Infinity – Chapter: Bloom of the Wild Soul
The abyss twisted around them like a dream that refused to fade. Anay and Liora stood side by side, facing the two devils—Veidar, with his sinister grin and shadow wolf, and the monstrous Kharix, whose bone armor rattled with each breath.
But something had changed.
Liora's eyes were locked, wide and frozen, on the shadow wolf at Veidar's feet.
It growled lowly, its red eyes piercing through the void like blood moons. For a moment, the sounds of the world dulled. Liora didn't move, didn't blink. Her hands trembled slightly at her sides.
Anay noticed.
"Sister—Liora!" he called, stepping in front of her. "What are you doing? We need to fight!"
She didn't answer at first. Her breath caught in her throat.
Then, finally, she spoke—but her voice trembled. "Y-Yeah… he's right."
But just as she began to move—Veidar struck.
A streak of blackened energy lashed forward like a whip of shadow. It was fast. Deadly.
Too fast.
But Anay was faster.
In a flash, he leapt in front of her, his own aura flaring outward—a shimmering mix of divine light and raw, invisible force. The blast clashed against his guard, sparking violently through the void.
Liora blinked.
"Anay…" she whispered.
"I've got you," he said, not taking his eyes off the devils. "But I need you too. You can't let him shake you."
Liora bit her lip. The shadow wolf continued to growl, pacing around Veidar.
And then… it happened.
A glow erupted behind her.
Emerald vines shimmered into existence, swirling with the wind. A faint chirp echoed like a soft breeze brushing through a summer forest. Behind Liora—a luminous bird made of leaves and spirit light unfurled its wings.
Its eyes gleamed with gentleness and power.
"Liora."
The voice echoed in her mind. The bird's spirit was calm, ancient.
"I felt your fear. I must protect you this time."
Vines began to weave from her shoulders, her aura surging in hues of soft green and deep gold.
"Let me cover that wolf. You focus on the battle. Do not let your past shake your soul."
Liora's breathing slowed.
She straightened herself. Her stance sharpened.
Anay blinked in awe. "Wait… is that…?"
Kharix snarled. "That scent… That aura. It's from the Beast Realm, isn't it?"
But Veidar shook his head slowly, eyes narrowing.
"No," he said coldly. "That's not just any creature. That's a Spiritual Beast. A true guardian of soul lineage."
Anay smirked, power beginning to rise around him again.
He glanced at Liora with new respect.
"Now this," he said, eyes gleaming, "is going to get interesting."
The vines coiled around Liora's arms like armor, and her spirit bird soared above her head, eyes locked on the shadow wolf with piercing clarity.
From behind them, the abyss trembled.
The true battle was only just beginning.