As the flashes faded, Ada snapped back to reality, shifting in her throne as if something had been thrown at her.

  Ziron quickly turned his head toward Ada and yelled, "Ada, what's wrong?!"

  When Ada looked at him, for the first time, Ziron saw real fear and uncertainty in her eyes. At that moment, he knew—the news she was about to bring upon him was bad

  Ada then said in a shaky breath, "I... I... I don't know."

  Ziron felt fear creep up on him—if Ada didn’t even know, yet it was enough to put fear into her, then it could only mean one thing...

  Something bad.

  Or worse...

  Someone strong

  Then, Ziron gently laid Ada back on her throne, placing his hand on hers as he spoke.

  "Ada, please... I must know who or what is haunting you."

  Ada stared at Ziron for a moment before nodding slightly and closing her eyes.

  Visions flashed before her—her kingdom... but what did it mean?

  She continued to meditate, searching for answers.

  Then, suddenly, he was there.

  A smooth, cold, dark voice echoed through her mind.

  "Hi, sister... hahahahaha. I know you see me."

  As he spoke, her vision shifted—her kingdom was engulfed in flames, crumbling into ruin.

  Then, it flashed to the figure of a tall, powerful man.

  He smirked, his voice dripping with malice.

  "Oh, don’t act like you don’t remember me, sister. Hahahaha... I’m your... brother."

  Ada’s eyes shot open, her grip tightening on the arms of her throne.

  Ziron, seeing her reaction, panicked

  Ziron then yelled, "Ada! Are you okay?!"

  Ada looked at him, her eyes filled with complete shock and fear.

  Then, in a shaken voice, she whispered, "…My brother… he's back!..."

  Ziron stared at her, completely stunned. He never knew she had a brother.

  But if he was still alive, even after the war against her father...

  Then he must be incredibly strong

  Ziron sat back on his heels, looking at Ada before asking, "Do you know anything about your brother?"

  Ada shook her head and replied, "No."

  Ziron stroked his beard, his mind racing as he began to plot, thinking about how strong her brother could be.

  As Ziron stepped into his room to use a time ball, hoping to gather any information about her brother, Ada’s curiosity got the better of her.

  She stood up and walked out of her gates, determined to see if it was all true…

  She walked out of her kingdom, glancing back one last time before turning forward, determined to find the truth.

  As she made her way east—toward the last place she had seen him—the voices returned, each one warning her.

  "He’s more powerful than you think… you need to turn back."

  Ada shook her head, pride getting in her way for the first time.

  Then, another voice came.

  "Ada, he’s more dangerous than you realize."

  She shook her head again, refusing to accept the dangers her brother might bring

  As Ada passed through a forest that looked decrepit, the voices grew louder, each one chanting:

  "Step away from the light and into the darkness."

  Over and over, they repeated, their whispers turning into an overwhelming chorus.

  Ada tried to fight against them, but she was struggling. Clutching her head, she yelled out, "Leave me alone!"

  Then, the voice returned.

  "Heh… I love the look of... fear."

  As he spoke the final word, he appeared behind her, a sinister smile on his face.

  For the first time, Ada stumbled back, her composure shaken—so much so that she even dropped her swords.

  Ada looked at her brother, then at her swords. Without hesitation, she reached down and grabbed both of them.

  Her brother smirked even wider.

  "Heh, that’s it. Fight, Ada. Fight like you always do!"

  With her pride slightly broken, Ada let out a roar and lunged at him, swinging her swords with full force.

  But this time… her speed wasn’t enough.

  Her brother effortlessly countered, his blade nearly grazing her face.

  She crashed onto her back, staring up at him with a hint of fear. As she looked at him, her swords now lying on the ground once again, something changed—he seemed stronger, more terrifying than before.

  A deep unease settled in her chest.

  Without thinking, Ada quickly got up and ran.

  Her brother chuckled darkly.

  "Run… sister… it only makes it more fun for me. Hahaha!"

  And with that, he vanished

  As Ada ran, she wasn’t thinking about her kingdom or the voices—only the overwhelming need to escape.

  She sprinted through the forest, her breaths sharp and ragged. When she glanced to her left—then to her right—her heart pounded faster.

  Her brother was keeping up with her. Effortlessly.

  Before she could react, she ran straight into his arm.

  THUD!

  The impact sent her flying onto her back. She gasped, the wind knocked out of her.

  Laughter filled the air.

  "You may be fast, sister, but you're just a tad bit slower than me."

  He stepped closer, grabbing Ada by the back of her hair. She gasped, pain shooting through her scalp as he yanked her up.

  Through clenched teeth, she managed to say, "Who… how?"

  Her brother smirked.

  "Oh, I’ll tell you all of that here in a minute."

  Then, with no warning, he slammed her back into the ground.

  Ada groaned, slowly rising to her knees.

  He circled her like a predator, his voice filled with venom.

  "As our father was beginning to rise in power…"

  Before she could react, he stepped on her back, pinning her down.

  "Our mother knew about the betrayal…"

  His grip tightened.

  "But she did NOTHING!"

  As he yelled the last word, he grabbed Ada by the back and hurled her across the forest. She crashed through multiple trees before finally landing on her back with a painful thud.

  Before she could recover, he landed in front of her, towering over her.

  "She left you to die!"

  Ada looked up at him, her body aching, trying to suppress the rage bubbling inside her.

  "There’s no way… she wouldn’t have just left me!"

  Her brother smirked, knowing his words were getting to her.

  "Oh, poor sister… do you really think you mattered that much to them?

  Ada roared and charged at her brother, slamming him hard and sending him flying back into the trees.

  But he quickly got back up, his face twisting with rage.

  "I was supposed to rise to power! NOT YOU! YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE DEAD!"

  With that, he lunged at her, grabbing her around the stomach before launching both of them backward. As they crashed through multiple trees, he suddenly released her, sending Ada hurtling into a mountain with a deafening impact.

  Ada didn't hesitate—she lunged back at him, and as they collided midair, she yelled,

  "YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT FATHER WAS DOING!"

  But her brother smirked.

  "OH, I KNEW ALL OF IT."

  Ada’s eyes widened in shock.

  "What…?"

  Before she could react, he charged an energy blast, firing it directly at her chest.

  BOOM!

  Ada went flying through the trees, crashing to the ground. Gritting her teeth, she clutched her chest where the blast had landed.

  Her brother landed in front of her roughly, his gaze filled with fury.

  "I was there when Father killed our mother… AND I GOT TO SEE WHO ROSE TO POWER. NOT ME—YOU!"

  Ada sat there, breathing heavily, her mind racing as she tried to piece it all together.

  Her brother’s voice roared across the battlefield.

  **"YOU TOOK EVERYTHING FROM ME! MY RIGHT TO RULE! MY RIGHT TO RISE! AND NOW, I’M GOING TO HUNT YOU DOWN, ADA—I’LL RISE TO POWER!"

  Meanwhile, back in her kingdom, Ziron watched the entire battle unfold through the time ball, his heart pounding. He realized that if he didn't act now, Ada wouldn’t survive this encounter.

  He immediately began chanting, summoning a portal to appear in front of her.

  Just as her brother lunged forward to end her, the portal flashed open.

  Without hesitation, Ada jumped in, escaping just in time.

  Ziron closed the portal quickly, sealing it shut before her brother could follow.

  As her brother watched Ada escape, his eyes narrowed.

  Then, he turned his gaze toward a nearby village.

  A sinister smirk crossed his face—he knew Ada wouldn’t hide forever if her own people suffered.

  With that thought, he began walking toward the town.

  A guard at the entrance stepped forward.

  "State your bui—AHHHHHHHH!"

  Before he could even finish his sentence, Ada’s brother turned him to ashes in the blink of an eye.

  The second guard tried to fight, but before he could react, his arm was snapped like a twig. A scream of agony filled the air—only to be silenced as Ada’s brother finished him off without hesitation.

  Then, with a single blast, he obliterated the village gates and stepped inside.

  One by one, every guard who resisted was brutally slaughtered

  Then, a man screamed out in terror,

  "IT’S MALDRIG! RUN! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

  His cry was cut short as he was slaughtered without mercy.

  Maldrig smirked.

  Hearing his name laced with fear—it was music to his ears

  Meanwhile, Ada sat in her throne, trying to heal from the brutal fight.

  Ziron paced nearby, his mind racing.

  "Who the hell is he… and why is he so strong?!"

  Suddenly, Ada jerked forward, her breath hitching as flashes of the town being attacked filled her vision. Her fist clenched into a tight ball, rage bubbling inside her.

  Ziron, using the time ball, saw the destruction for himself.

  His eyes widened in horror.

  Without hesitation, he rushed to Ada’s side, only to find her twitching—her body reacting to the visions.

  His voice was firm yet desperate as he said,

  "Ada, don’t. You are not near his power. You can’t face him alone."

  His words cut through her like a blade through butter, slicing straight into her pride.

  In her meditation, she looked at Ziron, stunned—not by his words, but by something deeper.

  For the first time, she saw fear in Ziron’s eyes.

  But this wasn’t just fear of a warrior facing a stronger opponent.

  It was a father’s fear—the fear of losing his daughter.

  And Ada could feel it

  Ada finally accepted that she needed to heal—not because she wanted to, but because she knew it would ease Ziron’s worry.

  But as she lay there, trying to recover, the sounds of suffering, the screams of her people, and the destruction her brother was causing slowly began to break her

  Meanwhile, in the Elven city of Manderia…

  Ameria was out hunting for food for her people when she suddenly spotted a small Elf girl running toward her.

  The child looked terrified, as if she had seen a ghost… or the devil himself.

  With shaky breaths, the girl gasped out,

  "Ameria! Ameria! Please, you must come to our village! A man… a man attacked!"

  Ameria straightened up immediately, her expression hardening.

  Without hesitation, she mounted her horse, and her two wolves followed closely behind

  As Ameria reached the town, it was like a nightmare—bodies scattered across the ground, buildings engulfed in flames.

  She slowly took in the horrifying sight, each detail breaking her heart.

  Then, there he was—Maldrig, standing tall and proud.

  Ameria stepped forward and shouted, "Who are you?! And why are you doing this?!"

  Maldrig smirked and said, "These people had their chance to evolve, to become stronger—yet they chose to hide and cower. How pathetic!"

  Ameria gritted her teeth in anger, then raised her bow, aiming it at his head. "You better have a better reason than that for murdering 100,000 people... innocent people!"

  Maldrig simply stared at Ameria, no emotion showing on his face.

  Then, without hesitation, Ameria fired an arrow aimed at his head—but he blocked it with his sword.

  Ameria’s eyes widened in shock, not expecting him to deflect it so easily.

  She quickly ran up a nearby rock wall and rained down a flurry of arrows, but Maldrig blocked every single one.

  In an instant, he dashed toward her, catching her off guard.

  Just as he swung his sword, Ameria managed to draw her blade in time, blocking the strike.

  Maldrig threw a punch with his left hand, and it connected, making Ameria grunt from the impact.

  Realizing this wouldn't be an easy fight, she whistled for her wolves to assist.

  Dexter, her oldest wolf, charged in and clamped down on Maldrig’s arm, causing him to grunt in pain.

  Ameria quickly backed up to gain distance and began firing arrows.

  Maldrig struggled to block most of them—some struck him, but only dented his armor.

  Seeing this, Ameria realized her bow was useless against him.

  Without hesitation, she drew her blade once more and rushed in to join the fight alongside Dexter and Asia.

  Then the battle turned quickly.

  Maldrig grabbed Dexter by the face and hurled him against a wall, making the wolf yelp in pain.

  Without wasting a moment, he charged at Ameria and landed two devastating blows to her chest, causing her to gasp in pain and lose her breath.

  The force of the hits sent her flying into a nearby building.

  With Ameria down, Maldrig turned away and continued on—Vlandior was next in his sights.

  Even in her dazed state, Ameria could only hope that Valrie was ready.

  While Maldrig was bringing his rampage to Alderia, Ada sat on her throne, still healing—witnessing all of it.

  Every death, every blow someone endured... she felt it.

  Ada knew this fight would push her both emotionally and physically.

  As she recovered, Ziron was tirelessly searching for a way to defeat Maldrig.

  But what the future was showing him… was not what he wanted to see

  As Maldrig reached Vlandior, Valrie was already on her balcony, studying an arcane book when—BAM! Her two guards were blasted back by a sudden explosion.

  Valrie rushed out of her tower and shouted, "Guards, to me!" But as the words left her mouth, she saw him… Maldrig.

  It was like watching a nightmare come to life. He marched forward, effortlessly cutting down each guard in his path.

  Valrie stood tall, but inside, she was terrified.

  Then Maldrig spoke. "And who might you be?"

  Valrie snarled and replied, "Remember my name well, monster! It's Valrie, the strongest mage in this city—and I will fight for my life, and for this city!"

  Maldrig’s laugh echoed through the streets as he taunted, "Do you really think you have a chance?!"

  Valrie didn’t waste a second—she fired an arcane bolt at him. He blocked it and muttered to himself, "Arcane magic? Hmm."

  He charged, but Valrie quickly threw up a barrier, stopping him in his tracks. Then, dropping the barrier, she sent a firebolt straight into his chest. The blast landed, sending Maldrig flying back with a grunt of pain.

  Seizing the opportunity, Valrie turned to the guards who had regrouped and ordered, "Get the people out of here—I’ll hold him off!"

  As the fight between Valrie and Maldrig raged on, Ziron noticed something—Ada was shifting a lot in her throne.

  Concerned, he walked over and placed his hand on her wrist.

  Suddenly, her eyes shot open, filled with fear and panic.

  "Ada! Ada! It's me!" Ziron said urgently.

  Ada began breathing heavily, then looked at Ziron and said, "Valrie is in trouble!"

  She tried to stand from her throne, but her body was still too weak.

  She nearly collapsed to her knees, but Ziron caught her just in time.

  He gently set her back in the throne and said, "Ada, you can't risk it. If you die... so does all of Alderia.

  Ada then grunted in both pain and anger.

  But finally, she closed her eyes and began to meditate.

  This time, a new vision appeared…

  It looked like a woman—no, now it was Valrie.

  She was struggling to hold Maldrig off.

  Then it shifted again—back to the woman who looked a lot like Ada… but wasn’t her.

  Suddenly, the figure spoke.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  "Oh, my poor child… you’ve been through a lot, right?"

  Ada froze.

  She recognized the voice.

  It was her mother.

  Confusion and sadness hit Ada all at once.

  "How… how are you in my visions?" Ada asked, her voice trembling.

  Her mother smiled gently and replied, "Because I’m something good you remember. Something that, in desperate times, you’ll need… to rise."

  She reached out and pulled Ada into a hug.

  "I’m so… so sorry I couldn’t save you."

  Ada looked shocked.

  She had never received affection like this before.

  Tears welled up in her eyes and began to spill as she sobbed into her mother’s shoulder.

  Her mother whispered, "Oh Ada, my sweet child… your pain is so heavy. I can feel it all. I’m so sorry..."

  Ada’s sobs grew louder, and between them, she choked out, "Mom… the voices… they… they never go away."

  Her mother’s breath caught in her throat.

  Hearing her daughter cry and beg like this tore her heart apart.

  "I know, Ada… but I also know you’re strong enough to handle it."

  Ada just continued to cry in her mother’s arms.

  Then her mother said, "Ada… you’re their only hope. You have to rise… to become something even I couldn’t become."

  Ada’s eyes opened in shock.

  "But… how? Maldrig—he’s way stronger than me…"

  Her mother smiled softly.

  "Is this the Ada who calls herself Queen of Darkness? Or is this the true Ada—Queen of Aldron—in front of me?"

  "Look, Ada. A queen never runs. Not even if the opponent is stronger."

  She then knelt to Ada’s level and gently made Ada look into her eyes.

  "I know my child will never fall… or fail."

  Then, she disappeared.

  Ada stood up, looking around the empty space.

  She slowly looked down at her hands and clenched them tightly.

  "I… I won’t let you down, Mom."

  The vision shifted again.

  Now she saw Valrie—running from her burning city.

  And then, she heard her friend’s desperate voice:

  "Where’s Ada?

  Then Ada awoke from her meditation.

  She rose from her throne and stormed out, determination burning in her eyes.

  While Ziron remained behind, still lost in his visions of the future, Ada floated upward—

  And then, she flew toward Valrie’s location.

  Ada then reached the place where Valrie was running.

  She landed exactly where she knew Valrie would turn.

  And as expected, Valrie rounded the corner—

  And when she saw Ada, she ran straight to her, shaking and crying.

  In a desperate tone, she sobbed, "Everything is gone! He… he destroyed everything, Ada, please!"

  Her cries grew louder as she clung to Ada.

  Ada held onto Valrie tightly—like she was her daughter, or a close friend.

  In that moment, Ada knew what she had to do.

  She needed to train.

  She needed to become stronger.

  And she needed to end Maldrig’s madness—once and for all.

  Then Valrie collapsed into Ada’s arms.

  Ada could feel how exhausted she was—she had used too much magic just to hold Maldrig back.

  Ada knew she needed rest.

  Without wasting time, she gently lifted Valrie and floated upward.

  Then, she flew back toward her kingdom.

  Along the way, she saw the destruction Maldrig had left behind.

  Every broken home, every scorched field, every fallen body…

  It only fueled her determination to become stronger

  As Ada landed, she walked into her kingdom.

  Ziron came rushing out, desperation in his voice.

  "Ada! Where did you go?! Do you know if you were killed, I... I wouldn’t be able to live with myself!"

  Ada snapped back, "I HAD TO SAVE VALRIE! IF I LEFT HER TO DIE, I WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO FORGIVE YOU!"

  Ziron was about to snap back—

  But he stopped himself.

  He knew she was right.

  So instead, he fell silent.

  Then he said quietly, "I’m sorry... Ada... I just can’t..."

  His voice trailed off, and he turned away, walking off.

  Ada watched him go, a look of confusion and concern on her face

  Ada kept staring after Ziron for a moment—

  But then she turned her attention back to Valrie, gently beginning to heal her.

  While Ada focused on Valrie, Ziron walked into his room and stood in front of a mirror.

  He looked at his reflection and said to himself, "Am... am I really that afraid?"

  He looked down at his hands and noticed they were shaking.

  Then he whispered, "I guess... I see her..."

  His eyes widened.

  "Like a daughter."

  Suddenly, a vision flashed in his mind—

  A memory.

  Of the day he left.

  The look on a little girl’s face... scared and heartbroken.

  His own daughter.

  The one he had to abandon.

  He snapped back to reality, breath unsteady.

  Then he said quietly but firmly, "I’ll treat her like she’s my daughter... even if it means my death."

  He nodded to himself, resolution in his eyes, and stepped out of the room.

  Then he asked Ada to give him a few moments—just between the two of them.

  Ada, after finishing attending to Valrie, nodded silently.

  She followed him to the training area

  Then Ziron said, "I think it's time I share some of my story."

  Ada looked somewhat shocked but then nodded.

  Ziron continued, "I was once a Valdikar mage. The magic I used to bring you back... is forbidden in my homeland."

  Ada looked like she had a thousand things to say—

  But instead, she simply asked, "Why... why did you risk that?"

  Ziron looked her in the eyes and said, "Your mom begged me to."

  Ada’s eyes shot open, and she stepped back slightly, stunned.

  She just stared at him, silent.

  Ziron then said softly, "Ada… I see you like my daughter... and—"

  Ada turned toward the railing of her castle.

  The wind blew through her hair and cloak, her eyes filled with tears.

  Ziron continued, "I had to abandon my daughter... but somehow, you remind me of her.

  Anytime I see you hurt, or struggling..."

  His eyes began to water.

  With a shaky breath, he added, "I... I freeze up... I... I get scared."

  Ada stood there, tears flowing freely, speechless for the first time.

  She just looked at Ziron—no words, only emotion.

  Ziron took another step forward.

  "I just... I can't lose you, Ada..."

  Ada slowly walked up to him—

  And for the first time, she embraced him.

  She hugged Ziron.

  With quiet emotion, she whispered, "You won't lose me, Ziron..."

  Ziron stood there, completely still, shocked—

  As if something had just hit him in the gut

  Valrie was behind a pillar, watching.

  She thought to herself, "Is that what I see in Ada? A sister... or a mother?"

  She noticed they were done talking, and Ada was heading toward the spot where Valrie had been lying.

  Valrie quickly ran back to that place and sat down, waiting.

  Ada walked up and asked, "How are you feeling?"

  Valrie replied, "I feel fine... just a little sore."

  Ada nodded

  Then Ada looked up at her ceiling wall—

  She could sense something.

  Something was off.

  Then—BOOM!

  Maldrig blasted through the ceiling, and debris began to fall.

  Ada quickly grabbed Valrie and dashed to the right, barely missing being crushed.

  She shouted, "Ziron?!"

  Ziron responded from nearby, "I'm here!"

  Ada looked at Valrie, making sure she was safe, then stood up—

  Positioning herself in front of her.

  And there he was.

  Maldrig.

  She scowled slightly as her brother appeared, smiling darkly.

  Without warning, he fired a blast at her throne—

  It struck directly, shattering it.

  Ziron looked on in shock.

  There was no more running now.

  No place left for Ada to heal.

  Even Ada stared at the broken throne, surprised—

  But deep down…

  A part of her liked the feeling.

  There was no going back.

  Maldrig stepped forward and said, "No more running, sister."

  Ada met his gaze and replied, "I never planned on running."

  Maldrig smiled—

  And then, a storm rolled in.

  Lightning cracked across the sky.

  Rain poured down around them

  Then Valrie stood right beside Ada.

  Ziron found a way through the rubble and joined them, standing next to Valrie and Ada.

  Ada smirked—

  Then let out a fierce roar.

  Her brother roared back.

  The two of them dashed at each other and clashed—

  The impact sent them both flying in opposite directions, crashing into mountains and rock.

  Valrie and Ziron watched with a mix of worry and anticipation, waiting for the right moment to join the fight.

  Ada was the first to burst out of the rocks.

  Moments later, Maldrig did the same.

  They dashed at each other again, clashing mid-air—

  Throwing punches at such speed that even Valrie couldn’t keep up with their movements.

  Ziron glanced at Valrie and said urgently, "Get Ameria! We’ll need all the help we can get! Ada and I will hold him off!"

  Valrie nodded without hesitation and began running as fast as she could.

  Then Maldrig roared and landed a powerful blow on Ada, slamming her into the ground.

  She grunted in pain as the impact sent a shockwave through the area.

  Maldrig flew down, ready to land another punch—

  But Ada countered, grabbing him and slamming him face-first into the ground.

  She floated back to gain some space, eyes locked on him.

  But Maldrig dashed toward her again, and their fists collided mid-air, both roaring at each other.

  Ziron stood nearby, waiting for the perfect moment to strike with his lightning bolt—

  But they were moving too fast.

  Each roar, each blow, pushed the other back with immense force.

  Finally, Ziron spotted an opening.

  He raised his hand and fired—

  The bolt struck true, sending Maldrig flying through the air.

  Ziron smirked slightly, knowing he still had it.

  But Ada…

  She remained on guard.

  She knew that hit wouldn’t be enough.

  Maldrig rose again, scowling in anger.

  With another roar, he dashed at Ada, and they clashed once more—

  The ground beneath them trembling with every collision of their fists

  Then Maldrig landed a side kick on Ada, sending her flying through her gates.

  But Ada rose quickly and blocked his next attack, then countered with a punch to his face.

  Ziron followed them outside of the kingdom to support Ada.

  The battle grew even more intense.

  Suddenly, Maldrig roared and clashed with Ada again, then charged a blast in his hand—

  He fired, and it struck Ada, sending her flying upward, screaming.

  He vanished—

  Then reappeared behind her and landed a heavy blow to her back, slamming her into the ground.

  Debris and rocks exploded outward from the impact.

  Ziron’s eyes widened as he muttered to himself, "Dammit."

  He dashed toward Maldrig, knowing he had to step in.

  Ziron swung his staff several times—

  One strike landed, but the rest missed.

  He quickly cast a spell, summoning a barrier.

  Maldrig’s fist collided with it.

  Ziron grunted, struggling to hold back the force—

  But the barrier shattered.

  Maldrig dashed forward and landed two brutal blows—

  One to Ziron’s gut, and another to his face, sending him crashing to the ground.

  Ada saw Ziron go flying.

  She floated over to him and asked, "Are you okay?"

  Ziron shrugged off some debris and replied, "Could be better.

  Then Ada dashed forward while Ziron took a moment to catch his breath.

  Ada clashed with Maldrig, both throwing punches at the speed of light—

  No… faster than light.

  They vanished from sight, reappearing only in flashes as they clashed and roared.

  Each collision sent pieces of rock and debris flying in every direction.

  Suddenly, Maldrig vanished.

  Ada looked around, confused.

  Then—he appeared behind her and landed a blow to her back.

  He vanished again and reappeared, striking her chest with another heavy hit.

  Ada grew frustrated at him gaining the upper edge.

  She let out a powerful roar and charged.

  With precision, she landed a crushing blow to his chest, sending him flying upward.

  She followed, striking him in the back mid-air—

  Then unleashed a blast of energy.

  It struck Maldrig directly.

  Smoke and debris filled the air, clouding the spot where Maldrig had landed.

  Then Maldrig dashed through the smoke—

  He and Ada clashed fists, then knees, then heads—

  Their roars and auras shattered the ground beneath them.

  This was it.

  The battle.

  A heated clash between blood.

  Ziron, watching from a distance, noticed Valrie and Ameria returning.

  He smirked, then went to join them.

  "She’s holding her own," he said, "but I don’t know for how long."

  Ameria and Valrie both nodded.

  Ameria’s wolves joined the fight, growling and charging in.

  Ameria gave the order, and her wolves lunged into battle.

  She then drew her blade and dashed forward, ready to fight.

  Then Maldrig raised both of his arms to block Ameria’s blade.

  Her wolves charged in and knocked him to the ground.

  Maldrig struggled to get them off—

  But then he kicked one away, rage building inside him.

  Maldrig was starting to lose control.

  He yelled, "ENOUGH!"

  And released a powerful wave of his aura, blasting the wolves off of him.

  Valrie began channeling arcane magic, moving around and launching spells into the fight.

  Ziron joined in, using frost magic to slow Maldrig down.

  The wolves lunged again—

  But suddenly… everything slowed.

  Time seemed to halt as Maldrig grabbed Dexter.

  Ameria’s eyes shot open in horror.

  Maldrig snapped Dexter’s neck—

  And threw his lifeless body aside.

  "NO!" Ameria screamed.

  She dashed to Dexter’s side, frantically checking for any sign of life.

  Valrie scowled in fury.

  She floated into the air and roared, "YOU BASTARD!"

  She unleashed two massive arcane bolts at Maldrig.

  He blocked both—

  But Valrie kept firing, one after another, roaring with rage.

  Ada and Ziron watched in shock.

  Then, suddenly, Ameria screamed, "YOU WILL PAY!"

  She dashed at Maldrig and landed a brutal punch to his gut.

  Ada stood frozen, completely shocked—

  Not only by the sight of Dexter lifeless on the ground—

  But by the fury and strength of Valrie and Ameria fighting side by side

  Then both Valrie and Ameria traded blows with Maldrig, landing one strike after another.

  But then Maldrig blocked one of their hits—

  And began to counter both Valrie and Ameria’s attacks

  Then Maldrig threw Valrie into a rock, then dashed towards Ameria and landed two big blows to her chest. She gasped from the pain, and then he kicked her into a mountain.

  Ada, still laying on the ground and in shock, started to try to get up, but every ounce of her body resisted from the pain. She started to yell from how much she had to push.

  Then Ziron dashed in to hold him off for a bit, while Ada was trying to gain her strength

  Then Maldrig and Ziron started to clash for a while, but Maldrig began to gain the edge.

  Ziron went to throw a lightning bolt, but Maldrig dashed right through it, even making Ziron yell out in shock and surprise, “What?!”

  Maldrig then landed a punch to Ziron’s face and followed it up with a blast to knock Ziron away.

  Ada, seeing this, started to push harder

  Finally, as Ziron was thrown into a rock by Maldrig, Ada stood—exhausted from how much effort it took just to get up. Her arms hung low, her whole body slumped.

  Maldrig slowly looked over, then smirked and said, “Heh, still standing, sis? I have to give you credit, but you should’ve stayed down when you had the chance.”

  Ada scowled and dashed forward, but her stamina was running low, so her speed was slower. She threw a punch, but its speed wasn’t the same.

  Maldrig blocked it, then threw a punch, hitting Ada square in the face.

  “Guah!” Ada grunted, as it felt like her face had just been crushed in.

  Then he threw a punch to her gut, and it landed.

  “Argh!” Ada grunted as she was sent shuffling backwards.

  Finally, she managed to block one, but Maldrig followed with another punch from the right, hitting Ada square in the face again. She stumbled back, grunting from the impact.

  Then Maldrig grabbed her by the throat and slammed her into the ground on her back.

  “GAUH!” she grunted, now laying there completely delusional from the beatdown.

  Ziron was watching from the rock—helpless and in shock. Valrie, barely standing with her staff, was whispering to herself, “Ada… please get up.”

  Ziron just continued to watch, helplessly—and even in disbelief.

  Then Maldrig floated up, and Ada just sat there with an exhausted, delusional smile, simply watching.

  Maldrig then slammed his foot down onto her chest.

  Ada’s scream echoed through the land.

  “AGRHHHHHHH!”

  He did it again.

  Over and over.

  Ada’s screams grew louder with each slam.

  Ziron’s grip on his staff tightened. He felt helpless, and hearing Ada scream like this made it even harder to witness.

  Maldrig finally stepped back and laughed evilly.

  Then, slowly, Ada rose.

  His laugh came to a sudden halt.

  Valrie, loud enough for everyone to hear, shouted, “Ada, please… just go down! I can’t stand hearing it!”

  But Ada didn’t listen.

  She stood.

  Her brother, Maldrig, gained a flicker of respect for her in that moment.

  Then he dashed forward, landing blow after blow, and Ada’s screams once again filled the air.

  Ameria, still stuck in a rock, said weakly, “Even though I hate what she’s done… I hate hearing her cries of pain like this. ADA, PLEASE GO DOWN!”

  Then, finally, Ada fell to her knees—a rare sight for anyone.

  Maldrig smiled and began charging a blast in his hand.

  Is this it? Did we lose?—that was what Ziron, Valrie, and Ameria were all thinking.

  But then Ziron cut through the thought and shouted:

  “ADA! YOU MUST STAND AND FIGHT TILL THE END—TILL EVERY BONE IN YOUR BODY HAS GIVEN OUT! THIS IS NOT THE ADA I KNEW! NOT THE ADA I LOVED! RISE, ADA, AND STAND BEYOND THE GODS! DO IT, ADA!”

  Ada, her head down, looked as if she was done—even after that speech.

  But then suddenly, she lifted her head—and was shocked.

  She had heard Ziron’s gasp.

  Maldrig was holding Ziron by the mouth.

  Maldrig sneered and said, “You have rambled long enough, wizard. Now it’s time to perish.”

  Ada, for the first time—something no one had ever seen from her—became desperate.

  She begged, “PLEASE… WHATEVER YOU’RE GOING TO DO TO HIM, DO TO ME! JUST DON’T HURT HIM!”

  Maldrig then unleashed a blast on Ziron—one that was slowly killing him—and he kept blasting.

  Ada cried out, tears streaming down her face, “PLEASE! DON’T HURT HIM! PLEASE!”

  For the first time, Ada felt helpless. She was too exhausted to even save him.

  Then… her whole world slowed.

  She felt Ziron’s life slowly disappear.

  And she watched his body fall—slowly

  Valrie and Ameria both yelled out, “NO!” and dashed forward, but Maldrig countered and landed blows on both of them.

  Ada watched—eyes wide, her movements slow—as if her body didn’t even know how to react.

  Then… the ground beneath her began to shake.

  Her anger snapped.

  She placed one hand over her left eye and the other on the ground.

  A low groan escaped her lips, the fury overtaking her.

  Then she yelled, “YOU… YOU…”

  Maldrig looked at her—somewhat shocked.

  Her hair began turning purple.

  Her aura shifted into something divine.

  Then Ada roared, “I WILL MAKE YOU SUFFER! ARGHH!”

  Her head shook violently left and right, showing that her anger was fully taking over.

  Valrie and Ameria watched in shock. They had seen her mad before… but this—this was more than rage.

  Ada then rose, one hand curled into a fist, her aura shooting skyward.

  Her eyes had turned into a glowing purple light.

  Then she screamed:

  “ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

  Maldrig's expression changed. He recognized this form—it was the one his mother had spoken of.

  The one to fear.

  The one beyond the gods.

  Valrie and Ameria struggled to hold their ground, nearly blasted away by the sheer force of Ada’s aura.

  Ada then looked directly at Maldrig—her gaze filled with pure anger and hate.

  And then she said:

  “I’M GOING TO MAKE YOU REGRET TAKING HIM FROM ME!

  Then Maldrig smirked, dashed forward, and threw a punch.

  It landed—but Ada was unfazed.

  He looked shocked and stepped back.

  Then Ada dashed in and landed multiple punches to his stomach—the final blow making him lose his breath.

  He stumbled but landed on his feet, then dashed again and went for a kick.

  Ada barely moved her head, dodging it with ease.

  Maldrig looked even more shocked.

  Valrie, watching in disbelief, whispered, “She’s... she’s like a new fighter… what is she?”

  Maldrig then unleashed a flurry of kicks and punches, but Ada blocked and dodged every single one.

  Then, without hesitation, Ada grabbed him by the face, slammed him down hard, and dragged him across the ground—before throwing him into a rock

  Then Ameria’s eyes widened with both fear and shock. She gasped, “It… no! It can’t be! … It’s Eclipsed!”

  Valrie looked at Ameria, somewhat shocked by the fear in her voice, and asked, “That’s good… right?”

  Ameria turned to Valrie and said, “Not for Ada. If she pushes too far… she’ll die.”

  Valrie’s expression shifted to one of shock, and she quickly looked back at Ada.

  In the background, Ada and Maldrig continued to fight—Ada effortlessly dodging his blasts and blows, landing clean, powerful strikes of her own.

  Ameria began to explain, her voice serious. “It’s a form only achieved through anger and loss. When Ziron died in front of her… she snapped into this power. This form—Eclipsed—it’s beyond the power of gods. Her speed, her strength, her reactions… all heightened. But the cost is steep—it drains her life force rapidly.”

  As Ameria continued to explain, Ada let out a thunderous roar.

  Valrie started to notice something—there was rage in the roar… but also pain.

  A pained roar.

  Valrie whispered, her breath shaky, “Is… is this actually Ada?”

  Ameria didn’t respond. She simply shook her head slowly, left to right.

  Valrie’s mood shifted—from curious… to afraid.

  Then Ameria added, “It’s rage that has taken over Ada’s mind and thoughts. That other scream or roar you hear… it’s actually Ada, trying to take back control.”

  Valrie’s eyes widened, filled with both shock and sympathy.

  Then Maldrig roared, and his aura shifted to a blazing red—this battle had now escalated, with both fighters unleashing their full power.

  Maldrig landed a powerful blow to Ada’s chest—this time actually staggering her and sending her flying into the air.

  Ada’s power was fading. Her body, completely exhausted, began to fall from the sky.

  Maldrig charged a blast around his fist, determined to end the fight.

  Ameria’s arms started to shake. She began to speak, but then shouted with all her heart:

  “I know I have a grudge with Ada, but… grrr—I want this bastard to pay! ADA, YOU LISTEN TO ME AND YOU LISTEN WELL! I’VE LOST EVERYTHING FOR YOU! I’VE LOST MY PEOPLE—MY PRIDE! NOW RISE BEYOND THE GODS AND DEFEAT MALDRIG! ADA, DOOOOO ITTTTTT! ADDDAAAAAAA!”

  Then Ada flipped upright midair, tightened her fist, and let out a massive roar:

  “ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

  The force from her aura made Maldrig stagger back in the air.

  Then Ada dashed downward—her speed so fast, it looked as though they didn’t even move, only clashed.

  They began trading blows at full force.

  Ameria smirked, proud—knowing that Ada rose not just for herself, but for Ameria and her friends.

  Maldrig, growing desperate, sneered and said, “At least you still have them down there… except for… what’s his name again?”

  Ada’s arms trembled.

  Then she said, voice trembling with fury:

  “ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT ZIRON?! … ZIRON IS HIS NAME—AND YOU WILL REMEMBER HIS NAME!”

  The moment she finished, her aura erupted again—bursting with renewed power

  Then Ada dashed forward, and Maldrig went for a kick.

  Ada blocked it mid-air, spun, and landed a powerful kick to his chest—sending him flying backward, grunting, his chest folding in from the blow.

  Ada then jumped, let out a roar, and came down with a strike aimed at his arm.

  Maldrig barely managed to block the move.

  They shifted into a hand lock, their auras clashing—crushing the ground beneath them as rocks and debris flew in every direction.

  Then, they slammed their foreheads together and roared at each other—auras surging, breaking everything around them

  Then they vanished—only to clash again in a powerful burst of energy.

  Ada began gaining the edge and landed a solid blow to Maldrig’s face, sending him flying back.

  She appeared behind him, roared, and drove a punch into his back.

  He grunted from the impact and was sent flying upward.

  Ada then appeared in front of him, charging a blast between her two hands.

  She roared, “TAKE THIS! ARGHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”

  The blast launched directly into Maldrig’s chest.

  Maldrig screamed in fear as the blast consumed him.

  Ada roared again, pushing the blast with everything she had.

  Maldrig slammed into the ground, creating a massive crater, and fell to his knees—his aura depleted.

  Ada appeared before him, raising her fist to end it.

  But then, Valrie’s voice cut through the moment:

  “Don’t, Ada!”

  Ada stopped—but she was still battling her rage.

  Valrie landed behind her and slowly walked toward her.

  “Ada, you don’t want to become him.”

  Ada turned and looked at her, her face still twisted in anger. Valrie paused, unsure if Ada would attack her.

  But Ada just stared.

  Seeing that, Valrie cautiously moved closer.

  Then Ada yelled, “HE TOOK EVERYTHING! HE DESERVES TO SUFFER!”

  Valrie knew—it was the rage talking.

  She responded softly, “Is that what Ziron would’ve wanted?”

  Ada lowered her arm for a moment, and for just a second, her normal eyes flickered back in.

  Then Ada said, “Val… Valrie?!”

  But the rage quickly returned.

  She shouted, “GET BACK OR I’LL CRUSH YOU!”

  Ada then fell to her knees, grasping her head, and cried out, “No, Valrie… I won’t hurt you. Please… trust me!”

  Then she snapped again.

  “THEY ALL NEED TO SUFFER!”

  Valrie’s heart was breaking—watching Ada fight herself

  Valrie, through sobs and a desperate plea, continued walking toward Ada.

  “Please… please, Ada… fight back.”

  As she said that, Ada snapped back to herself and cried out in desperation:

  “Help… help me, please…”

  Then, just as quickly, she snapped again.

  “I’M GONE! LEAVE BEFORE I MAKE YOU SUFFER!”

  Valrie got close, gently placing her hands on Ada’s arms.

  “Ada, it’s me… Valrie. Please… please fight it.”

  Ada’s aura flickered, and her normal eyes returned.

  She looked directly at Valrie—then collapsed into her arms.

  Valrie held onto her tightly, supporting her broken, exhausted body.

  Ameria then quietly walked over, lifting Ziron with care.

  Together, they began to leave—leaving behind a helpless Maldrig, still lying motionless on the ground

  Both Valrie and Ameria flew toward Ada’s kingdom, hoping to use healing magic to restore Ada’s state—and possibly bring Ziron back.

  When they arrived at Ada’s castle, they landed quickly. Valrie gently laid Ada on a table, her motionless body resting silently.

  In a panic, Valrie shouted, “Ameria, put Ziron next to her!”

  Ameria obeyed without hesitation, placing Ziron beside Ada.

  Valrie began to channel her healing magic—her hands glowing blue as the energy surrounded both Ada and Ziron. Her eyes turned the same glowing blue as she poured nearly all of her mana into the spell.

  Her arms shook violently as she tried to stay standing, but eventually, she collapsed to the ground.

  “VALRIE!” Ameria cried out, rushing to her side and helping her up.

  Valrie, breathing heavily, slowly stood and asked, “Did it work?”

  Then, suddenly—Ada’s eyes opened.

  She slowly looked around… and saw Valrie and Ameria standing there.

  Then Ada remembered… Ziron.

  She quickly looked over at him and immediately sensed no life.

  Panic hit her.

  She placed her hand on his chest and began to chant, “El al gore.”

  Her hands glowed purple.

  Valrie yelled out, “ADA, YOU’RE STILL RECOVERING! YOU NEED TO REST!”

  But Ada snapped back, “NO! I CAN’T REST UNTIL I BRING HIM BACK!”

  Valrie grabbed Ada and pulled her away.

  Ada started to panic, yelling, “NO! NO! LET ME HEAL HIM! I CAN BRING HIM BACK! PLEASE! PLEASE LET ME TRY, VALRIE—PLEASE!”

  Each desperate cry from Ada shattered both Valrie and Ameria inside.

  Valrie continued holding Ada back, but Ada kept begging—this time with even more panic.

  “PLEASE! PLEASE, ZIRON, PLEASE COME BACK! I CAN’T DO THIS ALONE! ZIRON, PLEASE! ZIROOONNN—PLEASE!”

  Valrie began to tear up, her grip weakening. She could no longer hold Ada back.

  Ada sprinted to Ziron and dropped beside him—her heart screaming what her voice couldn’t.

  But deep down… she knew.

  She knew he was truly gone.

  She laid her head on his chest and sobbed, screaming, “I’M SO SORRY, ZIRON! PLEASE COME BACK… ZIRON!”

  Ameria turned away, tears in her eyes. She didn’t want to show she cared.

  Valrie stood still, heartbroken.

  Ada’s cries slowly faded into broken sobs as she laid there, head on his chest.

  And then, in a soft, shattered voice, she whispered,

  “What am I supposed to do?”

  As time passed, the Dwarven Kingdom came to aid Ada in rebuilding her castle and throne.

  A dwarf general stepped forward and said softly, “I’m… I’m sorry for your loss, Ada. He was a great man.”

  Ada simply nodded—still shocked, still broken.

  The general gave her a respectful nod in return, then turned back to instruct the workers on what to do as they continued rebuilding the castle.

  Ada slowly walked to her new throne and sat down. She closed her eyes, hoping—just for a moment—for peace.

  But then… she heard Ziron’s voice.

  Her eyes immediately welled with tears.

  Ziron’s voice echoed gently in her mind, saying:

  “My child… you must rise. For me, as I cannot.

  You must fight for the ones who can’t.

  You must become… the Queen of Aldon.

  end of chapter 4