes. A small child looked at Elriya in awe and whispered:
"You… you are the goddess of light!"
These words sparked courage in the hearts of the citizens. Suddenly, everyone gathered as if chanting together:
"Long live the goddess of light!"
Shadow leaned close to Elriya and whispered playfully in her ear:
"So you've become the goddess of light… Well, I'm the master of shadows. Alright, fine, I admit it, I'm a little jealous of the goddess of light."
Elriya smiled faintly, light still shimmering through the streets. The hopeful gazes of the people were a small but powerful sign of victory for both Shadow and Elriya.
At the top floor of the Tower of Iron Heights, a massive window overlooked the city's dark silhouette. Katherina stood there, weary and exhausted, facing the Duke. Desperation was clear in her eyes. "Please… release my daughters! I won't allow you to harm them!"
The Duke crossed his arms and looked at Katherina with a mocking smile. "Ah, Katherina… still clinging to hope. How sweet. But the game is over. My new weapon is ready. Do you want to see what I intend to do?"
Katherina trembled. "You… you cannot use this. Such power is too great!"
The Duke shrugged and walked to the top of the tower, where a massive machine awaited. The source of its power was Katherina's twin daughters. Magic flowed from their small wrists into the machine's core, dancing with light.
The Duke's assistant, Sabrina, approached. "Master, the device is ready. Almost all the magic from Katherina has been transferred. The weapon is now operational."
The Duke stroked the machine with delight. "What a magnificent weapon… Now, Sabrina, let's fire this little one and see what happens!"
Sabrina looked astonished as the Duke pressed the trigger. The machine whirred, charging, white light illuminating the room. "Ah, what a marvelous feeling! Look, Sabrina, see how the light shines. Let's test it on the city with Shadow and the little companion, shall we?"
Katherina's daughters screamed: "No! Please! It hurts!"
The Duke aimed the machine at the city. "Ready, Artes?" he said, almost bouncing with the impatience of a child. "Let's go! Send the light to the target!"
The machine fired, a beam of white light slicing through everything in its path. People panicked, buildings crumbled, and the ground cracked. Shadow and Elriya saw the light heading straight for the city center. Shadow used his shadow tendrils to protect civilians and clear debris, while Elriya cast rapid healing spells to shield the wounded from the blinding light.
The Duke laughed atop the tower, jumping beside the machine, eyes fixed on the beam. "My goodness… your name is Artes now! Artes! This is your light, you will destroy the city!"
Sabrina recorded everything and took notes. The Duke caressed the machine with amusement, but a trace of unease lingered beneath his grin. Deep down, he felt the dark weight of the power he wielded; the game was fun, but the danger was dangerously close.
And so, the city found itself trapped between chaos and light. Shadow and Elriya had to be ready to protect the people and stop this colossal threat...
Chapter 17 – THE END