Chapter 24 - Chapter 24: The Edge of Despair

A cold wind swept across the scarred wastelands outside the orc domain.The land itself seemed wounded—blackened earth cracked like old bones, shattered stones strewn like forgotten memories, and the distant echo of monstrous roars vibrating in the heavy air.Through that silence, a lone figure emerged.His steps were steady, though heavy, each footfall sinking softly into the cracked soil.A massive sword rested on his back—almost taller than he was—the worn hilt shaped by countless battles.His face remained shadowed beneath the hood, but a fierce glint of resolve burned in his eyes.He stopped at the edge of the Orc King's domain, staring into the raging battlefield ahead.A slow breath escaped him."…It's time."Without hesitation, he stepped forward into the storm.Meanwhile, deep within the orc stronghold's heart, chaos roared in full fury.Veer, Jiya, Ashish, and Anika stood battered, bloodied, but unbowed, facing down the towering figures of the Orc King and Queen.Every breath was a ragged promise of defiance.Anika's hands trembled as kinetic energy pulsed violently around her.She had charged her power for what felt like an eternity, her body trembling under the strain.The ground cracked beneath her feet, the kinetic energy condensing into a single, blazing sphere."Now!" she cried, sweat streaming down her face.Veer, Jiya, and Ashish surged forward—all at once.Blades flashed, magic flared, every attack aimed to carve an opening.The Queen raised her massive mace to strike.Veer darted low, forcing her off balance.Ashish's sword, ignited by Anika's bursts, slashed across the Queen's guard.Jiya's arrows of light rained down, holding the Orc King at bay.For the first time, the battlefield tilted in their favor."Do it, Anika!" Veer shouted.With a scream, Anika unleashed the kinetic sphere.A blinding explosion of raw energy erupted, ripping through stone and steel alike.For a moment, silence swallowed the chaos.The fighters panted, barely standing.Ashish whispered, "…Did we…?"As dust cleared, the King and Queen still stood.Bruised, battered, but burning with renewed rage.The King's crystal pulsed violently, glowing brighter, mocking their efforts."No… way…"Anika sank to her knees, drained and broken.The Orc Queen roared, charging again.Veer tried to block, but his arms gave way.The mace struck him hard, hurling him across the battlefield.He crashed into a wall, coughing blood, vision swimming."Veer!" Jiya screamed, but she was pinned beneath the King's relentless blows.Veer struggled to rise, body trembling.His blade lay just out of reach.The Queen loomed above, weapon raised for the final strike.Time slowed.Veer's thoughts blurred, heartbeat pounding like a death drum.So this… is the end?The mace fell—Suddenly, a brilliant flash of energy lanced through the battlefield.Clang!A sword blazing with pure light collided with the Queen's weapon, halting it.Sparks rained as impact shattered the ground beneath them.Standing between Veer and death was Aditya Roy.His cloak billowed like a storm, eyes burning with fierce resolve.His blade radiated raw, terrifying power.His presence alone made the earth tremble."Touch my children," Aditya's voice thundered, "and you will pay in blood."The Queen staggered, nearly losing her weapon.The King's gaze darkened; the crystal pulsed in response.Veer's eyes widened as relief and awe surged."Father…"Jiya's lips trembled, hope blossoming again.Ashish and Anika stared, stunned by the sudden shift.Aditya tightened his grip, aura swelling fiercely—drowning even the King's crystal glow."From here on… I'll take over."The ground shook beneath his feet as he stepped forward.The true battle had just begun.