Chapter 32: Chapter 4: Orion Domain
Zero, the slender yet enigmatic figure, spoke up, his voice cold and calculated. "You believe yourself a rival to Kanji?" he asked, a hint of mockery in his tone. "Many have claimed the same, but they all found themselves outclassed and surpassed when faced with his presence."
Zero's slender figure emanated an air of quiet authority as he continued, his voice cool and measured. "You're just one of many, Orion," he said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "And so far, you haven't proven yourself a formidable adversary for the great Kanji."
With a swift and calculated move, Zero extended his slender hand, summoning forth an Obsidian Magic Attack that spread across the entire ice cave, targeting Orion. The obsidian attack raced toward the Shadow Emperor, a dark and imposing force that sought to neutralize and subdue him.
The air in the cave crackled with magical energy as the obsidian attack materialized and lunged at Orion. The black, glass-like substance moved with a calculated precision, seeking to ensnare and immobilize its target. Orion, caught off guard by the sudden attack, swiftly reacted, using his own magical prowess to create a glowing barrier around himself.
Orion, his gaze flicking towards Rai, calculated the remaining time for the ritual. It was 4 hours remaining before the Divine Ascending was complete. Thinking quickly, he unleashed his Shadow Domain ability, enveloping Behemoth and Zero in its dark and mystical power and transporting them forcefully out of the cave.
Caught inside Orion's domain, Behemoth and Zero found themselves ensnared in a world of shadows and manipulation. The icy cave faded away, replaced by an eerie and unsettling realm woven from the powers of darkness and illusion. Orion's control over this domain was absolute, and every step they took was subject to his influence.
Despite the disorienting realm they found themselves in, Behemoth remained surprisingly calm and collected. His powerful frame betrayed no sign of panic or fear. Similarly, Zero's composure was undisturbed, though a hint of curiosity and confusion flickered in his eyes.
Zero, his slender figure maintaining an air of composed curiosity, spoke up, his voice cutting through the shadows. "Is this not one of the abilities Lord Kanji spoke of?" he asked, his words carrying a weight of intrigue, as if seeking confirmation of his own suspicions.
Behemoth, his massive form towering over Zero, chimed in with a grunt of acknowledgment. "Yeah," he rumbled in his deep voice. "This is one of the abilities Lord Kanji warned us about. Orion's Shadow Domain."
Zero, his slender figure exuding an air of confidence, turned to Behemoth. "This isn't going to be easy," he warned, a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Orion is a warrior both outside and inside his domain, and he possesses the powers of a Necromancer, adding another layer of complication. We must tread cautiously."
Behemoth, his massive frame bristling with determination, clenched his fists. "I've dealt with plenty of opponents before," he growled. "Warriors, Necromancers - it doesn't matter. I can handle them all."
Behemoth's black and purple eyes flared with determination as he fixed his gaze on Orion's face. The sheer intensity of his glare spoke volumes, conveying a mix of defiance and a readiness to confront the Shadow Emperor's dark powers.
Zero, his slender figure hovering in the air, drew forth seven spirits of mythical grade. Each spirit glittered with otherworldly energy, their presence exuding an aura of ancient power. Zero's eyes flickered with anticipation as he prepared to unleash his mythical summons against Orion and his domain.
Behemoth, his hulking presence surging with energy, called forth his demonic spear. The weapon materialized in his grip, its black, obsidian body radiating an intense aura of darkness. Behemoth's muscular arms hefted the spear, ready to wreak havoc upon the shadows of Orion's domain.
Orion's gaze hardened, and from the shadows of his domain erupted millions of undead creatures, each of a different class. Their numbers stretched onward, a seemingly endless sea of dark silhouettes that converged upon Behemoth and Zero. The sheer multitude of foes overwhelmed them with its ominous presence.
The undead creatures approached Behemoth and Zero from all directions, their movements eerie and unearthly. There were skeletons, zombies, and even ethereal wraiths among the army, creating a diverse and formidable force that threatened to engulf them.
Zero, his slender eyes scanning the overwhelming army of undead before them, spoke up. "It appears the numbers game is on their side," he remarked, a hint of tension lacing his voice.
Behemoth, his deep voice rumbling with determination, joined the conversation. "Numbers mean nothing when you have the strength of the strongest warrior," he said, his massive frame bristling with determination. "We've faced hordes before. We can handle this."
The sheer number of undead creatures was intimidating, but Behemoth and Zero stood resolute, their resolve unwavering. They had faced overwhelming odds in the past and had triumphed, and they were prepared to do so again.
The undead creatures closed in, surrounding Behemoth and Zero on all sides, their shuffling steps echoing through the shadows. It was a menacing sight, but both warriors were undeterred, ready to engage in the fight ahead.
Mio, flying through the skies, landed gracefully on the icy grounds of Xuê Island, her wings gently beating the air. The icy wind swirled around her, causing a light shiver to run through her body as she planted her feet firmly on the frosty ground.
Mio's nostrils tingled, and she let out a soft sneeze, the cold air of the island getting the best of her. She quickly composed herself, adjusting her attire to keep warm in the chilly environment surrounding her.
Mio, her senses returning to focus, reminded herself of the task Angela had given her. She pushed aside any distractions and channeled her attention towards her purpose on this island. With a deep breath, she surveyed her surroundings, her mind determined and her eyes sharp as she prepared to embark on her mission.
As Mio gathered her bearings, she observed her surroundings with keen focus. The icy landscape stretched out before her, its barren terrain dotted only sparsely with snow-covered trees and rocky outcrops. She felt the cold air nipping at her skin, but she pressed on, determined to carry out the task that Angela had entrusted her with.
Mio's journey led her to the depths of the island, traversing through treacherous and unfamiliar paths. The further she delved into the icy heart of Xuê Island, the more treacherous the terrain became. The air grew colder, and the wind howled mercilessly as she pressed on.
As Mio ventured deeper into the depths of the island, she stumbled upon a cave that lay eerily quiet. Her eyes adjusted to the dim light, and there, she spotted Rai, his form distinguishable in the shadows.
Mio's eyes widened as she noticed a set of scrolls lying beside Rai. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the forbidden scrolls symbolizing the Divine Ascending, an ancient ritual even gods deem forbidden. The significance of these scrolls weighed heavily upon her mind, and a mix of awe and concern filled her soul.
Mio, her voice a mixture of worry and wonder, whispered, "The Divine Ascending scrolls... Why is Rai attempting this forbidden ritual?"
The sight of the scrolls stirred a deep sense of unease within Mio. The Divine Ascending was a perilous path, forbidden even to the gods, and she couldn't help but wonder what motivated Rai to attempt it. Her mind racing with questions, she took a cautious step closer, her eyes never leaving the sacred scrolls.
In the majestic Zhīshān Mountain, where all of Kanji's followers resided, one of the elite followers - Kiana, the Descendant of the Legendary Heavenly Dragon, but as a Demi-human - received a report from the follower sent by Mio on Xuē Island. The report detailed the events unfolding in the icy island, thanks to the angel bird messenger.
Kiana, a formidable figure with dragon-like features, received the report with a mixture of concern and intrigue. Her heart quickened as her eyes scanned the details of the message, taking in the news that came from the distant Xuē Island.
The information shared in the report included details about Rai's actions on the island. However, Kiana also received a separate report on the situation involving Zero and Shadow Emperor Orion. Zero had utilized his teleportation magic, but the report explained the dire circumstances facing them against the formidable Orion.
Kiana, her eyes narrowed with concentration, spoke up. "So, Rai is attempting the forbidden Divine Ascending ritual, and Zero and Behemoth are facing off against the Shadow Emperor Orion... This is not good."
Kiana's gaze shifted toward the temple-like castle within Zhīshān Mountain, where her Lord Kanji could be found. From the distance, she could see Kanji immersed in ancient books, his eyes scanning the pages written in languages from bygone eras.
Kiana, her thoughts swirling in her mind, wrestled with the decision of whether or not to disturb Kanji. However, her eyes flickered to a bright glow as she used her ability to establish communication with Zero.
The communication link was established, connecting Kiana's and Zero's minds across the vast distance. The bond of communication allowed them to speak as if they were standing nearby, despite the many miles separating them.
Kiana's voice, clear and focused, echoed through the mental link. "Zero, can you hear me?"
The mental connection crackled to life, and Zero's voice responded, his words conveying a mixture of determination and urgency. "I can hear you, Kiana. What is it?"
Kiana wasted no time, her words carrying a sense of purpose. "I've received reports from Xuē Island. Rai is attempting the forbidden Divine Ascending, and you're up against Shadow Emperor Orion. What's your status?"
Zero's voice crackled through the communication link as he responded, his tone resolute. "We've encountered Orion's Shadow Domain and his army of the undead. Behemoth is holding his own against the hordes, but Orion himself is a formidable foe. We're holding our ground, but it's a tough fight."
Kiana provided valuable information about Orion's abilities and weaknesses. "Orion's domain allows him to create an endless army of undead, making him practically invincible while inside it," she explained. "He's also immortal, but there is one thing we know that can potentially defeat him - light magic."
The revelation hung in the air, the significance of light magic against the seemingly unbeatable Orion becoming clear. The key to victory lay in finding a way to harness and wield light magic against the Shadow Emperor's dark powers.
Zero, his voice laced with urgency, spoke through the communication link. "Kiana, we could use your help. If you're up for it, can you teleport here and join the fight against Orion?"
Kiana's response was immediate, her determination unwavering. "I'll be there. Just hold on a little longer."
Zero, focusing his powers, created a shimmering portal through space and time, its edges rippling with energy. The portal stretched and expanded, ready to connect the distance between them. "Portal ready. Be prepared."
Kiana steeled herself, her mind focused and her body ready. "I'm prepared. Send me through."
~Next chapter "Legend Descendant"