Chapter Twenty: "Aura Under Siege"
Rain fell hard as the Ash Vow Unit reached the village of Velthorn, a quiet town hidden beneath jagged cliffs — now under siege.
Black Aura warriors had arrived hours before, taking hostages and searching for something.
Raizel crouched atop a stone ridge, eyes scanning the burning rooftops. His aura shimmered faintly beneath his cloak.
"They're after the Vein Crystal," Lyra whispered beside him. "If they get it, the Fang can amplify his aura tenfold."
Raizel nodded. "Then we move at once."
They split into squads — one to rescue villagers, one to flank the enemy, and Raizel himself to breach the temple where the crystal was hidden.
Inside, he found three Black Aura commanders awaiting him.
One stepped forward, dual blades humming with cursed energy. "You're too late, little flame."
Raizel smiled coldly. "Then let me show you how bright a dying flame can burn."