ONLINE: Blades of Eternity

Chapter 134 THE INHERITOR OF THE ELEMENTAL GOD

As Guinevere, Sofia, Eldric, Ethan, and Aether stood together, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of anticipation. Kaelen was still within his trial, and the companions, having completed their own daunting challenges, could only wait. Ethan, who had revealed himself from the shadows earlier, now stood in plain view.

Aether's calm expression was the only thing keeping them grounded, though all of them had a strange feeling stirring in the air.

Suddenly, the elemental mana around them began to shift. The air became charged, and the ground trembled slightly beneath their feet. Guinevere's sharp senses picked up on it first. Her phoenix-like flames flickered, responding to the sudden disturbance. "Something's wrong," she said, her voice tense as she looked around.

Sofia frowned, feeling the golden light within her pulse erratically. "I can feel it too. The elements... they're restless."

Eldric, with his connection to the tribulation lightning, felt a surge of electricity sparking through the air. "This isn't natural. What's causing it?"

Even Aether, usually composed and serene, had a flicker of surprise cross his face. He closed his eyes briefly, feeling the flow of mana around them. "This energy... it's not dangerous, but it's powerful. And familiar."

Before they could fully grasp what was happening, a massive pillar of multicolored light shot into the sky from a distance, casting a brilliant glow that made everyone shield their eyes. The ground beneath them shook violently, and the elements in the air seemed to bend toward the source of the light, drawn to its overwhelming presence.

"Morris," Aether muttered under his breath, his eyes widening slightly. "He's completed his trial."

Guinevere squinted at the pillar of light in awe. "That's Morris? What kind of trial did he go through?"

As the light slowly began to dissipate, a figure emerged from within it, standing tall and regal. Morris Grey, the once calm and composed scion of the Grey family, was now transformed. His aura was almost otherworldly, and his body seemed to be encased in a shimmering barrier of elemental energy.

His eyes glowed with multicolored hues, reflecting the essence of all five elements—earth, fire, water, air, and lightning—perfectly balanced within him. His scepter, which had always been a symbol of his family's prestige, now radiated with immense power, its core pulsing with elemental might.

Eldric whistled softly under his breath. "I've never seen anything like this before."

"Morris...?" Sofia whispered, almost not recognizing him in this form. The raw power emanating from him was staggering, and even with her own sacred light, she could feel the weight of his newfound strength.

Aether, however, seemed to understand. "He is no longer just Morris Grey. He is now the inheritor of the Elemental God. His trial was beyond anything the rest of you have faced."

Guinevere's eyes widened in shock. "Inheritor of the Elemental God? What does that mean?"

The leader's jaw tightened, frustration brewing within him. They had anticipated Kaelen's companions would be formidable, but this power was far beyond their calculations. "An elemental inheritor..." the leader whispered, his mind racing. "This complicates things."

Another agent, clearly unnerved, glanced at the leader. "Should we still proceed? This Morris Grey... he's been marked by something far greater. If he wields the power of the elements, even we might struggle."

The leader clenched his fists, anger and tension building. "It doesn't matter. Kaelen and the Dragonyx are our targets. But we can't afford any mistakes. We wait until they are all together again. Once they regroup, we strike—hard and fast."

As they spoke, a heavy, oppressive energy began to settle in the air. The Dragonyx agents felt it immediately, their instincts sharpening. "Something's wrong," the leader growled. "That feeling... it's him. Aether has sensed us."

Back near the ruins, Aether's normally calm expression suddenly shifted. His eyes narrowed as he turned sharply, sensing a subtle yet oppressive presence creeping into the air. It was faint, almost imperceptible, but unmistakable to someone of his caliber. The Dragonyx were near.

Aether's grip on his blade tightened as he quickly glanced toward Guinevere, Sofia, Eldric, Ethan, and now Morris, who had just arrived from his trial. His voice was calm but urgent. "We are not alone. Prepare yourselves. Something's coming."

Guinevere's eyes flashed with a mix of confusion and readiness as her flames began to flicker more intensely. "What do you mean, Aether?"

Eldric's hand instinctively went to his sword, feeling the tribulation lightning crackle at his fingertips. "Are we being hunted?"

Aether gave a short nod, his eyes scanning the horizon. "It's the Dragonyx. They're close, and they're watching us. Whatever they're planning, it's about to happen soon. We need to be ready."

Morris, still adjusting to the immense elemental power coursing through him, took a deep breath. "They've been following us all this time?"

Aether glanced at Morris, his eyes serious. "It's likely they've been watching since we entered the ruins. But your transformation—your presence—has made them more cautious. They know we're strong, but they won't hesitate to strike."

Sofia, ever the calm one despite the looming danger, summoned the golden light of her power, a soft glow emanating from her hands. "What's the plan, then?"

Aether's face hardened as he drew his sword, the air around him becoming charged with tension. "We face them head-on. But we wait for Kaelen. Once he returns, we fight together. Until then, we stay sharp. They won't strike without the advantage."

Ethan, his form still partially obscured by shadows, grinned slightly, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Good. Let them come. We've all been through hell in these trials. I'm ready."

As the group readied themselves, the oppressive energy in the air thickened. The Dragonyx agents, hidden in the shadows, were growing restless, waiting for their moment to strike. The tension between the two groups was palpable—each side preparing for the inevitable clash that was just moments away.