NOVEL NEXT Chapter 16: Chapter Fifteen: The Shadow Lord’s Gambit
While Kael and Angelica faced the trials of the Forge, the Shadow Lord's forces gathered on the other side of the crystalline pathways. The cloaked figure from Everreach stood at the forefront, his red eyes gleaming with malice.
"Prepare the incursion," the Shadow Lord commanded, his voice cold and calculating. "The Forge's power will be mine."
The shadow creatures moved with eerie precision, weaving dark magic into a concentrated assault. The pathways leading to the Forge began to fracture, their crystalline glow dimming under the weight of the shadow magic.
Back inside the Forge, Kael and Angelica felt the tremors. "They're trying to destroy the Forge!" Angelica exclaimed.
Kael gritted his teeth. "We have to finish the trials before they break through."
The second trial tested their bond as a team. The Forge conjured a labyrinth of mirrors, each reflection twisting their appearances into monstrous forms. Kael and Angelica were separated, forced to navigate the maze alone while battling their insecurities.
Kael's mirror images taunted him, each one a distorted version of himself. "You'll never be enough," one snarled. "She'll leave you behind."
Kael summoned his light shield, shattering the mirrors with a surge of magic. "I'm done listening to you," he said, his voice steady.
Meanwhile, Angelica faced her own demons—visions of her family, lost to the gods' cruelty. Her flames faltered as the illusions grew stronger, but a memory of Kael's words gave her strength. "We're a family now," she whispered, igniting her hands and breaking free of the maze.
When they reunited, the labyrinth dissolved, and the Forge's energy surged. The system chimed in Kael's mind: "Synchronization 75% complete. Final trial imminent."
As they prepared for the final trial, the Shadow Lord launched his attack. A massive wave of shadow magic slammed into the Forge's outer defenses, causing the structure to tremble. Kael and Angelica stood firm, Ignis perched between them, its flames blazing.
The Shadow Lord's voice echoed through the chamber. "You think you can repair the Nexus? You are but mortals, playing with forces beyond your comprehension."
Kael stepped forward, his light shield glowing brighter than ever. "We're more than that. We're a family. And we're stronger together."
Angelica joined him, her flames intertwining with his light. Ignis let out a triumphant cry, its golden feathers illuminating the chamber. The final trial began, and the Forge's core opened, revealing the Nexus itself—a swirling vortex of pure energy.
Kael reached out, the ring on his finger pulsing in sync with the Forge. The system's voice rang out: "Synchronization achieved. Activate Nexus repair?"
Kael glanced at Angelica, who nodded. Together, they stepped into the light, ready to face whatever came next.