Lord Aizen’s Final Gift

In the confines of the prison cell, Elrik and Lyria found themselves in a precarious situation, bound by ropes seemingly created from the unique powers of the Sable Serpents. These acid-green ropes not only restrained them but also served as a constant reminder of their captors' capabilities.

Their attention was abruptly drawn to a knock on the cell door. One of the guards moved to answer it, swinging the door open to reveal an expected figure. A noticeably shorter Sable Serpent entered the room. His stature was in stark contrast to the typical imposing presence of his kind.

"Hello, my lord," greeted the small serpent, addressing Lord Zephyrian with a bow. His voice carried a respectful tone, indicative of his respect to the lord. "You requested a favor of me?"

"Yes, Tiny," Lord Zephyrian responded, his voice carrying a hint of urgency. "I need you to enter this door and retrieve the boy who ventured inside. And make sure you bring him back alive."

Tiny's departure through the small door marked the beginning of a new challenge, one that Vael was yet unaware of. Meanwhile, in Lord Aizen's tomb, Vael contemplated the gravity of the task at hand. Recognizing that achieving his own goals might align with aiding the Elysians, he committed to the path set before him.

"I'll do it," Vael affirmed, determination clear in his voice.

A smile of relief and gratitude graced Lord Aizen's spectral face. "Good," he said. "Since you are undertaking this task for me, I will grant you a favor in return."

Lord Aizen's expression turned serious as he continued. "I am aware of the current situation, thanks to Luminara. Lord Zephyrian is a formidable foe, and as of now, you lack the strength and understanding to defeat him. You need time to master the power of the prisma, but time is a luxury you do not have."

Pausing for a moment, he added, "Before my death, I left a fraction of my power behind. It is this remnant that allows me to communicate with you now. I will bestow upon you the remainder of this power. Be aware, this will be our last conversation, Vael. I entrust you with the future of our people."

Vael simply nodded, understanding the magnitude of Lord Aizen's sacrifice.

"This power will remain with you for only 10 hours. Use it wisely and act swiftly," Lord Aizen instructed, his tone imbued with urgency.

"How will I know how to use it?" Vael asked, uncertainty lacing his voice.

Lord Aizen turned to Luminara, a knowing look in his eyes. "You have an expert right here."

Luminara stood with a huge smile on her face. "Don't worry, Vael. I'll guide you," she said, her voice cheerful and reassuring.

Suddenly, Lord Aizen's body began to glow with a bright hue, transforming into a luminous orb that floated in the air. "Remember, Vael, be quick, or you might not make it in time to save your friends," he warned. As his words faded, the orb rushed into Vael's body.

Vael gasped as a sharp pain surged through him, and he let out a loud scream of agony. He collapsed to the ground, clutching his chest. His breathing was labored, his body drenched in sweat.

"Calm down, Vael," Luminara urged. "You must control the power, or it could destroy you."

"Wouldn't it have been better to tell me that beforehand?" Vael gasped out, the pain gradually subsiding.

Finally able to stand, he marveled at the newfound strength coursing through him. "Is this just a fraction of Lord Aizen's strength? I feel incredible," he said, clenching his fist with newfound power.

"So, Luminara, how does the power of Prisma work?" Vael asked, turning to her with a mix of curiosity and determination.

"Listen carefully, because I won't repeat myself," Luminara said sternly. "The power of Prisma is formidable because it allows the user to absorb and utilize all elements. The Elysians were feared for this reason—they could harness every element, making them nearly invincible against other element users."

"Now, the first ability you'll learn is 'Absorb.' This will enable you to take in any element directed at you. Hold out your hand and focus on creating a suction sensation," she instructed.

Vael, looking somewhat perplexed, held out his hand and tried to concentrate, but nothing happened. Just then, a loud bang echoed from the door he had used to enter the tomb.

"Did Lord Zephyrian make it inside already?" Vael wondered silently.

Luminara, retreating back into Vael's body, sounded doubtful. "Impossible. The door is too small for him to enter."

"Maybe it's Elrik and Lyria. They might have escaped," Vael speculated, rushing toward the door.

"Wait, Vael, don't just open the door!" Luminara cautioned.

But it was too late. As Vael reached for the door, it began to swing open.

Vael called out, his voice echoing through the dimly lit space. "Lyria... Elrik..." But there was no one in sight. Suddenly, a jet of green acid hurtled towards Vael's face. With swift reflexes, he dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. The acid hit the door, hissing as it began to corrode the metal.

"Wow, you're fast for an Elysian," a voice taunted, laced with sinister amusement.

"Who are you?" Vael shouted, scanning the shadows. "Show yourself!"

The only response was a mocking laugh, chilling in the tomb's silence. Then, without warning, three more streams of acid shot towards him, each from a different direction, leaving no room for escape.

Yet, Vael remained unfazed, a confident grin spreading across his face. "This is perfect," he murmured. "I get to test out my new strength."