Chapter 19: The Unleashing of Power

The Library Battle

The shadow rushed forward, contorting and changing like a terrible hurricane. Its stifling intensity bent the very air as it engulfed the library's great hall. Derek was at the front, the sudden strength coursing through him sharpening his senses.

"Unite!" Derek yelled, a barrier of light conjuring up with his palm, his voice full of resolve. It glowed brilliantly, deflecting the shadow's first thrust.

Kai, Emma, and Lila gathered behind him, their expressions unwavering. As Lila started to fire protective charms, his hands sparked with energy, and Kai's blade materialized in his palm, sparking with lightning. Emma, the tactician, swiftly observed the shadow's motions and searched for potential vulnerabilities.

"Its strength has increased since our previous meeting," Emma said, her gaze tightening. However, it remains a shadow. Fear is the breeding ground for shadows. We can make it weaker if we tackle it together.

With a low growl, the darkness hovered over them, its form growing. It growled, "You think you understand me, little mortals?" "I am not bound by your pitiful laws. I am more than they are!

The shadow swung its blades, and suddenly dark tendrils attacked Derek and his allies. Lila instantly created a barrier, but the attack's impact caused the barrier to break due to the shadow's tremendous power.

Kai reacted quickly, avoiding the shadow's attack and striking back with a lightning-charged blade. The sword sliced through the atmosphere, sizzling with strength as it struck the shadow's shape, causing an energy ripple to go throughout the thing.

"Well done, Kai!" Lila yelled, bolstering the wall with unwavering concentration.

However, the shadow only chuckled, resonating around the room. "You can't hurt me like that."

Derek's Emerging Strength

Derek felt the burden of accountability pressing down on him. His mind flashed back to the image he'd had minutes earlier, the one with the white guy standing up against an army. He was aware that this was his chance to stand up for himself and defend the people he loved.

He took a deep breath and grounded himself, mobilizing his inner strength. The energy coursing through him during his vision had become stronger and more sophisticated. The mechanism that had led him thus far seemed alive, pushing him onward.

"I refuse to allow you to ruin us!" Derek bellowed, his tone authoritative. When he lifted his hands, a ray of golden light shot out of them, swirling up into the air and condensing into a brilliant sword composed only of energy.

The shadow drew back a little as it realized Derek had gained strength. That means that a portion of your actual potential has awoken. Outstanding. But it won't be sufficient.

Derek remained silent in response. Rather, he lunged ahead, his energy sword blazing brightly as he slashed into the darkness. His sword pierced the darkness, and the shadow let out a painful roar for the first time.

Kai, Emma, and Lila didn't spend any moment. They took advantage of the opportunity and launched their own well-coordinated attacks: Lila used spells to trap and tie the shadow, Emma unleashed her entire might with another electrifying swing, and Kai used her whole strength to strike at the shadow's vulnerable spots.

The Desperation of the Shadow

The shadow squirmed in pain, its shape wavering and unsteady. But it was still harmful in its weaker condition. With a poisoned voice, it snarled, "You think you've won?" "This is only the start. There will be no survivors when the conflict finally breaks out.

The shadow unleashed a last blast of black energy, its tendrils flailing madly as it erupted forth. Derek and his companions almost escaped the lethal assault, but the blast caused fractures in the debris that rained down the library's stone walls.

Emma sharply stated, "We need to end this now," as she made her way through the cascading rubble. "We're done if we allow it to regain its strength."

Derek held his energy blade high, gleaming even brighter, and nodded. "Collectively."

Joining him, Lila and Kai concentrated their energies into a single onslaught. When the three of them pooled their might to send a large surge of energy at the shadow, the air crackled with magical energy.

The effect was felt right away. As the surge of energy and light swallowed the shadow and tore it apart at the seams, it let forth one last, agonized cry. The shadowy shape furiously flashed before dissipating into thin air, its existence disappearing from the space.

A Fresh Perspective

Derek dropped his blade as the dust settled, and it vanished into glimmering bits of light. His veins were still full with adrenaline, and his heart hammered in his chest. But a feeling of peace settled over him when the library became quiet again.

Lila leaned against a nearby pillar and exhaled deeply. "It was... too near."

With her eyes still awake and keen, Emma assessed the damage. "Even though we prevailed in this fight, the shadow's assessment was accurate. This was only the start.

Kai nodded firmly to Derek and sheathed his blade. Well done, Derek. You did a great job back there.

Derek forced a tiny grin despite his exhaustion. "Thank you, but without all of you, I couldn't have finished it of you.

Emma took a step forward, her face serious. "Today has taught us a great deal. About the gloom, about the approaching conflict, and about the sentinels. We still don't know enough, though. We need more answers if we are to endure this.

Derek concurred. There are still mysteries in Relkar's library. We still have more to learn about this.

An Overview of the Future

Derek felt a powerful tug as they were about to resume their search; it was the same sensation he had experienced in his dream. For a split second, his vision clouded and he saw the person in white again, confronting the same black army from the same cliff.

However, as the creature turned to face him this time, Derek noticed their face in a straightforward manner. It belonged to him.

Derek was left with more questions than answers when the vision vanished. However, one thing was certain: he would play a far bigger part in the next conflict than he had ever anticipated.

Derek led his pals farther into the library with a newfound sense of resolve, knowing that their adventure was far from done.

Note from the Author:

In Chapter 19 of "Universal Ascension: The Path of the Outlier," the darkness in the center of Relkar's library presents Derek and his group with their biggest test to far. The stakes keep becoming higher as they learn more about the impending ancient battle and get access to new abilities and insights. As they delve more into the wonders of their universe, be sure to check out the next chapter!