The dark smoke thickened and gained potency, accelerating the healing of my wounds. Without this ability, I would have already died several times by now. As my consciousness sharpened, the light in my wings dimmed, my movements slowed, and my paranoia intensified. I felt like prey, unable to predict his next appearance. For the first time, I felt true fear.
The clouds below me parted, and Atlas emerged. His stern gaze locked onto mine, compelling me to flee. Determined to escape, I decided to consume the remaining energy from my wings. Releasing the radiant energy, my body ascended to unprecedented heights. The air turned cold, a thin layer of ice forming on my skin, only to melt instantly from the heat from my wings. Without the sun's light, the sky grew exceptionally dark, and my wings no longer emitted their bright glow, allowing me to conceal my movements. The best option was to find a secluded place and strategize, but it was nothing more than wishful thinking; he was already behind me.No matter where I fled, no matter where I hid, he would always be within arm's reach. Should I confront him? No, what's the use? I can't win. He maintained his composed demeanor even with his prey cornered, steadily closing the distance between us. My body froze, as I came to terms with the inevitable, for I knew that regardless of my actions, Atlas was one thing I could never overcome. As he drew nearer, my resolve dwindled, and just as he raised his hand, I flinched and closed my eyes, surrendering to my fate."Do you wish to die, or do you wish to be free? Whatever it is, I will honor it," Atlas declared, gently placing his hand on my shoulder."What?" I barely uttered.My eyes reopened, greeted by a sight far different from what I expected. His gaze shed its coldness, replaced by a much warmer one. I couldn't believe it; it was as if there was a different person in front of me."There's much I'd like to express and apologize for, but time is short. Answer my question, child,"His words carried an unexpected sincerity, prompting me to respond without much thought, "I wish to be free.""Very well, we need to make this convincing," he said, handing me his blade."What do I need this for?""The only way to true freedom is banishment from this accursed world. You likely figured that out, but it won't be simple. You'll need my assistance. Currently, those below are expecting me to emerge victorious. That's why we need to betray their expectations. Now, hurry and sever my arm," he instructed, raising his left arm."Why are you doing this?""It doesn't matter anymore. I'm many years too late, and I don't expect your forgiveness. However, I couldn't possibly face your mother again if I left you like this. When you see her, tell her..." he paused, seemingly deep in thought."Tell her, I'm sorry for everything. After all, I've done, or rather haven't done, surrendering my arm is the least I can do. When you sever it, you'll stab me and present my body to them. Now, do it," he urged.
A flood of questions filled my mind, but with time ticking away, action was necessary."How can I be sure your plan will work?""They already fear you, and bringing me down will only intensify that fear. Valerian the Golden defeating Atlas, the mightiest avian in all of Elyria! How does that sound? They'll not only lose hope but be forced to banish you, and we both know no avain can escape banishment."That was a well-known truth. No matter how powerful you are, if the high council wants you gone, you will have no choice but to accept your fate. Every time an avian is born, a drop of blood is extracted and poured into a chalice that binds all the celestials. A simple incantation from a high priest would be enough to strip away my celestial essence, and I would no longer be an avian. I would be forced to live the rest of my life in a mortal realm. Many would think that such a fate would be worse than death, but for me, it would be a blessing in disguise."Alright then, don't regret it later." As I said that, in one clean swing, I slashed his left arm off, severing most of it.He didn't show much reaction at all to his arm being cut; instead, he welcomed the notion with a smile."Now, finish it," he said.Just as he ordered, I pierced through his abdomen, and with a full swing of my wings, I started descending to the enemy lines, with Atlas at the top of the blade.