New Encounter in a Dungeon

The festivities in the Spirit Realm were drawing to a close, but a shadow hung over the group. Zephyr's face, usually calm, was marked by an unusual irritation. Valerian, for his part, remained impassive, his translucent eyes staring at an invisible point in front of him. Lyren, sensing the growing tension, tried to dispel the heavy atmosphere, but to no avail.

"What you're proposing is insane," Zephyr said acidly.

Valerian slowly turned his head towards him, his piercing gaze cutting through Zephyr like a blade. "Nonsense? I prefer that to inaction. If we stay here too long, we'll lose our advantage."

Lyren stepped between them, trying to calm things down. "Maybe this isn't the time to argue. The situation is complex, and the Empire won't wait for us."

But Zephyr didn't back down. "The problem, Valerian, is that you're rushing headlong into it without thinking through the consequences."

Valerian squinted, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Consequences?" He took a step toward Zephyr, his red ribbons floating around his shoulders, creating an ominous aura. "I'm the only one here who understands the consequences. I'm the one who carries the burden of decisions."

A tense silence settled between them, the invisible presence of the Spirits around them accentuating the contrast between their two personalities. Valerian finally turned away abruptly. "I'm leaving. If you can't keep up, stay here. I've got no time to lose."

Zephyr clenched his fists, but remained silent. Lyren nodded discreetly, inviting Valerian to continue, while giving Zephyr a warning glance. The group parted in a heavy silence.

---

Valerian walked on until he had left the realm of the Spirits. The air changed, becoming drier, heavier, and the vibrant colors of the realm gave way to duller, more metallic hues. He arrived in a city on the border of the Empire. Imperial standards fluttered lazily in the wind, and the streets, paved with gray stone, were dotted with Imperial guards on patrol. The presence of machines and exoskeletons increased as he approached the center.

He observed everything attentively, his piercing eyes analyzing every detail. Then, a movement caught his attention. A figure in full armor, a knight, was fleeing through the dark alleys, pursued by several imperial soldiers. They were equipped with these mechanical exoskeletons, a technological feat imposed by the Empire to increase their superiority on the battlefield.

**Interesting, "** thought Valerian, his warrior instincts immediately aroused. He could have stayed on the sidelines, but something in this scene, in the knight's silent solitude, prompted him to intervene.

He scanned the surroundings. Attacking soldiers in this Imperial-controlled city was not an option. Getting into trouble with the Empire here would be suicidal. Valerian followed the knight and his pursuers in the shadows, ready to intervene when the time was right.

They reached an open area on the outskirts of town. The Imperial soldiers seemed ready to finish the job. One of the soldiers ordered his troops to halt, then issued an order in cold, mechanical language. The exoskeletons formed up, adjusting the devices attached to their arms.

**Magic bombs"** Valerian realized, his eyes widening slightly. These weapons, capable of unleashing devastating explosions over long distances, were rare and formidable. If he didn't act quickly, the knight wouldn't survive.

Without waiting, Valerian beckoned the knight to follow him and ran out of town. The knight, silent, simply followed. They ran across the fields, dodging the explosions that burst behind them with deadly precision. The ground shook beneath their feet, the deafening blasts coming dangerously close with every step.

Suddenly, a bomb exploded so close to them that the shockwave threw them into the air. Valerian and the knight were blown a hundred meters away, landing hard on rocky ground. In their fall, they hit some kind of ancient structure which collapsed under their weight. They fell even further, plunging into the darkness of an old, forgotten dungeon.

---

They crashed to the top floor, at the end of a large room where dirty, stagnant water barely covered the floor. Valerian stood up, half-naked, his cloak in tatters, his gold bracelets gleaming in the dim light. The red ribbons floated lazily around him, like snakes in water.

He turned to the knight lying beside him, still protected by his full armor. Valerian, tired and wounded, reached out and carefully removed the knight's armor. It was then that he discovered, to his surprise, that his fleeing companion was a woman.

Beneath the heavy armor, her face appeared, unexpectedly delicate. Her pale skin reflected the dim ambient light, contrasting with her long, thick, slightly wavy black hair, which fell around her face with an almost unreal grace. Her eyes, though half-closed with exhaustion, revealed an intensity that captivated. Her slender body showed the marks of fatigue and battle.

Valerian remained silent for a moment, the words hanging on his lips. This mysterious knight, this woman, hid more than just armor. But before he could ask a question, a thud was heard from deep inside the dungeon.

A whisper emanated from the depths, as if an ancient evil force were awakening.

Valerian awoke suddenly, his body still numb from the pain of the blast. His eyes, heavy and burning, struggled to open fully. The metallic taste of blood invaded his mouth, and a thin film of cold sweat covered his chest. The cold ground beneath his palms was no more comforting than the darkness that enveloped him. Yet he was alive. And this simple thought urged him to stand up, despite the fatigue that weighed on every muscle in his body.

On his back, he felt the light weight of a feminine presence, unconscious but alive too. Valerian knew his time was running out. The partial collapse of the building would not keep them safe for long. He could hear, even through the mass of debris, the distant echoes of the black magic monster scraping and scraping the ground beneath them. The monster would rise again, that was a certainty.

He rose gingerly, breathless, the woman still unconscious against him. Her dark-blue hair cascaded over her shoulders. Her clothes, elegant but light, exuded an aura of understated nobility. The tight-fitting top she wore left part of her bosom subtly exposed, her bare shoulders glistening faintly in the faint rays of light that pierced through the cracks in the ceiling. Golden embroidery adorned her garments, accompanied by red ribbons that floated lightly around her waist. Valerian guessed she must belong to a high social class, perhaps even a royal lineage.

As he painfully climbed the stairs, his thoughts were clouded by pain and the desperate situation. He had to wake her up. She needed to understand the gravity of the danger before they were swallowed up by the darkness rising towards them.

He set her gently against a stone wall, then leaned over to pat her cheek gently.

"Hey... Wake up..." he murmured, his voice hoarse. She didn't react. "Wake up! We've got to get out of here, now!"

The woman moaned weakly before blinking, her face still scarred by exhaustion. When she finally opened her eyes, she met Valerian's gaze. Her deep blue eyes suddenly widened as she realized her predicament.

The first thing she noticed was that Valerian was shirtless, his golden hair a mess, his body covered in battle scars and wounds. Instinctively, she backed up against the wall, her gaze filled with suspicion.

"What are you doing...?!" she exclaimed, her voice laden with palpable nervousness. Her hands clenched on the light fabric of her outfit, tightening the drapes around her body.

Valerian immediately raised his hands in peace, aware of the dubious appearance of the situation.

"Wait, it's not what you think!" he said hastily, trying to clear up the misunderstanding. "We were attacked by a bomb and this black magic monster... I found you unconscious! We've got to get out of here, he'll be back!"

But distrust never left her eyes. She scrutinized Valerian's every word, every gesture, as if trying to spot a lie. "Why are you shirtless? Why am I in this outfit, and most of all... why did you wake me up?!"

Her voice rose in a mixture of anger and panic. The heavy silence of the ruins around them reinforced the intensity of the exchange. Valerian felt his frustration rising, but he forced himself to remain calm.

"Listen, I promise I'm not going to hurt you. This is not the time for that! That monster is on the way up, and if we stay here any longer, we're dead. I only carried you so we wouldn't get stuck under the debris. I swear it!" he insisted with intensity, but not without a hint of impatience.

She remained silent for a moment, her eyes roaming the ruined walls, then returning to him, probing once more the truth of his words. She had no immediate reason to trust him, but the fear in her features showed that she understood the gravity of their situation.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she nodded slowly, but her gaze remained watchful.

"Very well... But don't you dare make a wrong move." Her voice, though still defensive, sounded a little more conciliatory.

Valerian breathed a sigh of relief. "My name is Valerian. And yours?"

She hesitated a moment longer, her eyes still piercing. "Arielle... I'm Arielle."

He nodded. "We need to go up. The monster's just below."

Arielle glanced over her shoulder, toward the gaping hole in the ground where the creature's scratching grew louder and louder. She frowned, then straightened, gathering what strength she had left. "Very well, then. But know that I still don't trust you."

"Understood," Valerian replied, gritting his teeth, and together they set off for the stairs.

The climb was slow and painful. Each floor seemed to bring them closer to the exit, but the incessant attacks of the creatures that populated the ruins prevented them from making rapid progress. Days went by without a proper rest. Valerian could feel the overwhelming fatigue, but he knew they couldn't stop. Any pause would have meant death. Arielle, despite her initial reluctance, proved more than capable of defending herself. Her mastery of water magic saved their lives on several occasions, as she conjured destructive waves to repel the onslaught of endless monsters.

The time they spent together forged a strange complicity between them, albeit tinged with caution. Arielle remained wary, but she couldn't ignore the fact that Valerian had saved her life on more than one occasion. They weren't friends yet, nor were they trusted allies, but something was developing. A tenuous bond, born in combat and survival.

But as they finally approached the top floor, the familiar sound of horror echoed through the walls.

The black magic monster was there.

A titanic creature, its form twisted and covered with sharp spikes, emerged from the shadows. Its violet eyes, burning with an evil glow, fixed on them. The air around the beast seemed to twist and vibrate, creating visible distortions. Darkness emanated from its being, spreading like an evil mist, engulfing everything in its path.

"No..." murmured Valerian as the abomination approached with slow but determined strides. They had survived until now, but this time the danger was imminent.

The fight was short and brutal. The monster was far too powerful, and despite all their combined efforts, Valerian and Arielle were only delaying the inevitable. They were being crushed, each attack of the creature throwing them further back, exhausting them a little more. Valerian was at the end of his tether, his body bruised and bloodied.

Then, through a broken window, a glimmer of light appeared.

A magical bomb, launched by the forces of the Empire, exploded just above the monster, creating a phenomenal shockwave. But this time, Arielle, exhausted but determined, raised a barrier of water around them, enabling them to survive the blast.

The blast destroyed the upper floor, reducing to dust the last stones separating them from freedom. But Arielle, exhausted after holding on to the shield, collapsed into Valerian's arms, unconscious.

He found himself kneeling in a pool of water, his torso again bare, carrying Arielle as he had done the first time in their nightmare. Fatigue gnawed at him, but he knew they had survived. For the moment.

And as the silence fell, another scene played out elsewhere.

Zephyr, surrounded by his allies, was facing a familiar silhouette...

Zephyr stood at the heart of a maze of rubble, his gaze scanning the shadows moving between the ruins. The sound of crunching stones echoed in his ears, but his attention was totally fixed on the figure looming before him.

It was a man, tall and slender, his presence distinguishable even in the midst of the surrounding chaos. His ebony-black hair cascaded over his shoulders, and his cold, piercing gaze seemed to pierce the darkness. He was clad in dark leather armor, decorated with sinister patterns, and a cape that floated behind him like a shadow.

"At last, I find you, Zephyr," said the stranger in a suave yet threatening voice.

Zephyr sat up slowly, his heart pounding with a familiar adrenaline. "What do you want, Seraphis? I told you you weren't interested in me!"

Seraphis took a step forward, a toothy grin forming on her lips. "Oh, I'm not here to hurt you, not yet at least. But I'm convinced you have something that belongs to me." He pointed to the medallion Zephyr wore around his neck. An ancient symbol, charged with magic he'd stolen from the Empire, representing the lineage of those who had once ruled the heavens.

"I'll never give you this!" retorted Zephyr, clenching his fists, "This medallion is the key to our survival. Without it, we're all doomed!"

Seraphis' smile widened, revealing moon-white teeth. "This medallion is more valuable than you realize. It's not just a symbol; it contains the power to control the wind, to subject it to your will."

Zephyr felt a wave of anger rise up inside him. "And I suppose you think you're the one who should hold it, don't you? That you're the only one worthy of this power!"

"Worthy?" Seraphis burst out laughing, a cruel sound that echoed in the cool air. "I'm not here to discuss dignity. I'm here to make a choice. Either hand over what's mine, or face the storm I'm capable of unleashing."

At these words, the wind began to blow, an increasingly strong breeze that intensified around them, lifting debris and creating an atmosphere of palpable tension. Zephyr squinted, his determination growing stronger.

"If it's a fight you want, then you'll have it! I won't let you take what's ours!"

Seraphis retorted in an icy tone. "I don't need to force you. I'll let you choose your own path. But know that I'm far more powerful than you can imagine."

In the blink of an eye, Seraphis raised his arms and a gust of swirling energy rose around him. The wind intensified further, turning into a violent storm, lightning bolts of magical energy illuminating the darkened sky above them. Zephyr stood firm, legs slightly apart, ready to strike back.

He closed his eyes for a moment, concentrating on the medallion around his neck. A familiar warmth emanated from him, and he felt the ancient magic pulsing through his veins. He knew he couldn't let Seraphis take control, not just of his power, but of everyone around him.

"Whatever you're up to, I won't let you win!" he cried, hurling a sphere of energy at Seraphis. The brilliant light split the air, but the other man dispelled it with a wave of his hand, like a child brushing aside invisible dust.

"Pathetic", he murmured, a disdainful sneer on his face.

In a last-ditch effort, Zephyr concentrated, drawing on the strength of the wind. He closed his eyes and imagined powerful gusts, channelling his magic with precision. The moment he opened his eyes again, a tornado erupted beneath his feet, hurling debris and shards of light in all directions.

Seraphis raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Oh, you really think you can compete with me?"

The wind roared around them, a veritable storm of magical energy. Zephyr, now carried away by his own magic, threw himself forward, ready to attack. The confrontation reached its climax. The two men, surrounded by an aura of destruction, clashed in a deadly ballet.

Lightning streaked the sky as they exchanged powerful spells, creating an explosion of light and sound that shook the ground. Every move was a mixture of strategy and rage. Zephyr could feel the heat of the medallion's magic pulsing inside him, but he knew he couldn't let Seraphis get to him.

As the storm continued to intensify, Seraphis' eyes lit up with a menacing gleam. "Very well, Zephyr. It's time to see what kind of man you really are."

The clouds darkened as Seraphis cast a devastating spell, a tornado of dark energy, menacing as a shadow ready to engulf the world. Zephyr, on the verge of exhaustion, realized that he couldn't let himself be overwhelmed. He was the last hope of those he loved, and he could not fail.

He mustered all his remaining strength, gritting his teeth. "I won't let you!" he shouted, concentrating all his magic in one last spell. The light around him became dazzling, a veritable explosion of power.

As the two energies collided, a brilliant light burst forth, illuminating the night and enveloping everything in its path. The screams and roars of the storm mingled in a cacophony of chaos.

The two men had faced their limits, but in this titanic struggle, victory remained uncertain. The storm blew, the clouds danced, and the battle between light and darkness reached its climax...

Meanwhile, Valerian, still holding Arielle in his arms, watched in the distance as a bright light pierced the darkness. It wasn't just a flash of lightning; it was the sign of a battle taking place in the sky. A struggle for power, for survival. He didn't yet know that this fight was linked to everyone's destiny, but he did know that it would mark the beginning of a new ordeal, one they would have to face together.

As he carried her, he felt the warmth of the life Arielle still possessed. He hoped they could escape in time to discover what the future held in store for them.

Valerian, his muscles taut with adrenalin, stood at the edge of the clearing, his gaze riveted to the horizon where the chaotic glow of battle illuminated the sky. The rumbling echoes of battle reached him, a melody of destruction mixed with cries of determination. He knew he couldn't remain inactive, especially with Arielle lying unconscious in his arms.

"Hang on, Arielle!" he whispered, his voice a mixture of hope and despair. He could feel the warmth of her body, but every second seemed a battle against time.

As he prepared to dash towards the source of the light, a cool breeze blew across the clearing, like a breath of encouragement. Valerian inhaled deeply, feeling the energy of nature surround him. Every blade of grass, every leaf on the trees seemed to vibrate with an ancient magic, a force that was familiar and comforting to him. He knew he had to use it, not only to protect Arielle, but also to intervene in what seemed to be a decisive battle.

He closed his eyes for a moment, concentrating on the magic around him. He had always been sensitive to the elements, able to draw on their strength. With every heartbeat, he felt the connection growing stronger, a silent promise of power.

"I've got to go," he murmured to himself, his resolve solidifying. He set off, running across the clearing, the silhouette of the trees blurring at the periphery of his gaze. The glow in the distance grew closer, intensifying as he approached the shores of the roaring storm.

As he progressed, Valerian could not ignore the vibrations of the earth beneath his feet, as if the ground itself felt the energy of battle. He pushed his way through the undergrowth, his heart beating wildly. Every step brought him closer to the confrontation.

When he finally reached a hill overlooking the battlefield, he froze. Before him, the two men, Zephyr and Seraphis, were engaged in a fierce duel, their spells illuminating the night in brilliant colors. The power of their magic was palpable, a deadly dance between light and darkness.

Zephyr, determined and resolute, seemed to draw on all the strength emanating from the medallion he wore, his movements agile and precise. In contrast, Seraphis, with an arrogant smile, seemed to be playing with the storm he had unleashed, his magic pouring out like a raging storm.

Valerian felt his heart clench. He knew Zephyr, a man of undeniable bravery and determination, but faced with an opponent as formidable as Seraphis, he feared it wouldn't be enough.

"I must help them," he thought, a new wave of determination washing over him. He turned to Arielle, still unconscious in his arms.

"I'll come back for you," he promised, giving her one last hopeful look. He gently deposited Arielle in a sheltered spot, under an old oak tree with protective branches, making sure she would be safe from the chaos. A twinkling glow emanated from the medallion around her neck, illuminating the young woman's serene face.

"Be strong," he murmured, before retracing his steps, determination written all over his face.

Valerian headed for the battlefield, his heart beating with the energy that surrounded him. The air was charged with magic, an electric fragrance that sent shivers down his spine. Every step he took brought him closer to the battle, the tumult, the echo of spells. He approached the front line, the tension palpable.

"Zephyr!" he called loudly, hoping his friend would hear him over the cacophony.

Zephyr, glancing over his shoulder, immediately recognized Valerian. His eyes lit up with a mixture of surprise and relief. "Valerian! What are you doing here? It's dangerous!"

"I couldn't stay back," Valerian replied, his gaze glaring at Seraphis, who sneered at every dodged attack. "I felt the storm. You need support."

Zephyr nodded, his resolve renewed. "Very well, but be careful. Seraphis is a powerful sorcerer. He won't hesitate to strike."

"I know he won't. But together, we have a chance!" affirmed Valerian, feeling his friend's strength encourage him.

The two men now stood side by side, ready to face danger. Valerian closed his eyes for a moment, channeling his energy, the magic of the medallion pulsing around him.

"Ready?" asked Zephyr, his gaze serious.

"Ready!" replied Valerian, his voice strong and resolute.

They rushed forward together, each deploying his magic as they joined forces. Valerian raised his arms, summoning a storm of wind and light, while Zephyr concentrated his power in a sphere of energy. The elements began to vibrate around them, answering their call.

The storm that had been stirred up by Seraphis wavered as they approached, a battle between the elements in progress.

Seraphis, realizing that the dynamic had changed, turned to them defiantly. "Oh, look who's joining the party! Do you really think two kids can stop me?" His tone was mocking, but there was a gleam of concern in his eyes.

Valerian and Zephyr exchanged a knowing glance, a moment of silent understanding. It was time to act. Together, they cast their spells in a single, powerful burst of energy, a combination of light and wind that burst through the air like a bolt of lightning.

Valerian and Zephyr's magic mingled, creating a shockwave that swept away everything in its path. Seraphis, taken by surprise, threw up his arms to defend himself, but the force of the spell was too great. The impact sent shockwaves in all directions, shaking the ground.

"No!" shouted Seraphis, his arrogance turning to despair as he was thrown backwards, engulfed by the light.

The two friends stood firm, their arms outstretched, concentrating their energy in one last devastating blow. The light of their magic enveloped Seraphis, forcing him to retreat, to defend himself against the power he had underestimated.

At that moment, Valerian knew they had a chance. They could defeat Seraphis. The storm slowly began to dissipate, the dazzling light illuminating the ruins around them like a renewal.

Seraphis, now cornered, slowly straightened up, a murderous look on his face. "You don't know who you're up against!" he shouted, a palpable rage in his voice.

"And you don't know who we are!" retorted Valerian, feeling full of new energy, determined to protect those he loved.

Together, they were preparing for the final battle, the fate of their lives hanging by a thread. Forces clashed, light against darkness, hope against despair. Valerian knew that this struggle was not just for them, but for all those who needed hope in a world plunged into darkness.

As the tension mounted, a new gleam appeared in his eyes. "For freedom and light, together!" he cried, ready to defend what he believed in.

Just as Valerian stood ready to do battle, a dull roar sounded behind him. A wave of intense heat washed over him, and he realized, too late, that he was not alone on the battlefield. A ball of fire, glowing red and searing, shot towards him at lightning speed, with a temperature in excess of 100 degrees. Time seemed to slow down as he turned his head, eyes wide with horror.

"No!" was his last cry before the explosion of heat hit him, throwing him to the ground with unexpected brutality. Pain shot up his back, a searing burn that drew a grunt of suffering from him. The world around him blurred, and he fell next to Arielle, her inanimate silhouette stretching out like a shadow, indifferent to his ordeal.

"Valerian!" shouted Zephyr, but his voice was muffled by the roar of the raging storm, and the chaos unfolding around them. The ground shook, the trees bent under the force of the wind, and magic raged like a wild beast.

With a quick glance, Valerian caught sight of Seraphis standing there, an arrogant smile stretching her lips. But what captured his attention wasn't just the enemy in front of him. Next to Seraphis stood a woman with delicate, almost childlike features, but carrying an unsettling aura. She had the body of a child, her features evoking a deceptive innocence, but her large red eyes, shining like rubies, seemed to observe the world with an emptiness that chilled him.

Her hair, or rather her white coat, spilled around her like a cloud of snow, but there was something far more sinister about her. She was small, slender, but a frighteningly powerful magic emanated from her, creating a palpable pressure in the air. Valerian scrutinized her, trying to understand what she was. A fairy? A spirit? His adventurous instincts told him that this creature was far more formidable than it appeared.

"That little thing?" scoffed Seraphis, watching Valerian struggle to his feet, the pain pulsing in his back. "Don't underestimate her. She's my secret weapon. Although her appearance is that of a child, her magic is more dangerous than you can imagine."

Valerian gathered his strength and struggled to his feet, a determined look on his face. "Who are you really?" he asked, his voice husky, but his tone carrying a challenge.

"My name is Liora," she replied in a soft, lilting, almost hypnotic voice. But her gaze was devoid of emotion, empty of compassion. "I am the servant of Seraphis, and I am here to destroy those who dare stand against him."

At that instant, a glow of magic intensified around Liora, her hands rising above her head. A crackling sphere of fire appeared in the air, an inferno ready to fall on Valerian and Zephyr. Such was the power of his magic that it seemed palpable, a promise of inevitable destruction.

"Valerian, be careful!" cried Zephyr, his own reserves of magic pouring out in a protective spell.

But Liora's attack was already underway, the sphere of fire exploding with a terrifying roar. Valerian instinctively took a step backwards, memories of the pain in his back reminding him how careful he had to be. But in a burst of bravery, he raised his arms, determined to counter the onslaught.

"By wind and light, I command!" he exclaimed, channeling the energy that surrounded him. A storm arose around him, torments of wind surging up to counter Liora's magic.

The two forces collided with devastating force, an explosion of magic lighting up the night sky. Valerian felt the heat of the attack on his face, but he held firm, his will mingling with nature's magic, transforming his energy into a protective shield.

Amid the tumult, he heard Seraphis' voice, sarcastic and authoritative. "Do you really think you can take her? Look how she plays with your light!"

Liora smiled, an expression of icy satisfaction on her childish features. "I'll show you what it means to measure up to true power," she murmured, her voice slipping through the air like an evil melody.

"You're just a child in a fairy's body," Valerian retorted, his voice imbued with unwavering strength. "Magic is not measured by appearance."

Liora's eyes lit up with a red glow, her magic growing in intensity, while Valerian and Zephyr joined forces, determined to weather the storm she was unleashing. They knew that this battle would be crucial not only for their survival, but also to protect all those they held dear.

And as they soared through the tumult of magic, a new sense of camaraderie and strength came over them. Together they would fight, and together they would triumph.

The battle was reaching its climax. Despite the intensity of their combined magic, Valerian and Zephyr were overwhelmed by Liora's destructive power. An incandescent glow erupted from the little fairy's body, and their attack backfired with unprecedented violence. The hot blast enveloped them, and Valerian found himself thrown backwards. The shockwave hit him, and he fell to the ground, his vision blurred.

"Zephyr!" he shouted as his friend collapsed unconscious on the wind-blown ground. Anguish squeezed his chest, but he had little time to worry about it, as the pain spread through his body like lightning. Panic and despair threatened to engulf him, adrenalin pulsing through his veins as he slowly but painfully rose to his feet.

At this critical moment, he caught sight of a silhouette in the distance. It was Lyren, brandishing a glittering potion, her face tinged with palpable determination. "Valerian! Drink this!" he shouted at the top of his voice. "It will allow you to launch one last magical attack!"

Valerian's heart raced. He hesitated for a moment, contemplating the potion as it glowed with a mysterious brilliance, unsure of which path to take. Memories of Azera and Althea's teachings came flooding back, fragments of wisdom etched in his mind.

**Flashback:**

*He stood in the sunny clearing, surrounded by the two powerful magicians. Azera, with her long silver hair floating like a halo around her, was passionately explaining: "Black magic is not just a destructive force. It can be used to create, to transform. You must learn to control it. Every incantation must come from the heart, Valerian. You must feel the magic in every fiber of your being. "*

*Althea, at his side, added with a benevolent smile: "Remember, power is not measured in raw strength. True magic is a dance, a harmony between intention and energy. Use it wisely, and you can overcome any obstacle. "*

**End of Flashback.

At that moment, Azera's and Althea's words echoed in his mind like a powerful voice. Valerian sat up, his body on edge, but his determination intact. He took hold of the potion, his hand trembling. With a swift movement, he brought it to his lips and drank greedily. A bitter, burning taste invaded his mouth, but a wave of magical energy enveloped him, intensifying his senses.

He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the dark magic stirring inside him, swirling like a hungry snake. Liora, with her icy laughter, seemed to be approaching, preparing to deliver the coup de grâce. But Valerian, fueled by the power of the potion, channeled the magic into his heart, then into his arms.

"It's now or never!" he whispered, the words echoing in his mind like an ancestral incantation.

He gathered all his thoughts, all his memories, and drew on the power of the dark magic he'd observed in the dungeon. A huge, sinister figure appeared in his memory, a monster of black magic whose strength had staggered him. He'd had to fight against it, understand its essence, its power.

He cleared his throat, rising above the surrounding tumult. "By darkness and light, I summon the ultimate dark magic!"

Dark, swirling energy burst from him, lighting up with a black and purple glow, a glow both magnificent and terrifying at the same time. The magic materialized, taking the form of a sphere of swirling energy, pulsing with indomitable force. Valerian felt the power vibrate within him, each pulse resonating with his own heart.

"Liora! Prepare to face the true power of dark magic!" he cried, his voice full of conviction.

With a determined gesture, he hurled the sphere of black energy at the fairy, the magic shooting through the air like lightning. The earth shook under his power, and time seemed to stand still, all eyes riveted on the deadly dance between hero and foe.

Liora, realizing the imminent danger, tried to counter the attack with fire magic, but Valerian's power overwhelmed her. The two forces collided in a burst of light and darkness, a cataclysmic explosion that lit up the night sky.

"This is our chance!" thought Valerian, his heart beating wildly as he watched the outcome of their battle unfold, determined not to let this moment slip away.

The sphere of black energy crashed into Liora's fire magic, causing a cataclysmic explosion. The air burst into flames in a whirlwind of brilliant colors, but at the center of this collision, Valerian's black power imposed itself, surging like an irresistible torrent.

Liora, in a last-ditch effort to counter the onslaught, let out a shrill cry, but Valerian's magic, fueled by his determination, engulfed her. The resulting shockwave was so intense that it threw Liora to the ground, her frail body striking the earth with deceptive lightness. The little fairy collapsed unconscious, losing all her radiance, while her silvery wings fell limply around her.

Seraphis, witnessing his accomplice's defeat, couldn't help but feel a wave of terror. In an instinctive gesture, he turned on his heels, abandoning Liora to her fate. "No, no, no!" he cried, panic permeating every word. He sped away, heart pounding, fearing for his life. His desperate flight shattered the atmosphere, and the roaring wind carried with it the echoes of his fear.

Valerian, panting, stared at the scene, realizing the magnitude of his power. He had underestimated the impact of his attack, not realizing just how devastating his dark magic could be. His gaze fixed on Liora's motionless figure, a wave of guilt swept over him.

"I... I didn't mean to go that far," he murmured, his heart heavy as he approached the little fairy. He bent down to check her pulse, making sure she was merely unconscious and not seriously injured. The dark magic still pulsed within him, creating a palpable tension around them, but he knew he had to act quickly.

Zephyr, slowly regaining consciousness at his side, watched the scene, his gaze perplexed. "Valerian, what have you done?" he asked, his voice faltering, still troubled by the magnitude of the confrontation.

"I... I used my ultimate black magic," Valerian replied, the words weighing on his lips. "But I didn't mean any harm... I just thought..."

"You did what you had to do to save us," Zephyr interrupted him, despite his state. "But Liora..."

Valerian shook his head, guilt gnawing at him. "She was our enemy, but..." He glanced at the unconscious fairy, his chest heaving gently. "It shouldn't have been like this."

The cool wind blew around them, carrying with it the echoes of battle and fear. They were now in an unsettling silence, sitting on the edge of a battlefield that had just tested their limits, but also their humanity.

"What should we do?" asked Zephyr, struggling to his feet. "We can't leave her here. Even if she tried to attack us, she's... she's still a fairy."

Valerian straightened, his gaze hardening with new determination. "You're right. She deserves a chance to rise again, like we did. We have to take her with us."

Their eyes met, each realizing the magnitude of their choices. The road ahead would be strewn with pitfalls, but the ordeal had also brought them closer together. They had come to understand that the power of magic, even when it seemed inescapable, could be wielded with compassion and responsibility.

Carefully, Valerian let Zephyr and Lyren carry Liora between them, while he carried Arielle in his arms, who was fortunately doing well. Somehow, she had unconsciously sucked up the residue of magic that had come out of this confrontation, allowing her to calm her body, which was full of fatigue and internal magical wounds.

Valerian could still feel the dark magic pulsing inside him, but now he knew he could choose to use it to fight, not to destroy. Together, they moved forward, ready to face the mysteries and dangers that lay ahead, determined never to lose sight of what mattered most: the fall of the Empire and the death of the Emperor, who had surely helped Liora and Seraphis organize this attack.

"By the way..... Who's she?" Zephyr asked, looking at Arielle in Valerian's arms.

"Probably another conquest." Lyren replied in a playful, teasing tone.

Valerian pondered a little on the right way to name Arielle "Elle c'est .... a long story..." He says, a little embarrassed.

Epilogue: "Time to rest".

Valerian staggered towards the door of the Spirit Realm. The world around him blurred, his exhausted body no longer responding to his mind inflamed by dark magic. His legs buckled, and despite all his efforts, he couldn't stop fatigue from overwhelming him. Just before losing consciousness, he turned his head towards Arielle, who was still unconscious. In a last-ditch effort, he held out his hand, palm open, as if to restrain her.

A flood of memories washed over him: Arielle's gentle voice in the dungeon, advising him to calm down, not to let the tension overwhelm him. She was right. He needed rest. A smile stretched across his lips as he recalled the pleasant times spent together, their laughter echoing through the dungeon's dark corridors.

"Thank you," he murmured, his voice barely audible. Then, with a gasp, he collapsed, his vision blurring and darkening.

He awoke slowly, his eyes half-closed. The soft light of a bedroom enveloped his face, and he realized he was lying on a comfortable bed. Beside him, Elowen, Aeloria and Elysia slept peacefully, their peaceful faces illuminated by the golden morning light. A feeling of warmth and gratitude came over him. Carefully, he stroked their hair, enjoying the softness of the moment.

Rising slowly so as not to wake them, he headed for the bedroom door. Curious to see where he was, he decided to explore the palace in search of Arielle. The corridors were silent, imbued with an almost unreal tranquility.

His first door opened on an unexpected sight: two people, obviously in the middle of an embrace, didn't even notice his intrusion. Valerian quickly closed the door, his cheeks slightly flushed, an expression of astonishment mixed with a smile on his face.

Continuing on his way, he opened another door, this time cautiously. There he found Arielle, bewildered and lost, her hair in disarray. As soon as she caught sight of Valerian, a look of relief lit up her face. She jumped into his arms, hugging him tightly.

"Valerian! I'm so relieved to see you! We have to leave immediately, we're in enemy territory!"

He laughed, his voice soft and reassuring, gently stroking her hair to calm her. "It's all right, Arielle. Just calm down. We're safe here."

With an amused smile, he looked at her, enjoying the frenetic energy she gave off, finding her as charming as she was shimmering. "You need to rest too. I promise I'll be fine."

Their eyes met, and in that shared moment, Valerian was strangely filled with happiness.