[Edanian Journey] Aetherion

Description

Chapter 4: Clash

We returned to Aetherion Castle. This time, the gates to the inner keep yielded, and I stepped within. Inside, a dense, suffocating fog choked the air, so thick I could barely see ahead. Somewhere in the gloom, an eerie sound echoed.

There stood—not Jordine, but someone else.

"Run...! That thing... it's not... Human...!"

Before my eyes, his form began to twist and contort, transforming into a monstrous shape. These shadows I'd seen lurking around—all of them, it seemed, had been consumed by the Black Spirits.

"It has been some time, Edana. Did you receive the gift I sent?"

At last, I came face to face with Jordine. Yet, he had no intention of speaking—only issuing a challenge. "If you seek the truth, claim the throne of Aetherion," he declared, unleashing his foul minions upon me.

After vanquishing the beasts, I confronted Jordine once more. For a fleeting moment, victory seemed within reach... but he was changed. The Light of Ancient Origin no longer touched him.

Drawing on the Black Spirit's power, Jordine tightened his grip, nearly crushing me with his strength. But I broke free, wresting the sword from his grasp. With a single, final strike, I brought him to his knees.

Only then was Jordine truly defeated.