The Lost Mage's Journey

Chapter 20: Confronting Shadows

Scene 1: The Showdown Begins

The atmosphere is thick with tension as Lyka and Elara stand face-to-face with Auron and Darius in the heart of the ruined village. The air feels heavy, as if the world itself is holding its breath, waiting for what will come next. Auron's cold eyes fix on them, his hand ready to cast more magic. He says nothing, his face a mask of hardened emotion, a reflection of the darkness that has taken root in his soul.

Lyka's heart clenches with disbelief. She remembers the days when they were students together, laughing, training, dreaming of the future. But this Auron—this Darius—they are no longer the friends she once knew.

Lyka (pleading, voice trembling):
"Auron... Darius... why? Why are you doing this? You don't have to—"

Auron's eyes flash with anger, his voice cold and distant.

Auron (bitterly):
"Why? After everything we've lost? After you left us to rot in Eldoria? You don't get to ask why, Lyka."

Before Lyka can respond, Auron raises his hand, ready to call for more bandit reinforcements. Elara, her eyes filling with tears, steps forward, her voice desperate.

Elara (pleading, crying):
"Auron, please! Stop this! We're your friends... we can help you. We never meant to leave you behind!"

Auron's expression hardens further, but before he can speak, Lyka, with a flash of magic, reacts instinctively. Her hands move swiftly, and with a fierce look of determination, she casts Icycle Lance, sending sharp spears of ice toward the post where Alex's parents are tied, aiming to cut the ropes and free them.

But Auron is quick. His hand moves with practiced ease, and with a swipe through the air, he counters her spell with Fire Slicer. Flames burst forth, colliding with the ice in a brilliant explosion of steam and light.

Auron (coldly, voice sharp):
"You're not saving anyone."

The tension escalates as Alex breaks into a sprint toward his parents, desperate to save them. But Darius, his eyes cold and unrecognizable, steps forward, unleashing a fierce gust of wind magic—Wind Cutter—that slices through the air with precision, sending Alex tumbling backward. Deep gashes form on his arms and torso, and he cries out in pain as he hits the ground.

Lyka (shocked, panicking):
"Alex!"

Mira, who has been watching from a distance, runs forward, her hands glowing with a soft, golden light. She kneels beside Alex, using her healing magic to stop the bleeding and mend the wounds as best she can.

Mira (urgently, focused on healing):
"Hold still, Alex. You're going to be alright."

Lyka, her heart pounding, stares at the scene in front of her—the friends she's lost, the pain Alex is in, and the village that needs saving. She feels the weight of everything pressing down on her. Desperate, her eyes fill with resolve.

Scene 2: Lyka's Sacrifice

Lyka steps forward, placing herself between Auron, Darius, and the rest of her friends. Her eyes are fierce, but there's a deep sadness in them too—a sadness that comes from seeing the people she once loved now standing as enemies.

Lyka (softly, but firmly):
"Elara... take Mira and Alex. Get them out of here. I'll handle these two."

Elara's eyes widen, panic and concern filling her chest.