The coalition camp bustled with cautious energy, the remnants of battle lingering in the air. Soldiers tended to the wounded, mages repaired broken enchantments, and scouts patrolled the edges of the Highlands. Yet, amidst the activity, all eyes were on the central command tent, where Billy, Soria, Kaelin, and their enigmatic new ally, Aelric, convened.
Billy leaned against the table, his arms crossed. His human form was back, the exhaustion evident in his posture, but his eyes burned with determination. Aelric stood nearby, their silver armor gleaming despite the recent skirmish. The stranger's calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the tension in the room.
“Start talking,” Soria said bluntly, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. “Who are you, and why did you decide to join the fight?”
Aelric smirked, the faint crackle of electric energy playing across their fingertips. “Straight to the point. I like that. My name is Aelric, and let’s just say I’ve been...watching.”
“Watching?” Billy frowned. “For how long?”
Aelric’s gaze met his. “Long enough to know that you’re not like the other Lords.”
---
The Truth About Aelric
Kaelin narrowed his eyes, his staff glowing faintly. “You’re not an ordinary soldier. That much is clear. What are you really after?”
Aelric sighed, placing their spear against the wall. “Fine. If you must know, I’m not from this region—or even this world.”
The room fell silent.
“Not from this world?” Soria repeated, her voice incredulous. “What does that even mean?”
“It means I’ve been fighting the Shadow Lords for a long time, across more worlds than you can imagine,” Aelric explained, their tone grim. “They’re not just your enemy—they’re a plague that consumes entire realms. Your world is simply their latest target.”
Billy’s jaw tightened. “Why didn’t anyone warn us?”
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“Because most don’t survive long enough to send a warning,” Aelric replied. “The Shadow Lords operate like a cancer, spreading quietly until it’s too late. I’ve seen what happens when they’re not stopped, and I won’t let it happen here.”
---
Fortifying the Coalition
Billy glanced at Soria and Kaelin. “If what Aelric says is true, then we’re fighting more than just an invasion. We’re fighting for the survival of this world.”
Kaelin nodded, his expression thoughtful. “We need to bolster our defenses immediately. The amplification array was a temporary solution, but it’s not sustainable. We need something stronger.”
“I can help with that,” Aelric offered. “I’ve seen their tactics, their weaknesses. With the right preparations, we can build a defense strong enough to hold them back.”
Soria raised an eyebrow. “And what’s in it for you?”
Aelric’s expression softened. “I told you, I’ve seen what happens when they win. I’m not about to let another world fall—not if I can help it.”
Billy studied Aelric for a moment before nodding. “Alright. We’ll work together. But if you betray us…”
Aelric smirked. “Don’t worry. I’ve got no love for the Shadow Lords.”
---
The Struggle Within
Later that night, Billy sat alone outside the command tent, staring at the distant horizon. The faint hum of chaos energy still resonated within him, a constant reminder of the power he wielded—and the cost it demanded.
He clenched his fists, the purple light flickering faintly around his hands. He could feel the energy pulling at him, urging him to let it take control.
“You alright?”
Billy turned to see Kaelin approaching, his staff now a simple walking stick.
“Just thinking,” Billy said, his voice low.
Kaelin sat beside him. “About the Shadow Lord? Or about the chaos energy?”
Billy didn’t answer, but the silence was enough.
Kaelin sighed. “You’re pushing yourself too hard. Chaos energy isn’t meant to be controlled like that. It’s…volatile.”
“I don’t have a choice,” Billy replied, his voice firm. “If I don’t use it, we lose. Simple as that.”
“But if you let it consume you, we lose anyway,” Kaelin countered. “You need to find balance, Billy. Or it’ll destroy you.”
Billy looked at him, his expression unreadable. “I’ll figure it out.”
---
A New Threat
The next morning, a scout burst into the camp, his face pale with fear.
“Commander!” he shouted, skidding to a halt in front of Billy. “We’ve got a problem!”
“What is it?” Billy asked, rising to his feet.
“It’s the Shadow Lords,” the scout said, his voice trembling. “They’ve brought reinforcements. A lot of them.”
Aelric appeared beside Billy, their expression grim. “How many are we talking about?”
“Too many,” the scout replied. “And they’re moving fast. They’ll be here by nightfall.”
Billy turned to Soria and Kaelin, his mind racing. “Sound the alarm. Get everyone ready.”
Aelric placed a hand on his shoulder. “You’re not facing an army this time. You’re facing a war. And it’s just beginning.”
---
End of Chapter 34