HBWnovel Chapter 17: Tables turned
Chapter 17: Tables turned
Chapter 17: Tables turned
In an instant, an intense, blinding radiance consumed the entire Colosseum, robbing Keleora of her vision. She struggled to make sense of the disorienting brilliance that shrouded her, leaving her temporarily blinded. But as the blazing light gradually waned, what materialized before her was nothing short of astonishing.
There stood Akun, an epitome of unflappable composure, untouched by the celestial blaze that had engulfed them. His silver armor caught the sun's rays, casting dazzling reflections that danced like fireflies. In stark contrast, Keleora lay sprawled on the unforgiving ground, her strength depleted, her visage battered and frail. The tides of fate had shifted dramatically – the once-commanding Keleora was now entirely at Akun's mercy.
Stunned and disoriented, Keleora gazed up at Akun, her bewilderment etched upon her features. "What... What have you done?" she stammered, struggling to grasp the sudden inversion of their roles.
Akun couldn't contain his smug satisfaction as he casually planted his foot on Keleora's head. "Well, well," he teased with a self-satisfied grin, reveling in his newfound ascendancy. "How the tables have turned, Keleora. You find yourself at my mercy, while I bask in the glory of the sunlight."
Keleora narrowed her eyes, her frustration and bewilderment concealed beneath a veneer of composure as she grappled with Akun's unexpected reversal. Her pride was wounded, but she refused to show it, despite Akun's gloating.Nôv(el)B\\jnn
Devon, Keleora's protective brother, stepped forward with a mixture of concern and restrained anger. "You filth, step away from my sister," he demanded firmly, his voice tinged with controlled irritation.
Akun, ever confident, met Devon's gaze with a measured expression. "And if I don't?" he replied, his tone exuding an air of self-assuredness.
Devon's face flushed with suppressed anger at Akun's retort, but he held his tongue. Before he could respond, the commanding orc queen intervened, her authoritative voice silencing the growing tension.
"Cease this quarrel," she ordered, her presence commanding instant compliance.
Approaching with purpose, the orc queen assessed the situation with keen insight, recognizing the underlying complexity.
Addressing Keleora with a composed tone, she inquired, "Keleora, are you prepared to continue?"
Keleora, though taken aback by the sudden twist of events, fought to regain her composure. She panted, concealing the discomfort she felt. "Yes, I am ready," she replied with determination.
In stark contrast, Devon's face bore the weight of anger and frustration. He couldn't fathom how Akun had defeated his sister in this sacred ritual. However, Azara swiftly attended to Keleora, employing her formidable magical skills to mend her wounds.
Once fully healed, Keleora stood, her countenance now cold and resolute. "You won," she stated firmly, her voice unwavering. "So, what do you want?"
Akun's mind raced through potential rewards, but his thoughts honed in on the cursed grimoire. It had defied his silver attacks during their battle, posing a potential threat in the future if left in Keleora's hands. "I want that black grimoire," Akun declared firmly, locking eyes with Keleora.
Devon, incensed by Akun's audacious request, couldn't contain his anger. "How dare you!" he shouted, his voice laced with fury. "Do you know how important that grimoire is to my family? It has been passed down through generations, meant exclusively for the women of our royal lineage. If you dare to claim it, your very soul won't be spared when come after you!"
Akun remained unyielding, undeterred by Devon's threats. He understood the grimoire's potency and the necessity of acquiring it to safeguard himself and his loved ones. He wouldn't back down now.
The room hung heavy with tension as Akun and Keleora exchanged determined gazes, both fully aware of the gravity of their negotiation. The orc queen observed the proceedings in silence, her watchful eyes taking in every nuance.
As the tension peaked, Keleora summoned the cursed grimoire from the ethereal realms and tossed it to Akun. He caught it firmly, his heart racing with anticipation.
Turning to her brother, Keleora informed Devon that they were departing. Devon couldn't believe his sister's decision and questioned her with disbelief and concern. "Are you just going to leave the grimoire with him?" he asked, his tone fraught with doubt.
Keleora met Devon's gaze with a cold and resolute expression. "We are leaving," she replied curtly, her authority leaving no room for argument. Devon, though angered, reluctantly followed his sister as they made their exit.
With the grimoire in his possession, Akun was lost in thought when a prompt from the system suddenly appeared before him.
[Ding!! The system has detected the presence of a powerful Dark Dragon Beast soul residing within the cursed grimoire.]
[Warning!!: Consuming the Dark Dragon Beast soul is a profound decision that will permanently alter your being. The fusion of your consciousness with the beast soul will unlock new powers and evolutionary paths, but it comes with inherent risks. Your actions will shape your destiny.]
[Do you wish to proceed and consume the Dark Dragon Beast soul to evolve?]