Eternity Convergence

Chapter; The Neutral Realm, Trial 1 - Hope

The twilight world shifts unnervingly as the first trial begins. The swirling energies of Astria's light and Nerath's darkness contort violently, twisting the landscape into a chaotic, ever-shifting nightmare. A deep, unnatural hum fills the air, followed by the emergence of a grotesque figure—a creature of despair, cloaked in shadow, its form writhing and distorting. Its presence saps the air of warmth, and the once surreal landscape begins to wither under its influence. This is the embodiment of lost hope, a creature that feeds on despair.

Kieran's instincts kick in immediately. He recognizes the creature for what it is: a Wraith of Despair, a distortion born from the very heart of Nerath's darkest corners. He's faced such things before, fought them in the shadowed lands of his world where hope was already a forgotten relic. Without hesitation, he draws his sword, the sharp edge glinting in the fading light. His mind goes blank—he knows what he needs to do.

(Grimly, to Elara, his eyes never leaving the creature.)
"Stay back. This thing will tear you apart. You don't know what you're dealing with."

(She watches him, confused but determined, her wings glowing with Astria's light as she readies herself.)
"I can help! We're in this together!"

(Barks out a harsh laugh, already moving toward the wraith.)
"Hope won't help you here. This thing thrives on it. The more you believe, the stronger it gets."

(Her expression hardens, her voice filled with resolve.)
"I refuse to give up hope!"

(Growls under his breath, his muscles tensing as he charges at the creature.)
"Then you'll get us both killed."

Kieran surges forward, sword raised, his body moving with the precision of a warrior who's faced despair countless times. He strikes at the wraith, his blade cutting through the inky shadows of its form. Each hit lands solidly, but as he expected, the wraith doesn't scream or recoil. Instead, it sinks into his strikes, absorbing the energy, feeding off Kieran's cold, hopeless determination. The wraith shrinks slightly as Kieran continues to attack, each blow weakening the creature further. His strikes are relentless, fueled by years of experience fighting against forces that feed on fear and doubt.

Behind him, Elara watches in horror. She can feel the oppressive weight of the creature's despair creeping into her mind, trying to crush her spirit. But Elara is a guardian of light, a protector of Astria's hope. She cannot—will not—believe in despair. Her wings glow brighter, her heart filling with defiance as she channels her magic into the air. The golden light swirls around her, shimmering with radiant power, pushing back the shadows that try to encroach on her.

But something's wrong.

The wraith suddenly surges, growing stronger, its form expanding. Kieran pauses mid-strike, glancing back at Elara, his expression twisted with anger.

(Shouting, furious.)
"Damn it, Elara! Stop! You're making it stronger!"

(Confused, her hands glowing as she continues to channel her magic.)
"What do you mean? I'm trying to fight it!"

(He takes a step back, breathing heavily, his voice strained with frustration.)
"It feeds on hope! The more you fight with your light, the more it grows. That's why I told you to stay back!"

(Her eyes widen in realization, her golden aura flickering slightly as doubt creeps in.) "I didn't—How do we stop it if we can't—"

Before she can finish, the wraith lunges, its twisted limbs reaching for Elara. Kieran reacts instantly, throwing himself between them, his sword meeting the creature's dark claws with a violent clash. The force of the impact sends him stumbling back, but he holds his ground. He grits his teeth, his mind racing. He knows how to kill this thing—but with Elara fighting the way she is, it's an impossible task.