Chaos Legion 2

Chapter 10: Winds of Resolve

The temple of air stood before them, its structure an imposing mix of ancient stone and swirling winds that carved through the air like invisible blades. Sieg and Arcia stopped at the base, craning their necks to see the summit shrouded in mist. The path upward was anything but straightforward—floating stones bridged the climb, buffeted by unpredictable gusts of wind.

"Looks like the only way up is stone to stone," Sieg muttered, assessing the challenge.

"This is going to be tough," he added, tightening his grip on his weapon.

Arcia tilted her head, a sly grin forming. "Can you jump, Sieg?"

Sieg turned, raising an eyebrow. "Is that some kind of joke?"

Before she could retort, the air around them grew cold and heavy. A shadowy form emerged from the swirling winds, flickering between substance and void.

"So," the shadow said, her voice a mocking whisper. "This is what you’re up to—meddling with the seals, are we?"

Sieg’s jaw tightened. "I knew she’d find us eventually."

"What now?" Arcia asked, her pistols at the ready.

"We fight."

The shadow figure tilted her head, her laughter echoing unnaturally. "Bring it."

---

The battle began with a ferocity that left no room for hesitation. Sieg summoned his legions, but each one was annihilated moments after appearing. The shadow moved with terrifying speed and precision, her strikes unrelenting and her form intangible.

Arcia fired relentlessly, but her bullets passed harmlessly through the shadow’s incorporeal body. "Sieg!" she shouted, frustration mounting. "What do we do now?"

Sieg clenched his fists, sweat beading on his brow. He had one last hope. "Thanatos," he called, summoning his most powerful legion. The air trembled as the towering figure materialized, its presence both menacing and awe-inspiring.

"Let’s see what your enhanced form is capable of," Sieg said, his voice steady despite the odds. "Thanatos, go forth!"

Thanatos launched its special attack, a devastating wave of energy that struck the shadow being. For the first time, the creature recoiled, retreating several meters.

"She can be hurt," Sieg said, hope igniting in his eyes.

Sensing the opportunity, he activated Ultra Mode. Time slowed to a crawl, the shadow’s movements reduced to sluggish flails. Thanatos pressed the advantage, delivering a flurry of attacks.

"Keep her on the ropes!" Sieg shouted.

Arcia took a deep breath, steadying her aim. She charged a silver bullet, the glow from her pistol cutting through the dim light. "Special skill... let’s go!" she yelled, firing directly at the shadow.

The bullet hit its mark, striking the creature and forcing an enraged, agonized scream. The shadow retreated further, her form flickering erratically.

"She’s not invincible after all," Sieg said, a smirk breaking his usual stoicism.

"Maybe," Arcia said, still catching her breath. "But she’s getting stronger every time we face her."

"And so are my legions," Sieg replied. "They level up with each battle. I can’t wait to see what they’re like at max level."

Arcia pouted, holstering her pistols. "What about me?"

"You’re doing just fine with those pistols of yours," Sieg reassured.

"Fine? I want them enhanced, too!"

"Maybe we’ll find a way," Sieg said, waving off her complaint. "But right now, can we get back to business? The air seal awaits... riiight up there." He pointed to the summit, the swirling winds making the floating stones wobble.

"All the way?" Arcia asked, staring at the daunting climb.

"All the way. Can you handle it?"

Arcia grinned, determination gleaming in her eyes. "Hm, I’ll try."

"That’s the spirit. Up we go."

Together, they began the treacherous ascent, leaping from stone to stone, their resolve unshaken despite the growing dangers ahead.