Shadows of Immortality

The temple quaked as Sharvasura's power exploded outward. His form distorted, growing larger, his jagged horns lengthening and eyes burning like twin suns of hate. The wound in his chest flickered with dark energy, sealing itself with tendrils of shadow. His voice reverberated with the echo of ancient wrath.

"You think a mere mortal can undo the will of the abyss?" He spread his claws wide, a torrent of black flames spiraling from his fingertips. The temple stones screamed as they melted under the infernal heat.

"Stay behind me!" Dronaananda commanded, slamming his staff into the ground. A dome of shimmering light enveloped them, deflecting the firestorm. The elder's brows furrowed in concentration, veins straining as he channeled his power.

Ujjwal's mind raced. The spear had hit its mark, yet Sharvasura had not fallen. His wounds closed almost instantly. What force kept him anchored to this plane? The knowledge of Maya Yuddha stirred within him, ancient verses calling forth memories of bindings and curses.

"Teacher, he draws his strength from beyond this world!" Ujjwal shouted, his voice cutting through the roar of flames. "Something anchors his soul to a darker force. If we can sever that link—"

"Then his immortality will crumble," Dronaananda finished, his eyes flashing with understanding. "But that tether must be hidden, buried deep in his essence."

Sharvasura advanced, each step sending tremors through the ground. "You speak of secrets beyond your grasp. No mortal hand can break the chains of my power. I am the storm that devours worlds!"

He struck the barrier with both claws, cracks spidering across its surface.

"We'll see about that," Ujjwal growled. His body surged with Atma Shakti, the fire within him burning brighter than ever. He formed intricate hand signs, ancient symbols glowing in the air. The knowledge of Maya Yuddha whispered its secrets.

"Phantom Chains of Niranjana!" he roared.

From the shadows beneath Sharvasura's feet, spectral chains of pure energy shot upward, snaking around his limbs and pulling tight. They glimmered with the light of creation, each link inscribed with runes of confinement.

The demon thrashed, his muscles bulging as he fought against the mystical bindings. "What sorcery is this?"

Ujjwal smirked, his breath heavy but determined. "A trick from the art of war you haven't seen yet."

But the strain of holding the chains was immense. Sharvasura's power surged like a tidal wave, the chains cracking under the force of his will. The demonic flames around him burned hotter, melting the stone beneath his feet into rivers of molten rock.

Dronaananda moved with the swiftness of a thunderclap, stepping into the breach. His staff blazed with Atma Shakti, a whirlwind of light surrounding him. He raised it high and chanted in a voice filled with the authority of ages. "Seal of Trishul's Fury!"

The staff transformed, its tip splitting into three points, each radiating divine energy. He drove it into the ground, and a shockwave of radiant force exploded outward, slamming into Sharvasura and pushing him back. The spectral chains tightened once more, glowing with renewed strength.

The demon roared, a sound of pure rage and agony. "You dare invoke the ancient seals?!"

"More than dare," Dronaananda replied. His eyes burned with conviction. "We end your reign here."

The battle was far from over, but for the first time, the tide had shifted. Yet, deep within his heart, Ujjwal knew the truth. There were greater shadows beyond this demon, forces more ancient and malevolent. This was only the beginning of a war that stretched across time itself.