The corrupted flames screeched as if in agony. But instead of rejecting Apollo's flame, they began to swirl toward it, gravitating like lost children finding their parent. Bits of corrupted essence burnt away in the golden-black flame, cleansed instantly. Others resisted, flaring violently.
Apollo clenched his fist.
"This will be a bit difficult," he said quietly, "but if I can dominate and purify even a portion of this… my Sovereign Flame will evolve beyond its current state."
He turned toward his guardian, eyes hardening.
"Protect the perimeter. No one gets close."
He then jumped in the centre of the valley. And the golden-black fire clashed against the corrupted tide. The air howled, and the entire secret realm trembled.
