The throne room of the temple was vast and imposing, its high ceilings supported by towering columns that seemed to stretch endlessly into the darkness above. The air was cool, almost chilling, as if the walls themselves held onto an ancient cold. Flickering torchlight danced across the polished stone floors, casting long, wavering shadows that seemed to move with a life of their own. The room was immaculate, every tapestry hanging in its place, every carving meticulously preserved. The soft glow of moonlight filtered in through narrow skylights, giving the room an almost ethereal atmosphere.
It was a place of power, steeped in history—a battleground where divine and demonic energies intertwined beneath the surface, contained within the walls and columns. The divine presence was like a heavy mantle in the air, but beneath it, Erik could sense the familiar, sinister thrum of demonic energy. The duality of the place was palpable, and it only added to the tension that hung between Erik and the Red Queen.
In the chaos, Erik’s eyes darted to a nearby weapon rack. Among the various ceremonial weapons on display was a sword—its blade darker than the others, almost as if it absorbed the light around it. The hilt was engraved with runes he couldn’t quite decipher, but something about the weapon called to him, as if it recognized the chaos within him.
Without thinking, Erik lunged toward the rack, reaching for the blade. His fingers wrapped around the hilt, and a jolt of energy surged through his arm. The sword felt almost weightless, a perfect extension of his body. As soon as he gripped it, he felt a connection to his primal energy—a pathway that seemed to flow from the sword into his core and back again.
System Message: Weapon Detected
Alert: Shadowblade of Primal Resonance identified. Integrating with host’s primal energy.
Effect: Primal Channeling Efficiency increased by 15%.
Effect: Shadowblade Resonance Sync initiated. Compatibility confirmed.
“Well, this could be interesting,” the demon muttered. “Try not to lose it on the first swing.”
Erik didn’t respond. He had no time for banter. The Red Queen’s eyes flickered with momentary surprise, but she didn’t hesitate. She raised her own sword, the red blade gleaming with a sinister light, and prepared to strike.
Erik tightened his grip on the hilt, feeling the pulse of energy between him and the weapon. He could sense his primal energy shifting, naturally drawn toward the blade. It wasn’t just a weapon—it was an extension of his will, a conduit for his power.
The Red Queen was the first to move. She closed the distance in an instant, her blade coming down in a swift, wide arc aimed at Erik’s shoulder. Erik’s instincts took over, and he raised his sword to meet hers. The clash of steel rang out, reverberating through the throne room.
The impact sent vibrations up Erik’s arms, and he felt the primal energy instinctively shift, reinforcing his grip and bracing his legs. He focused on controlling the flow, pushing the energy into his arms and back, absorbing the shock.
Swing, parry, pivot.
The Red Queen’s sword disengaged from his, and she spun with a smooth, practiced motion, bringing her blade around in a horizontal slash. Erik ducked low, feeling the blade whistle past the top of his head. He channeled his energy into his legs, pushing off with explosive force to regain his footing.
The Red Queen pressed forward, bringing her sword down in a vertical strike. Erik met her blade with his own, redirecting the force away from him. He could feel the primal energy surging into his arms and shoulders, strengthening his parry. He pushed back with all his might, using the momentum to create an opening.
Erik’s mind was racing, but his body moved with a newfound precision. The sword felt like an extension of his thoughts, reacting to his every intention. He wasn’t just swinging aimlessly—he was flowing, adjusting, and redirecting the energy within him.
The Red Queen lunged with a thrust aimed at his chest. Erik stepped to the side, angling his body to let the blade pass harmlessly by. He focused his energy into his side and legs, allowing him to pivot smoothly. As her sword missed its mark, Erik countered with a diagonal slash aimed at her midsection.
The Red Queen’s reaction was instantaneous. She turned her blade to deflect his strike, but Erik could feel the connection between their swords. It wasn’t just a collision of steel—it was a clash of energies. He could sense her divine power pushing back against his primal energy, trying to overwhelm him.
Swing, parry, strike.
Erik adjusted his grip, shifting his energy into his shoulders and arms as he pushed her blade aside. He followed up with a quick, upward slash, aiming for her exposed side. The Red Queen blocked it effortlessly, but Erik wasn’t done. He channeled the energy into his legs, pushing off the ground to increase the force behind his next strike.
The Red Queen parried and countered with a series of precise, powerful slashes. Erik met each one, adjusting the flow of his energy to reinforce his defense. He could feel the strain in his muscles, the primal energy surging through him in a carefully controlled stream. It was a delicate balance—too much, and he would burn himself out; too little, and he wouldn’t be able to keep up.
The Red Queen’s attacks were relentless, but Erik was learning. He could sense the rhythm of her strikes, the way she shifted her weight and adjusted her stance. He moved his energy in response, using it to anticipate and counter her movements.
She brought her sword down in a heavy, overhead strike. Erik raised his blade to block, focusing all his energy into his arms and back. The impact reverberated through him, but he held firm. He felt the primal energy resonate with the sword, amplifying his strength.
The Red Queen’s eyes narrowed, her expression shifting from mild curiosity to determination. She adjusted her stance and unleashed a flurry of strikes, each one faster and more precise than the last. Erik met her blade with his own, the clash of steel echoing through the room.
Swing, parry, counter.
Erik stepped forward, using his energy to propel him into a powerful thrust. The Red Queen deflected it, but Erik didn’t retreat. He shifted his weight, pivoting on his heel as he brought his sword around in a sweeping arc. The Red Queen blocked it with ease, but Erik could see a flicker of surprise in her eyes.
“Not bad,” the demon remarked, its tone almost approving. “You’re starting to get the hang of it.”
Erik felt a surge of confidence, but he knew better than to let it get to his head. He focused on controlling his breathing, using the techniques he had learned from his training. He visualized the flow of energy within him, moving it from his core to his limbs in a steady rhythm.
The Red Queen’s attacks became more forceful, her movements sharper and more aggressive. Erik could sense her frustration—she was trying to break his defense, to overwhelm him with sheer power. But he wasn’t the same fighter he had been moments ago. He was adapting, learning, and adjusting.
Swing, parry, strike, pivot.
Erik felt the energy within him respond to his movements, flowing seamlessly from one part of his body to another. He blocked a downward slash, redirecting the force away from him. He channeled the energy into his legs, propelling himself forward into a quick counter-strike. The Red Queen parried, but Erik didn’t give her a chance to recover. He pressed the attack, his strikes becoming more fluid and deliberate.
The Red Queen’s eyes flashed with irritation, and Erik could see the determination in her expression harden. She raised her sword, her divine aura flaring around her like a halo of crimson light.
“Enough,” she said, her voice resonating with divine authority. “I will not allow you to disgrace this place any further.”
She unleashed a powerful, wide slash, and Erik felt the air around him warp with the force of her strike. He raised his sword to block, but the impact was overwhelming. He felt his arms buckle under the pressure, and the ground beneath his feet cracked from the strain.
The Red Queen’s next attack came swiftly—a roundhouse kick that caught Erik off guard. He didn’t have time to adjust his energy or react. Her boot connected with his chest, and he felt the air leave his lungs as he was lifted off the ground and sent hurtling through the temple wall causing his hand to releasing his newfound sword.
Erik felt the world blur around him, the cold night air rushing past as he was thrown through the wall and out into the forest beyond. He could hear the walls of the temple shattering, feel the branches and leaves breaking under his weight as he crashed through the trees.
His body finally came to rest against the base of a cliff, the impact creating a small crater around him. Dust and debris rained down, and he lay there, dazed and struggling to breathe.
Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
System Message: Primal Surge
Warning: Primal Energy levels reaching critical depletion. Reserves at 40%.
Recommendation: Reallocate remaining energy to upper limbs for optimized defense.
Effect: Arms reinforced by primal flow.
Status: Active
“Well,” the demon’s voice whispered, its tone almost amused. “That went well.”
***
The air outside the temple was crisp and cool, a sharp contrast to the oppressive weight of the divine energies within. Moonlight filtered through the thick canopy of pines, casting long shadows that danced with the subtle movement of the wind. The ground was carpeted with a thin layer of pine needles and fallen leaves, creating a faint, earthy scent. Everything outside the temple was pristine and orderly—no branches out of place, no signs of life other than the gentle rustling of leaves.
This sense of calm was violently shattered when Erik came crashing through the temple’s back wall. The stone crumbled and burst outward, fragments exploding into the open air as Erik was launched like a cannonball. His body twisted uncontrollably through the night, smashing through branches and splintering the bark of several trees. He finally hit the rocky side of a nearby cliff with a sickening crunch, creating a small crater where he landed. Dust and rubble cascaded over him, covering his body as he struggled to regain his senses.
Erik’s vision swam. The impact had left him disoriented, his ears ringing from the echoes of the crash. For a moment, he couldn’t move, couldn’t even think—he could only feel the sharp pain radiating through his chest and limbs. He gasped for breath, the air forced from his lungs as he tried to push himself up. His fingers clawed at the loose dirt and shattered rocks beneath him, and he managed to lift his head just enough to look up.
System Message: Synchronization Initiated
Warning: Primal Energy reserves approaching critical limit.
Recommendation: Activate Demonic Integration Sequence for sustained combat efficiency.
User Response Required: Activate Demonic System Integration? [Y/N]
Erik felt the weight of the question linger in his mind. The system prompt pulsed at the edge of his vision, its crimson glow demanding an answer. He clenched his fists, feeling the raw burn of dwindling primal energy struggling to hold him together. The temptation was there—just one acknowledgment, one fleeting moment of surrender, and he could tap into a well of power beyond anything he had ever known. Erik exhaled slowly, his breath coming out in a ragged sigh. “Not yet,” he muttered under his breath. “I’m not ready to let you in.” He mentally selected No, refusing the system’s offer.
The Red Queen stood at the edge of the shattered wall, her silhouette framed by the moonlight. She didn’t immediately pursue him. Instead, she observed him with a chilling calmness, her sword lowered at her side. The silver of her armor gleamed with the soft glow of moonlight, and her eyes seemed to pierce the darkness, locking onto Erik like a predator waiting for its prey to show any sign of life.
“That was disappointing,” the Red Queen’s voice rang out, clear and resolute. There was no malice in her tone—only an unwavering conviction. “If that’s all you can muster, then you’re not even worth purging.”
Erik forced himself to stand, his knees buckling for a moment before he steadied himself. He could taste blood in his mouth, his breathing labored from the intense exertion and pain. But he wouldn’t—couldn’t—back down now. He dug deep, drawing on what remained of his primal energy reserves, feeling the raw power trickle into his limbs.
“I’m… not done yet,” he muttered, his voice hoarse but defiant.
The Red Queen’s eyes narrowed slightly, her grip on her sword tightening. She began to step forward, descending from the temple’s remains with deliberate, measured movements. The ground seemed to yield beneath her feet, as if the very earth recognized her authority.
Erik felt the presence of the demon stir within him, its voice cutting through the haze of pain like a sharp whisper. “Well, this is a mess,” the demon remarked, a hint of amusement in its tone. “You look like you’ve been run over by a mountain goat.”
Erik ignored the demon’s jab, focusing instead on steadying his breathing. He couldn’t let her see how shaken he was. His eyes darted around, taking in his surroundings. Tall pines and thick undergrowth surrounded them, with the cliff wall looming behind him like an impenetrable barrier. There was no clear escape route, and he wasn’t sure he could survive another direct hit.
The Red Queen stopped a few paces away, tilting her head as if studying him. “You’re holding back,” she said, her voice tinged with a hint of disappointment. “I’ve seen children who fought harder than you.”
Erik’s fists clenched at her words. He could feel the frustration boiling inside him, and the demon’s voice chimed in once more, this time more insistent. “She’s baiting you. Trying to get under your skin. Don’t fall for it—she’s waiting for you to make a mistake.”
Despite the pain and confusion, Erik felt a faint spark of anger begin to burn within him. He knew the demon was right, but he also knew that he couldn’t just stay on the defensive forever. He needed to show the Red Queen that he was more than just a broken human with borrowed power.
He took a slow, steady breath, feeling his primal energy circulating through his veins. The Red Queen’s eyes tracked his every move, her grip on the sword remaining steady. She was ready to strike at the slightest hint of weakness.
“If you won’t take this seriously,” the Red Queen said, “then I will end it myself.”
She raised her sword, the blade glinting in the moonlight. Erik tensed, knowing what was coming, but there was no time to dodge. He had to act—now.
The Red Queen didn’t give Erik any more time to gather himself. As soon as her sword was raised, she lunged forward, closing the distance between them in the blink of an eye. The moonlight seemed to catch on the edge of her blade, creating a fleeting streak of silver as it sliced through the air.
Erik barely managed to react in time. He raised his arms to defend, focusing all of his remaining primal energy into them. Her blade met his forearms with a resounding clang, the impact sending a jolt of pain down his spine. He felt his feet skid back in the dirt, the force of her strike pushing him dangerously close to the cliffside. The message flashed in his vision, stark and insistent. Erik felt the familiar weight of exhaustion settling into his bones, his primal energy burning low like the dying embers of a fire. The system’s recommendation lingered at the edge of his mind, urging him to make the shift. His instincts recoiled at the thought, that familiar knot of resistance tightening in his chest.
System Message: Critical threshold reached
Warning: Primal Energy levels reaching critical depletion. Reserves at 15%.
Recommendation: Switch to demonic energy.
Effect: to be determined.
She was fast—faster than anything he had faced before. Her movements were fluid and precise, each strike designed not just to inflict harm but to manipulate his position, forcing him into a corner. He gritted his teeth, adjusting his stance and pushing back, but it was like trying to stop a flood with his bare hands. Her attacks were relentless, each swing creating a growing sense of inevitability.
Erik realized that if he stayed locked in this defensive struggle, he would be overwhelmed. He needed to change the pace, to find some way to turn the environment to his advantage. His eyes darted to the forest around him—the dense foliage and thick pine trees that filled the narrow valley behind the temple. He didn’t know if it would work, but he had to try.
With a grunt, Erik disengaged and darted to his left, weaving between the thick trunks of the trees. The Red Queen didn’t hesitate; she followed him effortlessly, her steps sure and unwavering. Her sword carved through the branches and leaves as if they weren’t there, her focus entirely on her prey.
Erik ducked behind one of the larger trees, trying to catch his breath. He could feel the weight of her presence approaching, the oppressive aura of divine energy pressing in from all sides. He wasn’t used to fighting someone who could track his every move so perfectly, and he was starting to realize just how outclassed he was.
“Using the trees for cover?” the Red Queen called out, her voice calm and unwavering. “That’s a tactic for the desperate, not the defiant.”
Erik felt a flicker of frustration, but he pushed it down. He couldn’t afford to let her taunts get to him. He needed to think—quickly. His primal energy reserves were running dangerously low, and every moment he spent hiding only delayed the inevitable.
The demon’s voice cut through his thoughts like a knife. “This isn’t going to work, you know,” it said, almost lazily. “She’s too good at this—like a wolf hunting a blind rabbit. You can’t just scurry around forever.”
“Got a better idea?” Erik muttered under his breath, trying to keep his voice steady.
“Oh, I’ve got plenty of ideas,” the demon replied, a hint of sarcasm lacing its words. “But first, you need to stop pretending that these sticks are going to save you.”
Erik’s pulse quickened. He knew the demon was right—relying on the forest cover was a futile effort. He needed to face her head-on, but he didn’t know how to match her overwhelming power. The primal energy was barely holding up, and he was still hesitant to fully unleash the demonic power within him.
He crouched low, his breath steadying as he prepared to move. The Red Queen’s footsteps were deliberate and measured, her presence unwavering as she closed in. Erik waited until she was just on the other side of the tree before making his move.
In one swift motion, he pivoted around the trunk and launched himself forward, aiming to surprise her. He swung his fist, channeling the last of his primal energy into the strike, but the Red Queen was ready. She blocked his attack with a quick twist of her wrist, the sound of metal meeting flesh reverberating through the forest.
Erik felt a sharp pain shoot up his arm, and he staggered back, trying to regain his footing. The Red Queen’s eyes narrowed, her expression one of faint amusement. “That’s more like it,” she said, her voice almost gentle.
System Message: Critical level
Warning: Primal Energy levels reaching critical depletion. Reserves at 1%
Recommendation: Switch to demonic energy.
Effect: to be determined.
Before he could react, she countered with a powerful slash aimed at his midsection. Erik twisted his body to avoid the blade, but the movement left him unbalanced, and the Red Queen didn’t miss the opportunity. She followed up with a swift kick to his chest, sending him crashing into a nearby tree. The impact knocked the wind out of him, and he fell to his knees, gasping for breath.
The Red Queen didn’t press her advantage immediately. Instead, she lowered her sword slightly, tilting her head as she studied him. “Is that all you have?” she asked, her tone almost pitying. “A few desperate lunges and a handful of parlor tricks?”
Erik struggled to stand, his muscles screaming in protest. He could feel his primal energy reserves dwindling, the strain taking its toll on his body. He couldn’t keep up with her—not like this. He needed to do something drastic, or he would be finished.
The demon’s voice came again, this time more insistent. “Your going to die.”
Erik didn’t respond, his mind racing. He couldn’t afford to let his fear hold him back any longer. The primal energy wasn’t enough, and if he kept trying to rely on it, he would lose; no he will lose. He needed to trust the demon—to embrace the power that had always felt like a curse.
He took a deep breath, centering himself as best he could. The demon’s voice was still there, a constant presence in the back of his mind. “If you’re done with this little game of hide and seek, let’s get serious,” it said, its tone shifting from sarcasm to something more resolute. “Let me help you, and maybe we’ll both get out of this in one piece.”
Erik felt the hesitation slip away, replaced by a grim determination. He couldn’t afford to keep holding back—not against an opponent like the Red Queen. He nodded to himself, acknowledging the demon’s words.
“Alright,” he muttered, his voice barely audible. “Let’s do this.”
System Message: Synchronization Initiated
Warning: Primal Energy reserves depleted.
Recommendation: Activate Demonic Integration Sequence for sustained combat efficiency.
User Response Required: Activate Demonic System Integration? [Y/N]