Ashes Whisper

Chapter 69 : Life as Dying II

The clash between Zarek and Death unfolded in a spectacular display of arcane and necromantic energies. Zarek, now transformed into an ethereal being, wielded his powers with unparalleled mastery. From his left hand surged a torrent of potent arcane energy, crackling and illuminating the battlefield, while his right hand exuded the ominous essence of necromancy, a force that seemed to defy Death itself.

As Death unleashed the tidal wave of a million dead souls, Zarek stood resolute. The souls collided with an invisible barrier created by Zarek's merged powers.

Zarek's eyes glowed with an otherworldly reflecting the amalgamation of arcane and necromancy within him. With every movement, he countered Death's relentless assault, pushing back the wave of souls with an unyielding will.

In the midst of the clash, Zarek muttered to himself, seeking an alternative strategy against the relentless force of Death. "Think, Zarek, there must be another way," he whispered, determined to find a solution. With a surge of resolve, he once again unleashed a concentrated beam of both arcane and necrotic energy, directing it toward Death.

Yet, as the beam hit Death, Death responded with mocking laughter, asserting, "Hahahaha, don't you think such an attack can defy me?" In an instant, Death materialized directly in front of Zarek, wielding his scythe with malevolent intent. 

The clash that followed was nothing short of apocalyptic. Zarek, conjured a pure sword formed from the amalgamation of arcane and necrotic forces. The clash between their weapons reverberated across the battlefield.

As Zarek and Death clashed in their cataclysmic battle, Khai and Samael finally regained consciousness. Samael, in shock, observed, "Is that Zarek? What happened to him?"

Khai, equally surprised, responded, "Yes, but we must wake the others first."

Nodding in agreement, Samael and Khai moved to wake Rina and Imzyh. As Rina stirred back to consciousness, she gasped, "Is that..."Khai confirmed, "Yes, it is Zarek. Maybe it's because of the use of that eye he possessed."

Imzyh interjected, "I see... looks like both of their presence could send me through my spine. Both of them, their power... are terrifying."

Khai rushed to Mikaela's side, calling out her name with increasing urgency, "Mikaela! Oi, Mikaela! It looks like she's in bad shape. I have to save her first."

Rina gasped at the sight of Mikaela's severe wounds, prompting Khai to respond with frustration, "Tskk... we have to create an Amber Stone before it's too late."

Concerned about the situation, Rina added, "But Khai, look around... our surroundings, everything is death. It's hard for us to find the ingredients."

Samael reassured them, saying, "Don't worry, Khai. I have this Amber Stone, but it's small."

Khai, grateful for the aid, replied, "It's okay. At least we can treat her wounds a little. Do you have any bandages?"

Imzyh, chimed in, "Sure, here are the bandages."

As Khai utilized the Amber Stone given by Samael to treat Mikaela's wounds, the stone emitted a comforting glow. Imzyh, observing the scene, noticed the Headless Horseman and observed its condition. In response, the Headless Horseman remarked, "It must be painful for you to see someone who could be your savior in such bad shape."

Imzyh, reflecting on the situation, remained in silence for a moment before offering, "Is there anything I can do to help you?"

Amidst an eerie silence a clash between Zarek and Death. In a chilling moment, Death beckoned forth a legion of souls, ensnaring Zarek within their ethereal grasp. In a haunting resonance, Death spoke, "As the world exists as will and representation, so am I—represented between life and death. Thus, everything lingers only for a moment. All life, a perpetual state of suffering."

Amidst the ethereal grasp of Death's summoned souls, Zarek, with unwavering determination, uttered a resolute "Enough." A single wave of his hand dispersed the multitude of souls, dissipating them like mere debris.

Death responded with mocking disdain, "What do we have here? You finally gained an insight?" Undeterred,

Zarek continued, "You never understand. We mortal, every moment we survive, even thought we are bound by this shackle between life and death. Do not underestimate us!" Zarek continue by concentrate all of his Arcane and Necromantic energy.

As everyone observed, the Headless Horseman interjected, "This is his final moment. He is utilizing every ounce of his life, transforming it into pure life energy, fusing it with arcane and necromantic forces. Such a young man, sacrificing himself."

Imzyh, inquisitive, added, "What?! No way!?"

Samael concurred, "...He... is going to die..."

In the culmination of his power, just before unleashing a potent beam, Zarek declared, "This is our will to live, for a better future."

As Zarek unleashed the potent beam toward Death, a searing surge of pure life energy, Death writhed in pain. "Aghhhhhh," he exclaimed, feeling the profound impact of the life-infused power. "What is this!?" Death questioned, taken aback by the unexpected force.

Amidst holding the beam, Zarek murmured with a heavy heart, "Elara, I'm sorry... I have to do this. I've made the decision that, by sacrificing myself, everyone would have a better future. I desired to live with you, but it is my fate, Elara...I hope that you can break free from your curse and save this world before Thrush enacts further harm."

Before reaching the climax, Zarek uttered his final words, "Elara, I love you."

As the beam concluded, Death began to disintegrate, his form exploding in a cascading burst. "Aghhhh," he cried out, his body breaking apart. In his final moments, he directed his words towards Thrush, "Thrush!"—a cry that echoed with both anguish and defiance.

With Death's form exploding, the entire area was illuminated by a radiant glow. Suddenly, Mikaela blinked and realized she was in a dreamlike state. Within her dream world, she encountered a mysterious figure.

Mikaela, noticing the figure, called out, "Father!" Overwhelmed with emotion, she rushed towards him, tears streaming down her face like a lost child finally reunited with her family. As Mikaela embraced her father, she whispered, "Father..."Her Father responded with a smile, "My dear. It's been a long time. Looks like you've grown into an adult."

He continued by gently wiping away Mikaela's tears with his thumbs. "You are beautiful, just like your sister," he said with a warm smile.

Mikaela's voice trembled, "Father, I've missed you so much."

Her father's gentle reply echoed, "I've missed you for so long, Mikaela."

Noticing the enigmatic presence of the Headless Horseman, her father acknowledged, "It seems time is running out, Mikaela. Thanks to your friend's sacrifice, our souls can now find true peace, and I can reunite with your mother."

A poignant silence hung in the air as Mikaela yearned for more time with her father. He started walking toward the Headless Horseman, continuing, "Mikaela, we've always loved you, my dear. Don't forget to convey that to your sister."

As her father departed with the Headless Horseman, Mikaela returned to reality. Opening her eyes, she whispered, "Khai... everyone..."

Khai, relieved, spoke with gratitude, "You've finally awakened, Mikaela. We were deeply concerned. Take it easy; your wounds still need time to heal."

As the night yielded to dawn, Mikaela inquired, "Where is Zarek, Khai?"

Khai's countenance shifted to one of sorrow and sadness as he gestured, "Over there. Come, let me take you to him."

Leading Mikaela to Zarek's lifeless form, Khai gently held her by the shoulders. Mikaela's breath caught, and tears welled up in her eyes, "Zarek..."

Mikaela cradled Zarek's head, placing it gently on her thigh. Her voice trembled with sorrow, "Zarek... Zarek."

Tears streamed down once again on Mikaela's face as she pleaded, "Please, wake up."

In the midst of her grief, she whispered, "Zarek, don't you remember the promise you made to my sister?"

A heavy silence enveloped everyone as Mikaela wept, her cries filled with deep emotion, "Zarek."