Chapter Six: Crossroads of Fate

There was an odd, clinging coldness in the air inside the ruins, like if the old stone walls still remembered what had happened there. Faintly lit by the bluish, flickering glow of Kael's Sovereign Core, shadows swirled on the fractured floorboards. Breathing heavily from exertion, he and Aelira had found a little alcove to recover in after the Gloombeast's turmoil.

Faint arcs of energy crackled between Kael's fingertips as he peered at them, his hands shaking. His voice was raspy as he murmured, "I can't control it."

With a sharp but compassionate tone, Aelira stated, "You don't have a choice."

She was healing a cut on her arm while leaning against the wall. "You will completely lose yourself if you allow the Core to rule you. Is that what you want?"

With his fists clenched, Kael put out the sparks. "No. However, each time I use it, it seems to be drawing me in a direction from which I am unable to return".

Aelira's face was a mixture of pity and determination as she considered him. "Then quit battling it like a child who is afraid. Master it or allow it to master you". "But make a decision fast. The Shadowborn won't hold off until you solve the problem".

Aelira and Kaelira both froze as a sudden, deliberate sound broke through the tense silence. The sound of boots scraping against stone echoed faintly, getting closer with each step. Aelira had her twin daggers in hand in an instant, and Kael reached instinctively for the power of the Sovereign Core as he felt its pulse quicken in his chest.

Her words hurt, but Kael knew she was right—the Core wasn't going away, and neither were the dangers that seemed to be multiplying around them.

"Who is there?" With a harsh, authoritative voice, Aelira demanded. From the shadows, a man emerged.

Most of the stranger's features were hidden by a long, dark mantle that flowed across the floor. The dark light was only reflected by the slight sparkle of a polished silver medallion that hung from their neck. Although their face was hidden by the low hood of the cloak, they talked in a cool, collected tone.

"Put your firearms away. I intend you no harm," the traveler said. Aelira didn't lower her daggers. "And we're meant to think that because of…?"

With smooth, unthreatening movements, the tourist took a step closer. They pushed back their cowl to display a face that was calm and weathered, with the slight scars of an explorer visible on its features. Their dark, piercing eyes darted from Kael to Aelira.

The traveler responded calmly, "Because I wouldn't have announced myself if I wanted you dead." Kael looked at Aelira and paused.

Kael questioned, "Who are you?" The tourist's head cocked slightly. "That depends on who you you see me as. I'm considered an outcast by some. I am considered a scholar of forgotten things by others. However, you can call me Varik for the time being.

Aelira's eyes narrowed. "What are you looking for?" Ignoring her suspicion, Varik remarked, "I've been following your journey." "I've been following him, actually." He gave Kael a nod, his eyes piercing and evaluating. A shiver went down Kael's back.

"Why?"

Varik stepped closer, leisurely. The Sovereign Core doesn't just wake up by itself, that's why. Those who have been waiting for it and want to influence its course are drawn to its power.

"Waiting for it?" "And what exactly do you mean by that?" Aelira repeated in a chilly voice.

"Exactly what it sounds like," Varik said. "The Sovereign Core is not just a weapon. It's a beacon, a fragment of something ancient and far-reaching. And whether you realize it or not, its reawakening has already sent ripples across the kingdoms. The Shadowborn are only the beginning."

Kael scowled. "You know about the Shadowborn?"

"I know enough," Varik said in a tone that was carefully neutral. "Enough to know that you're not ready to face them. Not yet".

"And what makes you think you know what I'm ready for?" Kael snapped at the implication.

"Because you barely survived your last encounter," Varik said bluntly, "and because I've seen what happens to those who try to wield power they don't understand."

"You still haven't answered the question. Why are you here?" Aelira said.

Variki's lips curled into a faint smile. "To offer guidance—or at least a warning. The Sovereign Core is not something you can simply carry around like a trinket. Its power comes with a price, and the deeper you delve into its secrets, the higher that price will be."

Kael's discomfort increased as he looked into Varik's eyes. "What knowledge do you possess regarding the Sovereign Core?"

"Enough to understand that mastering it will require more than just brute force," Varik remarked. He produced a small, worn map from inside his cloak and held it out for Kael to see. "This will lead you to the next piece of what you're searching for. But the path won't be easy."

Aelira eyed the map suspiciously. "And what's in it for you?" Varik's expression become unreadable. "Let's just say… I want the Core to find the right hands for my own reasons."

A loud, guttural snarl rumbled through the ruins before Aelira could react. As a huge figure appeared out of the darkness, the ground shook beneath their feet and Kael's heart raced. It was another beast, but this one, in contrast to the Gloombeast, had a body encircled by flickering flames and radiated an unnatural heat. Its molten eyes locked onto Kael, and it let out an ear-splitting roar.

"Move!" Aelira shouted, shoving Kael out of the way as the creature lunged.

The battle was immediate and chaotic. Aelira's daggers danced as she struck with precision, but the creature's fiery hide made it nearly impervious to her attacks. Kael struggled to summon the Sovereign Core's power, the energy within him volatile and wild.

Varik, to their surprise, leapt into action with surprising agility. He wielded a staff engraved with runes, using it to deflect the creature's attacks and create openings for Aelira and Kael.

"Focus, Kael!" Aelira shouted as the beast charged again.

"I'm doing my best!" Kael yelled back, his hands glowing with unstable energy.

Varik's voice cut through the chaos. "Stop fighting it like it's your enemy! The Core is a part of you.

Kael stopped for a while, the words striking something deep within him. He closed his eyes, letting the energy of the Core flow through him just like the last incident. When he opened his Eyes again, the Sovereign core glowed with an eerie light. He raised his hand, and a surge of raw power erupted from his palm, slamming into the beast with enough force to send it crashing into the wall. The flames around its body flickered and died, and it collapsed with a final, echoing growl.

Kael gazed at his shaking palms, the brightness fading as the dust fell. Varik observed in silence, his face impassive, while Aelira gazed at him with a mix of relief and worry. With a faltering voice, Kael murmured, "That... wasn't normal."

"No, it wasn't," Varik said in relief. "And things will only get worse." Kael's chest constricted as he looked into his eyes. "What do you mean?"

Varik took a step forward and spoke softly. "The Core is more than simply strength. It's a hardship. And it will engulf you if you don't learn how to control it quickly".

With his voice almost audible above a whisper, Kael continued, "Then teach me," his eyes gleaming.

"That is if you're ready to pay the price."Varik replied.

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, and Kael felt a cold that had nothing to do with the ruins surrounding them.

"Yes I am ready".