[Edanian Journey] Aetherion

Chapter 4: Clash

We returned to Aetherion Castle. This time, the gates to the inner keep yielded, and I stepped within. Inside, a dense, suffocating fog choked the air, so thick I could barely see ahead. Somewhere in the gloom, an eerie sound echoed.

There stood—not <b>Jordine</b>, but someone else.

"Run...! That thing... it's not... Human...!"

Before my eyes, his form began to twist and contort, transforming into a monstrous shape. These shadows I'd seen lurking around—all of them, it seemed, had been consumed by the Black Spirits.

"It has been some time, Edana. Did you receive the gift I sent?"

At last, I came face to face with <b>Jordine</b>. Yet, he had no intention of speaking—only issuing a challenge. "If you seek the truth, claim the throne of Aetherion," he declared, unleashing his foul minions upon me.

After vanquishing the beasts, I confronted <b>Jordine</b> once more. For a fleeting moment, victory seemed within reach... but he was changed. The Light of Ancient Origin no longer touched him.

Drawing on the Black Spirit's power, <b>Jordine</b> tightened his grip, nearly crushing me with his strength. But I broke free, wresting the sword from his grasp. With a single, final strike, I brought him to his knees.

Only then was <b>Jordine </b>truly defeated.