CHAPTER 80
last update2024-12-20 19:29:09

The cave settled into a tense quiet, the echoes of the earlier battle fading into the shadows. The air was cold, but the heat from their exhaustion and injuries left a palpable warmth in the cramped space. Outside, the whisper of the wind through the trees seemed to mock their fragile sense of safety.

Jace leaned back against the stone wall, his breaths shallow, the dull ache in his shoulder reminding him how close they'd all come to losing each other. Aila’s golden staff glowed faintly beside him, a steady beacon in the darkness. Her fingers traced the bandage around his shoulder, her touch light but filled with concern.

“I wish I could do more,” she murmured, her eyes brimming with frustration.

Jace turned his head slightly, offering a weak smile. “You’ve done more than enough. I’m still breathing, aren’t I?”

Aila’s lips quirked, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes. “I don’t want to loose you Jace.”

"And neither do I want to lose you." Jace said as he suddenly rested his forehead ag
Continue Reading on MegaNovel
Scan code to download App

Related Chapters

  • GUARDIAN OF THE FIFTH REALM   CHAPTER 81

    The air tore with the clash of metal, the crackling of dark magic, and the shouts of defiance. The Phantom King’s scouts moved with a coordinated, mechanical efficiency, their corrupted forms resembling grotesque parodies of warriors. Their eyes glowed a sickly green, soulless and filled with an unnatural hunger. Jace’s shoulder screamed with each movement, but he ignored the pain, his resolve hardened into unbreakable steel.Beside him, Aila’s golden staff shone brilliantly, beams of radiant energy lancing through the enemies, their twisted bodies unraveling into black ash wherever her magic struck. Her face was set with a grim determination, the glow of her power reflecting off the sweat on her brow.Caelum stood just behind them, his dark magic staff swirling with tendrils of violet and black energy. He murmured incantations under his breath, his eyes rolling back as shadows coalesced into jagged spikes. With a shout, he thrust his staff forward, and the spikes shot out, impaling s

  • GUARDIAN OF THE FIFTH REALM   CHAPTER 82

    The gates of Valloria clanged shut behind them, the echoing boom reverberating through Jace’s bones. Relief had barely begun to seep in when a strange unease settled over the group. The streets, though crowded, felt... wrong. Whispers slithered through the air, eyes darted away too quickly, and shadows stretched just a little too long.Jace’s hand tightened on Aila’s. He turned to glance at their newest companion, Brannen. But where he had been walking moments before, there was now only empty space.Jace’s brows knitted together. “Brannen?” He spun around, his gaze scanning the crowd. “Brannen!”The others stopped, confusion flickering across their faces. Cole’s eyes narrowed as he looked around. “He was right here.”“He couldn’t have just disappeared,” Aila said, her voice laced with worry. “Where could he have gone?”Caelum’s grip on his dark magic staff tightened. The shadows at his feet pulsed slightly, as though sensing something amiss. “Something isn’t right here.”Riven’s jaw w

  • GUARDIAN OF THE FIFTH REALM   CHAPTER 83

    The air was thick with decay, a heavy presence that seemed to squeeze the very life out of them. Valloria, once a beacon of beauty and strength, now lay smothered beneath an ancient malevolence. The twisted spires and shadowed streets bore no resemblance to the proud city described in stories. Jace’s fingers curled tighter around his sword hilt as his eyes swept the desolation before them.“We have to end this corruption before it consumes everything,” Jace said, his voice firm despite his exhaustion.Aila’s golden staff pulsed with a soft, defiant light, barely enough to push back the gloom. “There’s a core to this darkness. A source that’s poisoning Valloria. If we find it, we can destroy it.”Riven wiped the sweat from his forehead, his eyes glinting with determination. “Then let’s finish what we started.”Caelum took a step forward, his dark staff humming with restrained power. “The heart of Valloria is it's citadel. Whatever controls this corruption will be there.”“Then that’s w

  • GUARDIAN OF THE FIFTH REALM   CHAPTER 84

    Under the starlit skies of Valloria, the newly freed city seemed almost ethereal. The once-corrupted streets were now bustling with the joy of liberated people, but amidst the celebration, Erynn and Riven had found themselves on the outskirts, far from the revelry. The quiet solitude of a small garden tucked away in the city gave them the privacy they needed to talk together.Riven leaned against a low stone wall, his silver eyes reflecting the faint glow of Valloria’s restored beauty. His gaze was fixed on Erynn, who stood a few feet away, her head tilted as if avoiding his piercing stare. Her hands fidgeted with the hem of her tunic, a sign of unease that Riven hadn’t seen in her before.“You know,” he began, his tone casual but edged with curiosity, “you surprised me back there, Erynn.”She glanced up, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Surprised you how?”“Those flames,” he said, his voice growing more serious. “You’ve been hiding that kind of power all this time? I mean, we’ve been th

  • GUARDIAN OF THE FIFTH REALM   CHAPTER 85

    The air in Valloria was crisp and cold, the lingering echoes of celebration fading into a solemn hush as Jace, Aila, Riven, Erynn, and Cole searched every corner of the restored city. The streets, though lively with newly freed citizens rebuilding their home, held no trace of Brannen. His sudden disappearance gnawed at them, a void they couldn’t ignore.Jace led the group, his jaw clenched and eyes scanning every alley and shadow. Aila walked beside him, her golden staff glowing faintly, a beacon of light in the darkened corners. Riven and Erynn followed close behind, their conversation from earlier now replaced with quiet determination. Cole, always the watchful one, lingered at the back, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword as if expecting an ambush at any moment.“We’ve checked every main street,” Jace said, his voice tight with frustration. “The market, the old barracks, the citadel ruins... he’s nowhere.”“Maybe he left,” Riven suggested, though his tone lacked conviction. “

  • GUARDIAN OF THE FIFTH REALM   CHAPTER 86

    The air was heavy with unease as Jace and the group gathered near the clearing where the mysterious figure had vanished. The faint glow of the sigil etched into the ground was now dim, fading into the darkness as if it had never existed. The haunting words of the man lingered in their minds, fueling a deep sense of dread. Brannen was out there, somewhere beyond their reach, and the idea of a “soul for a soul” left a bitter taste in Jace’s mouth.The silence among the group was palpable until Aila spoke, her voice trembling slightly but resolute. “If there’s a way to bring Brannen back, then we have to find it. We can’t let him be trapped in... wherever that place is.”Jace nodded, his eyes fixed on the faint remnants of the sigil. “We will. But first, we need answers. That man mentioned the veil, there has to be a way to cross it.”“Crossing into a realm like that won’t be easy,” Cole said, his voice low and cautious. “It sounds like we’re dealing with some kind of death magic. Danger

  • GUARDIAN OF THE FIFTH REALM   CHAPTER 87

    The group stood under the vast, star-lit sky on the outskirts of Valloria, where the Phantom King's power no longer lingered. Despite the beauty of the restored city, there was a heavy weight among them. The ritual to access the veil was no small endeavor, and none of them were certain what the price would be. But the thought of leaving Brannen to his fate was unthinkable.Jace held Aila’s hand tightly as they walked to the prepared site. Her golden staff glowed faintly, a beacon of hope and reassurance in the dark. Erynn and Riven followed closely behind, the leather-bound book clutched tightly in Erynn’s hands. Cole brought up the rear, his expression unreadable as he carried a bundle of necessary items for the ritual.The spot they’d chosen was secluded, a quiet glade far enough from the city to avoid disturbing it's recovering citizens. Aila carefully set her staff in the center of a sigil they’d etched into the ground with painstaking precision. The symbols glowed faintly, respon

  • GUARDIAN OF THE FIFTH REALM   CHAPTER 88

    The massive figure loomed over them, it's shadow casting an oppressive darkness that swallowed the faint light of the veil. It's form was an amalgamation of jagged obsidian and writhing shadow, and it's fiery eyes burned with malice. The air around it pulsed with raw energy, making it hard to breathe.Jace stepped forward, his sword gripped tightly in his hand. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice steady despite the tension in the air."I am the Sentinel of the Veil," the figure rumbled, it's voice like thunder. "Guardian of those who have been claimed by this realm. You dare disrupt the balance by trying to take what belongs to me?""Brannen doesn’t belong to you," Aila said, her golden staff glowing brighter as she stepped beside Jace. "He’s still alive. We’re taking him back."The Sentinel’s laugh was a low, menacing growl. "The veil decides who belongs. You have no power here, mortals.""That’s where you’re wrong," Jace said, his eyes narrowing. "We’ve come too far to back down n

Latest Chapter

  • CHAPTER 178

    As the days turned into weeks, the world began to heal. The lands that had once been scorched by shadow now flourished with vibrant greenery. Rivers flowed freely, their waters clear and full of life, while villages that had been abandoned were being rebuilt. People from across the realms traveled to the heart of the new world to offer their gratitude to Jace and his group, now known as the Guardians of Renewal.Jace stood on a hill overlooking the valley, the same spot where he had once grieved for his fallen friends. Now, the valley below was alive with the sound of celebration and hope. Children ran through the fields, their laughter echoing in the breeze, and families gathered to share stories of survival and renewal. It was a sight that filled Jace’s heart with both pride and bittersweet sorrow.Erynn and Riven joined him on the hill, their presence grounding him. Erynn, with her hair glowing in the sunlight, carried a small bundle of flowers she had picked from the field. “It’s

  • CHAPTER 177

    The newly revived world buzzed with life and joy as people from all over came together to celebrate the long-awaited peace. The skies were clear, birds sang melodious tunes, and flowers of every hue adorned the lands that had once been cloaked in shadow. The sound of laughter and music filled the air as villages and towns held grand feasts to honor the group of heroes who had ended the reign of the Phantom King.In the heart of the celebrations, Cole and Lysara walked hand in hand through the vibrant crowd. The once solemn archer now wore a warm smile as he looked at Lysara, her hair shimmering in the sunlight. She laughed softly at something he whispered, and for the first time in what felt like forever, they were free of the burdens they had carried.“Do you think we’ll ever stop being the talk of every celebration?” Cole asked, his tone teasing as he glanced around at the many eyes following them.Lysara chuckled, her light magic playfully flickering at her fingertips. “Not if you

  • CHAPTER 176

    The air was thick with anticipation, an ominous stillness that signaled the Phantom King's return. The group stood together, their weapons drawn, their breaths shallow as they prepared for what they all hoped would be the final confrontation. Jace’s glowing blue eyes flickered with determination, though deep inside, he knew the battle ahead would demand everything he had left.From the horizon, the shadows began to gather, swirling like a storm as the Phantom King materialized once more, his colossal form blotting out the light. His crimson eyes burned like twin infernos, and his voice echoed across the battlefield, filled with venom and malice."You thought you could end me?" The Phantom King sneered, his shadowy form rippling with power. "You’ve only delayed the inevitable. This world belongs to the shadows, and I will ensure it falls into eternal darkness."Riven tightened his grip on his silver sword, stepping forward with a defiant glare. "We’ve stopped you before. We’ll do it ag

  • CHAPTER 175

    The battlefield was engulfed in chaos, the Phantom King’s shadowy form towering over the group as he relentlessly unleashed blasts of dark energy. Each wave struck Aila’s golden barrier with deafening force, cracks splintering across its radiant surface. Inside the barrier, the group huddled together, their expressions a mix of fear and desperation. Jace stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest as his eyes darted to Aila. Her face was pale, sweat dripping down her brow as she held her staff aloft, her trembling hands channeling the last of her strength into the barrier.“I can’t hold it much longer,” Aila said, her voice breaking, tears streaming down her face. She looked at Jace, her eyes filled with a sorrow that stabbed at his heart. “I’m sorry... I’ve done all I can.”“No,” Jace muttered, his fists clenching. “No, this isn’t how it ends.”The Phantom King chuckled darkly, his crimson eyes glowing with malice. “Look at you, little guardians,” he mocked, raising a hand to summo

  • CHAPTER 174

    The battlefield was a tempest of chaos and despair as the Phantom King loomed over Jace and his group, his form radiating an overwhelming darkness that seemed to drain all hope. His crimson eyes locked on Jace, the twisted grin on his face only deepening the dread in the air.“You’ve played your part well, little guardian,” the Phantom King said mockingly, his voice echoing like thunder. “But this is where your story ends. Your powers, your relic, none of it is enough to stand against me.”Jace stood firm, the relic glowing fiercely in his hands as the group rallied behind him. Aila’s staff shimmered with golden light as she readied a barrier, Lysara’s light magic sparked defiantly in her palms, and Erynn’s hands flickered with fire and ice. Riven and Cole flanked Jace, their silver weapons gleaming with determination.“You won’t win,” Jace said, his voice shaking but resolute. “We’ve fought too hard to let you destroy everything.”The Phantom King chuckled darkly, raising a hand. “Fo

  • CHAPTER 173

    The air around the group was heavy with an eerie stillness as they emerged from the portal. The new realm was breathtakingly beautiful. A surreal landscape of glowing rivers and crystalline trees that shimmered in hues of gold and silver. A soft light bathed everything, as if the sun and moon had fused into one eternal source of illumination. For a moment, it felt as though the war had finally ended.“This... this is peace,” Aila murmured, lowering her golden staff. Her voice trembled slightly, her exhaustion from the endless battles seeming to melt away in the glow of the serene surroundings.Riven stepped forward cautiously, his silver sword lowered but still in his grasp. “It’s hard to believe after everything we’ve been through.”“Maybe this is it,” Erynn said, her hands falling to her sides, no longer flickering with fire or ice. “Maybe we’ve found the end of it all.”Caelum remained silent, his dark magic staff resting against the ground as he scanned their surroundings with a w

  • CHAPTER 172

    The light enveloping the desolate battlefield began to fade, leaving the group standing in a transformed landscape. The jagged peaks had softened into rolling hills, and patches of grass and flowers began to sprout through the cracked earth. A gentle breeze replaced the oppressive heat, carrying with it the scent of new beginnings. Yet, the tension among the group was palpable. They stood silently, catching their breath, their eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of another attack.“We did it,” Aila finally said, her voice soft but filled with a cautious hope. She tightened her grip on her golden staff, its light dimmed to a soft glow. “At least, I think we did.”“It doesn’t feel like victory,” Caelum muttered, his dark magic staff pulsing faintly as if resonating with his unease. “Something isn’t right. This... calm feels temporary.”Jace, still holding the relic, looked at the group, his face a mixture of relief and concern. “We’ve taken a step forward, but we’re not finished. Th

  • CHAPTER 171

    The crystalline chamber shimmered and twisted as the group prepared to move forward. The Axis of Balance pulsed with energy, casting their faces in soft hues of gold and silver. Each of them felt its immense power, a hum in the back of their minds that was both empowering and unsettling. They had passed its trials, but the uneasy air around them reminded them that the true battle was still ahead.The light of the chamber began to fade, and the world around them warped, replaced by a bleak and desolate landscape. The ground was cracked and ashen, with jagged peaks rising like broken teeth in the distance. The sky above was a swirling mass of black and crimson clouds, and the air was heavy with the smell of sulfur. It was a place devoid of hope, a place where wars were born.“This doesn’t look like any victory I’ve ever seen,” Caelum muttered, his dark magic staff crackling faintly as if reacting to the oppressive energy.Riven surveyed their surroundings, his silver sword drawn and gle

  • CHAPTER 170

    As they stepped through the shimmering portal, the world around them transformed. Gone were the scorched battlefields and oppressive skies; instead, they found themselves standing on a bridge made of crystalline light, suspended in a vast expanse of stars. Below and above them, endless constellations shimmered like scattered jewels. The air was still, but it thrummed with energy, like the very fabric of the universe was alive.Seraphine led the way, her silver armor gleaming as if it were reflecting the stars themselves. She moved with a grace and purpose that made it clear she had walked this path many times before.“Where are we?” Cole asked, his voice tinged with awe as he glanced around. His silver arrows gleamed faintly, catching the light from the bridge.“This is the Nexus of Eternity,” Seraphine replied without turning around. “It is where the balance of all realms is maintained and where the cycle you fight against was forged.”The group exchanged uneasy glances. The idea tha

Scan code to read on App