Prologue 2: Advika Celestial – The Shadow Goddess

The deafening roar of clouds grew, rumbling ominously as if nature itself was warning Ren of the impending storm. His heart raced, a chaotic blend of excitement and primal fear surging through him. Suddenly, a crack of thunder struck the ground before him, sending dust swirling into the air and causing the atmosphere to hum with energy.

From the swirling shadows emerged a figure – a woman with long black hair that danced in the wind. Her dark eyes burned with rage, anger and a hint of humiliation.

Advika Celestial, the shadow goddess, stood before him, exuding an aura of mystique and undeniable power. She wore a sleek, form-fitting gown made of a fabric that shifted like liquid shadows, flowing seamlessly between deep black and shades of violet, indigo, and midnight blue.

The gown shimmered faintly, and its neckline was adorned with intricate patterns resembling constellations, glowing faintly in silver and white as if they were alive with celestial energy. Her long, dramatic sleeves cascaded like streams of darkness, their edges dissolving into wisps of shadow that faded and reappeared as she moved.

Around her waist, a belt of obsidian-like crystals cinched the gown, its centerpiece – a crescent moon sigil – glowing faintly. Her shoulders are adorned with pauldrons of dark metal, shaped like raven wings, adding a regal yet menacing touch to her ensemble. Advika's accessories included an intricate crown resembling celestial motifs, completing her divine and dark appearance.

Ren met her fierce gaze, and a strange sensation washed over him. Her gaze held a surge of power.

 "You made a big mistake killing my power essence." [She said. Her voice soft yet commanding, echoing in the charged air.]

Ren's gaze didn't falter for a moment. Her voice was soft and low, but dangerous, sending shivers down his spine.

 "Mistake? I don't think so…" [His voice was challenging.]

 [Hearing his challenging voice, Advika growled slowly and moved towards him, saying.] "You are crossing your limits, foolish mortal. You're nothing but an ant before me." [She stood directly in front of him, their faces mere inches apart.]

Startled by her sudden closeness, Ren maintained his posture, ready to strike her down at any moment if she made a move. He stood there silently, not letting his guard down, watching her as she stood just inches away from him.

Their eyes locked as she spoke slowly,

 "You are very intriguing person. Be my essence, Ethan…"

His heart skipped a beat as she used his true name.

 "I'm not…" [He began but before he could complete his sentence, her hand gripped his chin tightly, forcing him to meet her gaze. Her fingers dug into his flesh, a reminder of her power.]

 "Don't try to give me your damn explanation, Ethan. My essence told me earlier that you're not Ren but Ethan inside of Ren's Body…"

Ren's heart raced again at her revelation. With a shift movement, he broke free from her grip and maintained his distance.

 [Advika smirked, a predatory glint in her eyes.] "Ren Thorne, or you can say Ethan Blackwood. I know everything about you… How you ended up in Ren's body… Ren was a dark mage before you possessed his body. He was destined to become my essence, but YOU." [Her voice rose slightly] "You thwarted that by taking over his body."

 [After a brief pause, she spoke again, her voice softer this time.] "I'll give you one last chance, Ethan. Become my essence and hand over that ancient device." [She gestured toward the bracelet on his wrist – once an extraordinary device he had transformed into its current form.]

 "I don't know why this device chose me. Maybe it knows who's worthy. [Ren replied, a smirk creeping onto his face as he dared to mock her.]

 "YOU DARE TO MOCK ME?" [She exclaimed, forming a dark-violet scythe in her hand, its surface sparkling with an ominous energy.]

Despite the chill running down his spine, a flicker of confidence ignited within him. He formed a dark aura sword crackling with power

"You're not the only one who possesses the power of darkness." [He declared with a smirk.]

 [Her calculating smile unnerved him.] "You are truly worthy… but our power level differs." [She advanced her scythe in front of Ren.]

Ren noticed her attack and dodge immediately

 "Hmph, your small attack can't do anything to me…" [He boasted, overly confident.]

 "Small attack? Look behind you." [She replied, laughter dripping from her words]

Ren hesitated, instinctively believing it was a trap. But as he glanced back, a wave of dread washed over hm. Half of the world crumbled and churned behind him, a testament to her power. In that moment, he understood the vast chasm between their abilities.

 [Advika noticed the fear etched on his face] "So, do you understand the difference in our power? You can't win against me. This was merely a fraction of my strength…"

Despite the sinking realization that he was outmatched, Ren refused to yield. He focused inward, determined to find a way to defeat her.

 "If I harness my full shadow power against her, I might stand a chance. We both wield shadow magic. I can devastate continent, but she… she operated on an entirely different scale. One strike could obliterate half of the world. Even if I wanted to destroy a continent, it would take me at least 10 minutes, but she…

 No, calm yourself first. Don't let fear consume you, Ethan. She also knows my real identity. How could I defeat her? Think, Ethan, think…"

 [Advika's gaze narrowed as she observed his inner turmoil. With a sinister grin, she taunted.] "You can't defeat me. Even if you devise a plan and unleash your full power, you still won't be able to overcome me…" [She laughter echoed ominously.]

 "She's right. Even if I unleash everything I have, it won't be enough." [He thought desperately.] "What would Daniel do in my position. How would he face her?"

Advika stepped closer, circling him like a hungry predator, eventually standing in front of him. Her scythe remained firmly in her grip.

 "I can offer you one last chance, Ethan…" [She said, putting the edge of her scythe on his neck]

His body trembled as the cold edge of the scythe pressed against his neck. He knew that even the slightest movement would result in his head being severed from his body in the next instant.

 "Last chance? And what is it?" [He asked.]

 [A smirked appeared on her face, moving her scythe from his neck and placing it on the ground] "Join me as my essence of power, like Ref. Don't worry; it'll grant you immense shadow abilities. Ref was a failure who never gained my power, but you… you already possess shadow magic and that ancient device." [Her smirk widened.] "If you become my power essence, your strength could multiply – two, no, maybe five times over."

Ethan's heart raced at her tempting offer, torn between the allure of power and the fear of losing himself completely.