We took Volak to the headquarters of the Ice Knights. When he arrived, he didn't look around, as if he already knew the place by heart. When he met the team, he gave them a look I couldn't understand, and even they had unreadable expressions.
Andrei said:
– Stay here. I'll take Volak to the commander, understood?
Julian replied:
– You've become good at leading, Julian. I'm proud of you.
– Thank you, but I admire you… How did you get these wounds, I wonder? Or has your level dropped?
Volak answered:
– Come, Julian. You felt that sensation, didn't you? Those hungry eyes, thirsty for blood.
Julian frowned:
– I don't understand what you mean.
– I mean, the one who gave me these wounds is a monster. We don't know the extent of its power—perhaps it has no limit. You came all this way without being told, and now you point your weapon at Andrei…
– Why would I point my weapon at him?
– You, more than anyone, should know…
– It doesn't matter. I came only to take that necklace and leave.
– Volak… you were once a deputy, close to the commander himself. Don't you miss those days?
– I don't miss days that cost me my sister, or a man who refused to give us our rights.
– So that's still your belief?
– It was never just a belief—it was always the truth. And as her brother, she is my responsibility.
– Then there's no other way.
– Tell that to the commander. We've arrived.
Julian knocked on the door, and permission was given to enter. The Ice Lord stood by the window, gazing at the snow.
Julian entered, but before he could announce Volak's arrival, Volak spoke:
– It's been a long time, Commander. I hope you've prepared my sister's necklace, because I will take it from you.
The Ice Lord didn't turn, but spoke:
– You still haven't changed, Volak.
He looked at him and rose from his chair:
– You know that to claim that necklace, you must defeat me—kill me—and only then it will be yours.
– Why didn't you tell me that the necklace belonged to her? She had the right to give it to whomever she wished, and she gave it to the tribe. Why didn't you return it? This is not your way.
– You're right, it isn't my way. I will return it… but not yet.
– When? Tell me! You keep saying that, but years have passed. Are you waiting until you die?
– That's correct.
Volak grabbed his hand firmly, anger rising at the Ice Lord's cold words:
– Enough. If death is what you seek, so be it. I challenge you, Ice Lord, for that necklace.
– And if I refuse?
– Then I will force you.
– Force me, Volak? Do you know to whom you're speaking these words?
– I know… That is why, Ice Lord Hyoga, fight me!
– If that's what you want, then let's go to a place where no one else will be harmed.
– Where?
– The mountains that lead to the ocean. That's where it began, and that's where it will end.
– Agreed.
We followed them there to witness. Everyone turned their gaze to one place: a mountain split in two. They stared at it until we passed. Then we reached three colossal mountains, especially the one in the middle.
– Now that we're here, fight me!
– Impatient, as always.
– Whenever you are ready.
– Then… Light's Power!
Blades of light filled the air. Suddenly countless arrows appeared, impossible to count, and Volak launched them. The Ice Lord stood motionless, but then a blizzard arose, sweeping them all away.
– That's what I expected from you. Now, let's begin.
Volak forged two swords, gripped them tightly, and charged at the Ice Lord. The Ice Lord did the same. Their swings shook the mountains, carving deep cracks.
– Yes… more! Light Blade—Chains of Eternal Justice!
Chains burst forth, wrapping around the Ice Lord, tightening around him.
– What's wrong, Ice Lord? Has your movement been restricted?
The Ice Lord paused, a chain halting him.
– Now I've won.
– Don't be so confident. This is my domain… Ice Sword, Frost Strike!
The Ice Lord assumed a stance, gathering tremendous power, then released it. The force shattered all the light, silenced the storm, and the mountains looked like broken glass. Volak lay bleeding on the ground, wounds everywhere.
– I didn't want it to come to this. But since you've lost, do not make this request again.
Despite his injuries, Volak forced himself to speak, his voice broken and furious:
– Ice Lord… is this truly justice? A father, a brother, an entire tribe longing for a child who died with courage! She did what even the elders couldn't do in that great disaster. She died with pride, leaving behind nothing but that necklace. We only want to hang it so her soul can rest in peace, remembered by the tribe forever. Why this torment, in life and in death? Why?
– You're right. She deserves to be honored among the great leaders, and that necklace should stand as her witness, also to ease the heart of your tribe. That time will come… but not now.
– When? Tell me! How long will my father suffer? How long until these wounds heal? Tell me, Hyoga!
– Believe me, I don't know either.
– If I had known this would happen, I would never have told her false tales of heroes.
– Did you bring healing elixirs?
– Yes, Commander.
– Then give them to him and let him go.
– No need. My wounds won't heal with such cheap medicine.
Volak staggered away, bleeding. The Ice Lord did not stop him. As I walked, I wanted to know—who was Rose? What was the calamity that struck? And that monster?
Volak walked through the snow toward the village, but suddenly stopped, staring at the icy ground, seeing his reflection. He screamed—anger, fury—and struck the ground with his fist.
– Ice Lord! I will reclaim it, no matter the cost!
– Oh, such annoying screams… You there, stop it. You're disturbing me.
Volak looked ahead and saw a man sitting on a rock, reading a book.
– Listen, I'm not in the mood. Stay away from me.
– I understand, book lover. I'll take that as a compliment. But don't turn your anger on me. Turn it on the one you couldn't defeat, the one who left you in this miserable state. Even I pity you.
– What did you say?!
Suddenly, Volak's chains wrapped around the man with the book, tightening around him.
– Now, stranger, tell me what you said.
The man smiled, blood dripping from his mouth:
– I said… you're weak.
Volak pulled the chains tighter.
– Is that all you can do? With this, you'll never even touch the Ice Lord. But I… I have the solution.
– I don't want it. Say goodbye to your life.
– If you kill me, you'll never get the necklace.
Volak froze.
– Do you have a way? Ten seconds to answer.
– Yes, I do. Drink this blood. Then you'll gain a power strong enough to take that necklace.
– Whose blood is this?
– That's not important for you to know.
– Are you mocking me? Then die!
The man grabbed the vial, drank a single drop, and shattered the chains instantly. Volak stared in shock.
– So… do we have a deal?
– Who the hell are you?
– Just a man who wants to help you.
– Your name?
– My name… You may call me Louis.
_______&
"Dear readers, the two chapters are now released, and this is the second one as I promised you. I hope you enjoy it, and please support the novel with Energy Stones, as it's heading toward something really exciting."