Chapter 14: Aura of the Phantom
The Crimson Veil had grown desperate. Their attempts to resurrect the Devil became more aggressive, sending elite assassins, corrupted mages, and monstrous constructs into the city. Each faction hoped to weaken the Phantom Sovereign and seize the innocents they needed for their dark ritual.
But Cael Renard was ready.
By nightfall, the Umbra Circle was fully deployed. Scouts reported multiple targets: hideouts brimming with enemies, each more dangerous than the last. As Cael approached the first site, his calm demeanor gave way to something more his aura began to manifest.
Shadows twisted around him like living tendrils, merging with atomic energy in his Atomic Form. The air seemed to hum, crackling faintly with power. Those who glimpsed him from a distance felt instinctive fear, as if the city itself recognized his authority.
He whispered softly: "Let's end this."
The first faction charged mages casting dark flames, mercenaries swinging enchanted blades but they never reached him. Shadow Constructs struck with precision, immobilizing enemies mid-attack. Atomic bursts dismantled wards and shattered weapons. Even as multiple groups attacked simultaneously, Cael moved effortlessly, teleporting, weaving illusions, and controlling every shadow in the district.
His aura flared brighter as he defeated wave after wave. Enemy mages were consumed by shadows, their spells turned against them. Soldiers collapsed as invisible forces pinned them, disarmed them, or hurled them harmlessly into walls.
When the central group of elite cultists attempted to activate a forbidden ritual, the Phantom Sovereign's aura erupted fully a visible manifestation of his shadow-atomic power. Energy radiated outward, pulsating like a storm contained in a human form. Shadows coalesced into massive constructs, swirling around him, each move striking fear into the hearts of the Crimson Veil.
"I am Atomic," Cael said, his voice calm, yet echoing with authority and menace.
The energy obliterated the ritual circle in an instant. Cultists screamed as shadows pinned them, their magic drained and absorbed. Others fled in terror, some never daring to return. Several lieutenants of the Crimson Veil fell before they could retreat, their forces fractured and broken.
Above the city, Kryos Valen observed from a distance, eyes wide. "Impossible… he's not just powerful he's… the shadows themselves…"
By the time dawn broke, Cael returned to the Renard estate, his aura subsiding but leaving a lingering sense of awe in the city. Ledger in hand, he noted:
Crimson Veil weakened. Innocents rescued. Aura manifested fear among enemies confirmed. Umbra Circle stronger. Kryos growing dangerously curious.
He looked out over the city, the first rays of sunlight illuminating the streets he had saved. The kingdom believed in heroes in the light.
The Crimson Veil still sought the Devil in the shadows.
And Cael Renard… had become a living legend of darkness, untouchable and unstoppable.