Chapter 39: Unveiling the Forbidden Ritual
Under the shroud of darkness, they carefully plotted their course, aiming to conceal their presence as they infiltrated Pokh Mountain Valley undetected. Elara sat atop a towering peak, her eyes closed, surrounded by a crimson aura. Unusual waves of fire magic emanated from her hands, hurtling towards the mountain.
"What is she doing? She's not cultivating," Aurelian whispered, puzzlement etched across his face.
"Elara is an evil cultivator who craves more power. She might be attempting to free the magical beast to bend it to her control," Saraphim explained quietly, her concern evident.
"That's impossible; the beast can't be tamed," Aurelian remarked, emerging from their hiding place.
"No!" Saraphim exclaimed as she saw him, fearing the implications.
They followed Aurelian as he boldly confronted Elara. He summoned a magical ice arrow and launched it towards her. Elara, sensing the imminent danger, tried to defend herself, but the arrow struck her, causing her to tumble from the mountain. The mountain itself trembled, shifting from its position.
"What kind of forbidden magic are you performing?" Aurelian demanded, his voice resonating with conviction.
"Finally, you're here with your comrades to fight me. You small cultivators, this will be interesting," Elara sneered, summoning her dark energy.
"Elara, listen. We're not here to fight; they're not our enemies. They aided us in getting here. Let's negotiate about my core energy," Saraphim implored, attempting to defuse the escalating tension.
"Oh, really? We've already struck a bargain. Oh, did you bring him to me?" Elara taunted, unleashing her dangerous dark magic net toward Aurelian. He swiftly shielded himself, and the net landed on the mountain.
"Perfect," she exclaimed, summoning her dark magic, which snaked through the air menacingly, aimed at Aurelian and the others. Aurelian acted swiftly, conjuring fire magic from the magical wall he had consumed. He formed a shield and sent it hurtling towards the dark magic, causing it to scatter and fall, momentarily halting Elara's advance.
"The chosen," she declared, her voice carrying a mix of contempt and determination.
The tension in the air was palpable as Aurelian and his companions faced off against Elara, a formidable adversary seeking ultimate power. The clash of their opposing forces would soon unravel, and the fate of the magical realm would hang in the balance. Each step forward would bring them closer to the climax of this battle, and the secrets of forbidden magic would be unveiled.
Aurelian remained resolute, ready to protect his comrades and face the challenges ahead. The echoes of their confrontation reverberated across the valley, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown that would shape the course of their destiny. Darkness and light clashed, and only time would reveal the outcome of this high-stakes encounter.
---