Chapter 11: Secrets of Power
We didn't have much time to reflect on the news. The next day, we began exploring the ancient skills that existed in this world. The books we found were filled with ancient secrets, and the magic radiated from their pages, filling me with a strange feeling, as if I could feel the power piercing through my bones.
I made my way to the castle library, where some of the mages were studying the ancient texts. I approached one of the books, knowing it contained very old magic. As soon as my fingers touched the book, the magic started to seep through my fingertips.
I felt a strange sensation, as though a new energy had entered my body. I looked at Lilia, who was standing next to me, and she said:
"This magic is very old. Be careful with it."
She asked, as I gazed at the book:
"Do you feel the power? This is not just magic, it is the origin of magic. But don't overuse it."
When I opened the book, the magic began to emanate strongly. But before I could read, I felt something else invading my mind.
There was an image of a strange man holding a long sword, his eyes filled with darkness. I felt a flash in my memory and said:
"Who is this?"
An old sage answered, his face grim:
"This is the ancient mage. He tried to manipulate dark forces… he is probably the one who caused the beginning of this crisis."
Chapter 12: The First Wave of Darkness
After days of studying those texts, we began to witness the appearance of strange creatures around the castle. They emerged from the wilderness, filled with dark powers that were difficult to deal with.
As those creatures approached the castle walls, the soldiers began preparing for confrontation. There was an air of mystery surrounding these beings, but I knew that I had to be ready to face something even greater.
Lilia and I were ready for battle. I could feel the magic flowing through my veins, and the ability to replicate even the most powerful skills. We were about to face the most threatening enemy we had encountered so far.
And as the winds howled around us, I knew that this would be the beginning of a battle that would decide the fate of this world.
Chapter 13: Deep Shadows
The dark creatures advanced steadily, while the soldiers took their positions on the castle walls. The ground beneath my feet trembled oddly, as if it was in sync with the sudden emergence of the dark powers.
I stood beside Lilia, who was holding a light magical staff. Her eyes were calm as usual, but there was something different in her gaze this time, something filled with an undefined emotion.
I asked her:
"Do you know what's happening?"
She answered quietly, as if she weren't in the middle of a battle:
"This is not just an ordinary attack. They are not ordinary creatures. They are part of something much bigger... an ancient force trying to return."
I wasn't sure what she meant, but I felt something strange in my heart. Caution crept into my bones. It was as if I knew that these creatures were just the manifestation of something much larger. The attack was merely the beginning of pulling the strings of a coming tragedy.
Chapter 14: The Encounter with Darkness
As the dark creatures neared the castle walls, the general leading the forces turned to me and asked:
"Eiad, can you use your skill replication in combat?"
I paused for a moment. It was the first time I had been asked to use this skill in a real battle. I had the ability to copy skills, but I wasn't sure I could control it fully, especially when facing this kind of mysterious enemy.
But as soon as I looked at Lilia, I felt an immense courage building inside me. She encouraged me with her calm eyes, which gave me the confidence to take this step.
"I'll try," I answered with uncertain confidence.
I turned away from Lilia and advanced toward the creatures that were drawing closer to the walls. I could feel the magic flowing through my veins. I realized this was a crucial moment. There was no time to hesitate.
I took a deep breath and used the ability to copy one of the nearby soldiers' skills. I felt the power within my body, and I was able to move the magical barriers with ease.
But at the moment I was preparing to block the creatures, one of them charged toward the wall and struck it with its powerful body, which seemed like a moving rock. The wall shook, and pieces of marble scattered across the ground.
The time had come.
Chapter 15: The Battle Explosion
I gripped my magical staff and raised it high. Magic surged through me as I focused on the incoming attack. At that moment, I felt a connection between me and Lilia's eyes, which were watching me closely.
"Use it now!" she said softly, as if urging me to make a decision.
Immediately, powerful magical attacks shot from my hands, and circles of light exploded around me, surrounding the dark creatures that were closing in. Some of them were blasted in moments, but others moved more intelligently, dodging the attacks with great skill.
In that moment, I realized that these creatures weren't just ordinary magical beings. They were governed by a complex magical system, and I needed to learn how to dismantle that system quickly.
As I focused on the battle, suddenly an invisible force appeared near me, causing me to stop in my tracks. My body felt weak, as though the magic I was using was draining me.
"Be careful!" Lilia's voice came from afar.
But I couldn't avoid the oncoming attack. One of the creatures struck me, releasing a wave of darkness at my body, causing me to lose my balance. I felt like I was about to fall, but at the last moment, I felt something surround me. It was Lilia's hand, gently holding me.
"You won't leave us now, right?" she whispered.
Her words gave me an incredible strength and warmth at that moment. I regained my power thanks to the magic she was providing me, and I felt as though I had restored the balance of the battle in an instant.