Chapter 15 – The Attack and the Promise
Adrian and Cordelia walked side by side along a narrow path, surrounded by rocky terrain and the occasional whisper of wind brushing through the dry grass.
"You know, Cordelia..." Adrian began, his tone thoughtful. "When I found the messages in the journal, I honestly didn't think I'd get this far."
He paused, his eyes scanning the horizon where sunlight shone through drifting clouds of dust.
"I'm getting closer and closer, and it's still hard to believe I actually made it here."
He turned to her with a soft smile.
"That's why I need to thank you. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have made it. So... thanks for everything so far."
Cordelia looked at him, then glanced away, offering a faint smile.
"You're welcome, Adrian. And even if you're an idiot, it's nice having you around," she replied with a playful grin.
Then she pointed toward a stretch of land ahead.
"Look, we're here," she said. "This is where we split paths last time. Now you take the lead."
Adrian's expression grew more serious as he nodded.
"Got it. Just follow me. See that house up ahead? That's where I found the letter... and the power stone."
The small structure was half-buried in the sand, old and silent, as if holding its breath like something long forgotten.
"We're going deeper now," Cordelia said. "Let's see if we find anything useful. Keep moving."
As they approached, Adrian turned his head slightly.
"Hey, Cordelia, I've been wondering... why are they called 'power stones'? Why not something like 'divine crystals' or whatever?"
She let out a small laugh.
"Do you remember how I told you they were formed?"
"Yeah. You said they're made from energy leaking out of broken divine domains, right?"
"That's right. Looks like you actually paid attention."
Her tone was teasing, but there was pride behind it.
"Truth is, there's more than just this broken divine domain. There are many. No one knows how many, exactly."
She kept walking, her voice firm despite the weight of what she was saying.
"And each one discovered so far has a different type of energy."
She gestured with her hand.
"For example: the divine domain of death creates power stones filled with death energy."
Adrian raised his eyebrows as he absorbed the information.
"So, to avoid using a different name each time, they just call them 'power stones,' since it doesn't matter if it's sacred power, death power... it's still power."
"Ah… now I get it," he said.
But their conversation came to an abrupt halt.
Cordelia stopped mid-step and narrowed her eyes.
"Looks like our chat ends here," she said, eyes fixed ahead.
Twenty monstrous soldiers emerged from behind the rock formations, their grotesque forms growling and eyes gleaming with malice.
Adrian drew his sword.
"You ready?"
"Yeah. Let's go! Divine Possession!" she shouted, as light wrapped around her body like sacred armor, her form glowing with raw power.
"Whoa!"
Cordelia leapt high into the air, her foot surrounded by radiant energy as she dove into the center of the enemy group.
"Die, monsters!"
BOOM!
A shockwave spread out with a deafening sound, scattering dust and debris. Adrian was knocked down, rolling through the sand.
"Cordelia! You forgot about me!" he shouted, coughing as he staggered to his feet. His sword shimmered as he rushed toward the remaining enemies.
They fought in perfect sync now — blades flashing, divine energy erupting, roars echoing. After a fierce exchange, only a few monsters remained.
Cordelia exhaled deeply, releasing her divine possession. A faint glow faded from her skin.
"Ugh... looks like that was the last of them."
Adrian nodded and lowered his sword.
"Let's keep—"
Before he could finish, the sand beneath him exploded.
A hidden monster lunged upward, shrieking.
"Watch out!" Adrian shouted, hurling himself forward.
He slashed with his sword, but the creature retaliated, its claws tearing into his arm and leaving a deep gash.
Cordelia dropped low and channeled energy into her palm. With a fierce yell, she struck the creature's wrist.
Divine energy burst out, severing and vaporizing the monster instantly.
She turned to Adrian, furious.
"Why the hell did you do that, you idiot?!"
Blood streamed from his arm, but he still managed to smile.
"I warned you, didn't I? I promised I'd help you find your parents..."
Cordelia froze for a moment, eyes wide. Her anger shifted into surprise.
That idiot actually meant it when he said that... she thought.
Then, more softly, she whispered:
"Thank you..."
"You're welcome," Adrian replied, still smiling despite the pain.
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