Chapter 75 : Shattered Realities

The Conflux roared with power, its chaotic energy radiating from the monolith in waves that threatened to consume everything in their path. The ground beneath the group cracked and splintered, the unstable terrain shifting with every strike of the masked figure's staff. Shadows lashed out like living weapons, their edges glinting with malice.

Caius's black flames surged as he deflected another attack, his movements precise and controlled. But the shards within him pulsed violently, their whispers growing louder with each passing moment.

"You can feel it, can't you?" the masked figure said, their voice cold and mocking. "The shards want this. They crave it. The veil was never meant to hold them, just as it was never meant to hold you."

"I'm not like you," Caius growled, his flames flaring as he launched a counterattack. The masked figure deflected it with a wave of their staff, the collision sending shockwaves across the battlefield.

"No," the masked figure replied, their blue eyes narrowing. "You're worse. You cling to this broken world, blind to the truth. But don't worry—I'll help you see."

Elara and the stranger moved in unison, their focus on disrupting the monolith's ritual. Elara's sword glinted in the flickering light as she struck at the runes etched into its surface, each blow sending sparks of energy into the air.

"The monolith is feeding the Conflux," the stranger shouted, their silver runes glowing brightly. "If we can destroy it, we might be able to stop the ritual!"

Easier said than done. The monolith pulsed with a near-impenetrable barrier of energy, each strike barely scratching its surface. The masked figure's shadows lashed out to protect it, forcing the pair to defend themselves while searching for an opening.

"Elara!" Caius called, his voice strained as he parried another attack. "Focus on the runes! They're the key to breaking the barrier!"

Elara nodded, her emerald eyes blazing with determination. She raised her sword and struck at the glowing runes with all her strength, each hit weakening the barrier further. But the masked figure noticed her efforts, their staff glowing as they prepared a devastating attack.

"Not so fast!" Caius roared, his flames igniting as he charged toward the masked figure. He collided with them mid-strike, their clash sending a burst of energy that illuminated the battlefield. The force of the impact pushed them apart, but Caius wasted no time, pressing the attack with relentless fury.

The masked figure staggered but quickly regained their footing, their staff spinning in a defensive arc. "You can't stop this, Catalyst," they said, their voice rising. "The veil's collapse is inevitable, and when it falls, so will you."

"Maybe," Caius said, his flames burning hotter. "But not today."

With a roar, he unleashed a torrent of black flames, the searing heat forcing the masked figure back. The shadows around them writhed in response, their edges dissolving as Caius pushed forward.

Elara and the stranger seized the opportunity, their combined efforts finally breaking through the monolith's barrier. The runes shattered with a deafening crack, and the pulsing energy around the monolith dimmed.

"It's working!" Elara shouted, stepping back as the monolith began to destabilize. "Caius, now's your chance!"

The masked figure turned toward the monolith, their glowing eyes widening. "No!" they bellowed, their voice filled with fury. "You don't understand what you're doing!"

"I understand enough," Caius replied, his flames surging as he charged toward the monolith. The shards within him pulsed violently, their whispers screaming in protest as he prepared to strike.

The masked figure moved to intercept him, their staff raised in a desperate attempt to stop him. But Elara and the stranger were faster, their combined attacks forcing the figure back and giving Caius the opening he needed.

With a final roar, Caius unleashed the full force of his flames, his black fire colliding with the monolith in a blinding explosion of light and shadow. The ground shook violently, and the Conflux's chaotic energy surged one last time before collapsing in on itself.

The battlefield fell silent.

When the light faded, the group stood amidst the wreckage, their breaths ragged and their bodies battered. The monolith was gone, reduced to a pile of smoldering rubble. The Conflux's energy had dissipated, leaving the air eerily still.

Elara turned to Caius, her sword still drawn. "Did we...?"

"We stopped the ritual," Caius said, his voice low. But his expression was far from triumphant. He looked toward the masked figure, who lay sprawled amidst the rubble, their silver mask shattered to reveal a face that was hauntingly familiar.

"You," Caius said, his flames flickering as he stepped closer. "Who are you?"

The figure looked up at him, their glowing blue eyes dimming. "I am you," they whispered, their voice filled with both sorrow and defiance. "And you... are me."

Caius's blood ran cold as the figure's words sank in. The shards within him pulsed faintly, their whispers echoing the same chilling truth.