As he analyzed Malon's every move, Tenebres couldn't help but notice the subtle shifts in the warrior's abilities. It seemed as though Malon had tapped into reserves of power beyond his usual capacity. This realization shocked Tenebres, for he had pride in himself for knowing the strengths and weaknesses of his opponents, leaving no room for surprises.
An unsettling suspicion began to take hold in Tenebres' mind. Could it be that Malon was receiving assistance or aid from an unseen force or entity? The notion lingered, refusing to be dismissed. Tenebres, consumed by his thirst for absolute control and dominance, knew all too well that he couldn't let any potential power outside his grasp go unnoticed.
"Show yourself… I thought that ghosts couldn't interfere with the physical realm, but it seems that just like I am an exception for the humans, you are an exception for the ghosts," Tenebres said.
"Damn, he is sharp… as expected of someone who lived enough to be able to control time and space magic," Aion thought.
Tenebres was wrong, Aion wasn't a ghost, and he couldn't show himself, even if he could, so he just ignored that and tried to see if he could help the others as well. Unfortunately, he was only able to restore the mana and stamina of Cailena.
"As expected… she is connected to grandma shrimp," Aion thought. "I can only interfere with those two because I have a connection with them."
As Tenebres didn't get an answer, his fury grew with every passing moment. Not only had he witnessed Malon receiving an unexplained aid, but now he also noticed Aion's assistance towards Cailena. The realization that his adversaries were receiving support from an unknown source fueled his rage and stirred the depths of his power.
With an indignant roar, Tenebres unleashed a surge of dark energy that reverberated throughout the entire dimension. The very fabric of reality trembled in response, quaking under the weight of his wrath. The skies darkened, crackling with ominous energy, and the ground quivered beneath their feet.
The surrounding environment twisted and contorted as Tenebres channeled his immense power. Shadows stretched and elongated, reaching out like grasping tendrils, while an oppressive aura of malevolence permeated the air. The very essence of his fury seemed to warp the space around him, distorting perceptions and instilling a sense of dread.
Tenebres's face twisted with anger and frustration as the dimension quaked beneath his wrath. His eyes blazed with an unholy fire, filled with a mix of disdain and an unyielding desire to reestablish his control. He had built his dominion upon the belief that he alone held power to shape destinies, and the defiance of his adversaries shattered that illusion.
"I guess he is really a control freak… when things don't go the way he wants, he gets pissed beyond reason," Aion thought. "Let's see… I can't see those guys winning yet, but I should be able to do more."
The castle began to crumble, but the pieces started to turn into dust instead of falling. Tenebres was determined to go all out since he didn't know how strong that unknown party was, and he didn't feel like taking any risks.
Malon and the others stood their ground while waiting for their chance to attack. Still, instead of that, they suddenly saw themselves being pulled by an unknown force toward Tenebres. His throne disintegrated, and then he began to fly, and then something like a dark vortex appeared behind them…
"Now it is the part where the Sephiroth theme starts to play," Aion thought. "Estuans interius, Ira vehementi, Estuans interius, Ira vehementi, Sephiroth! Sephiroth! I must be losing my touch without a real body…"
Soon Aion understood that Tenebres wasn't just doing that for no reason, aside from a single platform where the group was standing. Everything disappeared, and at the same time, the traces of mana began to be revealed around that dimension.
"There you are…" Tenebres said while looking at something that was floating above Malon.
Aion could feel the enemy's stare and everyone else as well… while he couldn't see his Spiritual body, Aion could feel himself a bit more… he was like a round blue cloud. It was a pretty weird form… nevertheless, it seemed that he was in danger as well since he began to feel the pull of the dark vortex.
Aion clicked his tongue while wondering what he could do, but he had an idea in the end. If he could be seen, then…
Aion was able to move around more, and he didn't have to see things from Malon's perspective anymore, but he couldn't stay away from more than five meters for him. He approached everyone and tried to touch them, and used buffs on them as well.
One by one, the members of the group felt a profound transformation occurring within them. Aion's magic coursed through their veins, awakening dormant potential and infusing them with newfound strength. Their bodies tingled with the raw energy pulsating around them, their senses heightened, and their spirits lifted.
Malon, Siora, Ailen, Cailena, Ervan, and Vaeral could feel the power of Aion's blessing surging through them. Their movements became swifter, their strikes more precise, and their magic more potent. They could sense an unyielding resolve welling up within them, a burning determination to overcome the darkness that threatened their world.
The group's fatigue and weariness were momentarily forgotten as Aion's magic revitalized their bodies and minds. They stood tall, their eyes gleaming with newfound confidence and determination. At this moment, they felt an unbreakable bond forming between them, united by their shared purpose and fueled by the divine energy coursing through their veins.
"... Who are you?" Ailen asked while furrowing his eyebrows. "I don't feel any ill intentions coming from you, but…"
"Probably someone that has something against Tenebres as well… or someone who wants us to win for some reason," Malon said. "I felt some whispers during the journey, and they helped me find the right path for my growth; I thought that they were my thoughts, but I guess I was being guided."
Updated from fr𝒆ewebnov𝒆l.(c)om