The castle in the abyss of time was an imposing structure that defied time and space. After using time travel once more, they appeared right at the entrance of a massive dark castle. They looked around and didn't see anything, only darkness and the castle floating in the darkness.
The castle appeared as a colossal edifice, rising high into the ominous sky. Its dark, gothic architecture evoked a sense of foreboding, with towering spires and intricate details that spoke of a forgotten era. The exterior was adorned with intricate carvings and gargoyles as if guarding the secrets within.
The castle seemed to exist in a realm where the past, present, and future converged. Its layout defied logic, with twisting corridors and interconnecting chambers that seemed to shift and change as people ventured deeper. Time itself appeared to bend within its walls, adding an eerie and unsettling atmosphere to the surroundings.
"We will rest here for a few hours," Malon declared while showing a serious look. "We need to be at our peak before facing Tenebres… we reached this far, and we won't fail now."
Aion was surprised. Throughout their arduous journey, Malon underwent significant growth, both in body and mind. As the challenges they faced became more demanding, Malon's resilience and determination bloomed, transforming him into a formidable leader within the group.
Physically, Malon's training and experiences sculpted his body into a manifestation of strength and endurance. His muscles rippled with power, honed by countless battles and trials. His stature, once unassuming, now commanded attention and respect. The hardships he endured had forged him into a warrior capable of facing any foe with unwavering resolve.
However, Malon's growth extended far beyond his physical prowess. Mentally, he evolved into a leader who inspired and guided his comrades through the darkest of times. He acquired a profound understanding of each member's strengths, weaknesses, and unique abilities. This insight allowed him to strategize and make decisions with precision, maximizing the group's effectiveness in combat.
Malon's growth as a leader was evident in his unwavering confidence and calm demeanor, even in the face of overwhelming odds. His voice resonated with authority and conviction, offering guidance and reassurance to his companions. They found solace and inspiration in his presence, knowing that he had their best interests at heart.
At the same time, Aion didn't expect to see Siora there with them… even though he saw a relic with her face and saw her in the tower. She also looked determined to face her father.
Initially, Siora had been guarded and distant, haunted by the legacy of her villainous father and burdened by the weight of her past. However, as she traveled alongside her companions and faced numerous trials, Siora gradually shed her fears and insecurities, emerging as a remarkable individual in her own right.
One significant aspect of Siora's growth was the deepening mastery of her magical abilities. Through rigorous training and countless battles, she honed her skills, expanding her repertoire of spells and delving into the mysteries of her elemental powers. With each encounter, Siora's magic became more refined, displaying a level of control and finesse that surpassed her previous limits.
It was also rare for her to bicker with Ailen now. When they stopped to rest, she didn't make a fuss and then just sat pretty close to him.
"It feels like I slept through the middle of a three hours long movie… I am not sure I have time to play it back, though," Aion thought.
The others also grew a lot as well. Ailen expanded his repertoire of abilities and deepened her connection with his skills. Through rigorous training and unwavering determination, he honed his archery skills to unprecedented levels, becoming a master of precision and accuracy. Additionally, his understanding of time magic grew, allowing him to manipulate to know by instinct just how much power he needed for each target. This newfound control over time granted him unparalleled agility and the ability to perceive and react to situations with remarkable swiftness.
Cailena, with her unwavering determination and inquisitive nature, delved into the depths of ancient knowledge and mystic arts. She devoted herself to studying various forms of magic, including elemental. Through her relentless pursuit of wisdom, she became a versatile spellcaster, capable of harnessing different energies and elements to shape the battlefield to her advantage.
Cailena's growth extended beyond her magical abilities, as she also cultivated a serene and calming presence, becoming a source of comfort and healing for her companions. She was also pretty close to Malon now. As if she was always ready to heal him and knew that he wouldn't let her down and let arm come her way.
Vaeral's growth with the spirits was a profound journey of understanding and mastery. As he delved into the world of magic and embraced his role as a wielder of spirit powers, Vaeral's interactions with the spirits became more meaningful and impactful. Through his dedication and respect, he earned their trust and cooperation, unlocking new depths of their abilities and knowledge as well.
With the guidance of the spirits, Vaeral honed his skills in harnessing the power of the four elements and combining them with ease, creating ice, magma, and thunder… thanks to finding harmony and synergy with the natural elements. He learned to listen and communicate with the spirits, understanding their wisdom and drawing on their ancient knowledge to amplify his own abilities.
"They look like a level 99 party from a final fantasy game," Aion thought and then laughed. "They don't look like they have the ultimate weapons of the world, but I guess they don't need it."
Putting that aside, Aion wondered how Tenebres was able to create that place… he knew that he had the power to control time, but he didn't know that he could control space as well. Now he could tell why Siora said that her father was basically unbeatable, and he didn't mind showing up to stop them on their journey. He felt like his victory was more than assured.
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Updated from fr𝒆ewebnov𝒆l.(c)om