Asher stood at the edge of the Crimson Wastes, the desolate landscape stretching before him like a canvas painted in harsh reds and deep blacks. Jagged rocks jutted from the ground, their surfaces cracked and uneven. The air was thick with a palpable tension, an energy that stirred within him, waiting to be released. Lira stood beside him, her gaze fixed on the horizon, where the setting sun cast a fiery glow across the sky.

“Are you sure about this?” Lira asked, her voice steady but tinged with concern. “Using your powers so openly could draw attention from the wrong people.”

Asher glanced at her, his expression resolute. “I need to demonstrate what I can do, Lira. This is the only way they’ll understand the potential of our alliance. If we want the factions to unite, I have to show them the strength of our cause.”

She sighed, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. “I understand that, but it’s dangerous. The magic you wield is powerful, and not everyone will see it as a tool for good.”

“Perhaps, but they won’t have a choice in how they perceive it. This is about survival,” Asher replied, stepping closer to the edge of the cliff. He could feel the dark energy swirling inside him, urging him to unleash its potential. “The Serpent of the Obsidian Peaks is no mere beast. It’s a creature of chaos, and we need to prepare for it.”

Lira shifted, her eyes narrowing as she regarded him. “What are you planning to do? This isn’t a game, Asher. The consequences of your actions could be severe.”

He turned to face her, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “I’m planning to tap into the Abyss. If I can harness that power, we can ensure the factions see the real threat we face. It’s a necessary risk.”

“But the Abyss is unpredictable. You’ve never tapped into that level of power before,” she cautioned, her tone urgent. “You could lose control.”

Asher’s gaze hardened, determination etched on his features. “I’ve faced control issues before, and I’ve learned from every encounter. I won’t let it consume me. I’m in control of my fate, Lira. We need this, and I won’t back down now.”

“Just promise me you’ll be careful,” she said, her voice softening as she stepped closer. “I believe in you, but I’m worried.”

“I promise,” he replied, placing a hand on her shoulder, his grip firm but reassuring. “Together, we’ll overcome this. We’ll show them what we’re capable of.”

Taking a deep breath, Asher focused inward, feeling the pulse of his dark powers. The Abyss resonated with him, a realm of shadow and energy that lay just beyond his reach. He could sense the swirling magic, waiting for him to call upon it. As he closed his eyes, he visualized the connection between himself and the Abyss, drawing it closer to him.

Lira watched as Asher’s expression shifted, a calmness settling over his features. “You can do this,” she whispered, though doubt lingered in her heart.

With a sudden surge of energy, Asher extended his hands outward, palms facing the ground. Shadows began to writhe around him, curling and coiling as he channeled the energy from the Abyss. He could feel it course through him, a torrent of power that surged like a wildfire. As the darkness enveloped him, it felt both exhilarating and terrifying.

“Focus on your intention,” Lira urged, her voice cutting through the haze. “Channel it into something tangible.”

“Right,” Asher murmured, his voice steady as he honed in on the swirling energy. “I need to summon a manifestation of this power. Something that will demonstrate our strength.”

The shadows around him began to coalesce, twisting into a form that mirrored his intentions. He envisioned a creature born of darkness, powerful and imposing—a guardian to showcase the might of the Abyss. The shadows took shape, morphing into a towering figure with glowing red eyes and elongated limbs, its form shifting like smoke.

“By the Abyss, I command you!” Asher shouted, his voice echoing in the stillness. “Arise and heed my call!”

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

The creature hesitated, the shadows flickering as if caught in a struggle. Lira’s eyes widened, a mixture of awe and fear evident on her face. “Asher, it’s responding!”

With a surge of will, Asher pressed forward, pouring more energy into the summoning. “Come forth, Guardian of the Abyss! Show your strength!”

The figure solidified, its features becoming more defined—a massive beast cloaked in darkness, with jagged edges and an aura that exuded raw power. Asher felt exhilaration coursing through him, the shadows pulsating in sync with his heartbeat.

“It’s magnificent,” Lira breathed, her eyes wide with wonder.

“Now, let’s put it to the test,” Asher said, a grin breaking across his face. “I need it to showcase its strength. Let’s draw out a creature from this land to battle.”

“Are you sure?” Lira asked, glancing at him uncertainly. “You’re not provoking any more threats, are you?”

Asher nodded, determination lighting his eyes. “If we’re going to unite the factions, we need them to see the dangers that lurk in Aetherium. We’ll find a suitable opponent for my Guardian.”

He turned to the expanse of the Crimson Wastes, scanning the jagged terrain for any signs of movement. As if summoned by his thoughts, a low rumble echoed across the ground. From behind a cluster of rocks, a massive creature emerged—a hulking beast with scales that shimmered like molten lava and eyes that glowed with a fierce intelligence.

“What is that?” Lira gasped, taking a step back as the creature approached.

“A Lava Golem,” Asher replied, his heart racing. “A perfect match for a demonstration.”

The Lava Golem charged forward, its enormous fists raised, ready to strike. Asher’s heart raced with excitement, the thrill of the impending battle igniting a fire within him. He turned to his Guardian, now looming beside him, its form casting an imposing shadow over the ground.

“Show me your strength!” Asher commanded, his voice ringing out with authority.

With a roar that shook the very earth, the Guardian lunged forward, meeting the Golem head-on. The collision was explosive, sending shockwaves rippling through the air. Lira watched in awe as the Guardian’s shadows intertwined with the Golem’s fiery essence, creating a spectacle of light and darkness.

“Look at them go!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with exhilaration. “They’re evenly matched!”

Asher grinned, the energy coursing through him amplifying his confidence. He watched as his Guardian weaved between the Golem’s strikes, using its shadowy form to evade blows while retaliating with swift, powerful strikes of its own. Each collision echoed in the air, the sound reverberating like a drumbeat of war.

“Now, show it the true power of the Abyss!” Asher shouted, pouring more energy into his Guardian.

The creature responded with a surge of power, shadows coiling around its fists as it struck the Golem with renewed vigor. The impact sent a plume of dust and debris into the air, obscuring the battlefield for a moment. Asher’s heart raced, a mix of fear and excitement driving him to push harder.

“Come on, show us what you’ve got!” he urged, feeling the exhilaration of the moment.

The Guardian unleashed a flurry of shadowy punches, each hit cracking against the Golem’s molten exterior. With a final, resounding roar, the Guardian focused its energy, releasing a wave of darkness that surged forth like a tidal wave.

“Dark Vortex!” Asher shouted, feeling the magic pulsate through him. The darkness swirled, engulfing the Golem in a maelstrom of shadows that constricted tightly around it. As the energy pressed against the Golem, cracks began to form in its fiery exterior.

“Is it enough?” Lira asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.

Asher could feel the strain of the magic coursing through him, but he held firm, willing the darkness to consume the creature. “It will be!”

The Golem struggled against the vortex, its fiery essence flickering as the shadows tightened their grip. Just as it seemed the Golem would break free, the shadows pulsed with a renewed intensity, and with a final, powerful surge, the darkness shattered the creature’s defenses.

“Now!” Asher cried, releasing the magic with a final burst. The shadows enveloped the Golem entirely, swallowing its fiery form until it was consumed by the Abyss.

The battlefield fell silent, the remnants of the Lava Golem collapsing into a pile of molten rock and ash. Asher stood, breathing heavily, his heart racing with exhilaration and triumph. He had done it. He had showcased the power of the Abyss and the strength of his Guardian.

“Did you see that?” Lira exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “You did it, Asher! They will have to take you seriously now!”

Asher felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him, but beneath it lingered the weight of what he had just unleashed. “Yes, but at what cost?” he murmured, looking down at the remnants of the Golem. “This power isn’t something to be trifled with.”

Lira placed a reassuring hand on his arm. “You wield it with purpose. That’s what matters. You’re not just seeking power for power’s sake. You’re using it to protect Aetherium.”

He looked at her, the gratitude evident in his gaze. “Thank you, Lira. Your faith in me keeps me grounded.”

Together, they stood amidst the ruins of the battle, the silence settling around them like a shroud. They had proven their strength, and the path forward was clearer than ever.