Malakai's eyes narrowed as he gazed at Eryndor. "You're a lot more powerful than I thought," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "But don't think for a moment that you can defeat me. I have the power of the dark arts at my command."

  Aria stepped forward, her eyes flashing with anger. "You'll never use the dark arts to harm Eryndor," she said, her voice firm. "I'll stop you before you can even try."

  Malakai sneered, his eyes glinting with contempt. "You think you can stop me, Aria?" he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "I have the power of the dark sorcerer, Xandros, at my command. You're no match for me."

  Eryndor's eyes widened as he heard the name Xandros. He had heard stories about the dark sorcerer, about his incredible power and his ability to wield the very fabric of reality.

  But Aria didn't seem intimidated. She stood tall, her eyes flashing with determination. "I'll stop you, Malakai," she said, her voice firm. "No matter what it takes."

  Malakai sneered, his eyes glinting with contempt. "We'll see about that," he said, raising his hand.

  A bolt of dark energy shot towards Aria, but she was quick to react. She raised her own hand, and a shield of light energy deflected the attack.

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  The two of them clashed, their magic swirling around each other in a spectacular display of light and sound. Eryndor watched in awe, his heart pounding in his chest.

  But as the battle raged on, Eryndor began to feel a strange sensation. It was as if his own magic was stirring, responding to the conflict.

  Without thinking, Eryndor raised his own hand, and a blast of energy shot out, striking Malakai with incredible force.

  Malakai stumbled back, his eyes widening in surprise. "You're more powerful than I thought," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of anger and admiration.

  Aria turned to Eryndor, a look of pride and approval on her face. "Well done, Eryndor," she said. "You're a natural."

  But as Eryndor smiled, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment, he couldn't shake the feeling that Malakai was far from defeated. In fact, he had a feeling that their battle was only just beginning.

  And then, just as Eryndor was about to ask Aria what they should do next, a loud explosion rocked the ground beneath their feet.

  Eryndor stumbled, his heart racing with fear. What was happening?

  As he looked up, he saw a massive army of dark creatures pouring onto the scene, their eyes glowing with an otherworldly energy.

  "Malakai's reinforcements," Aria said, her voice grim. "We're in for a fight."

  Eryndor's eyes widened as he gazed out at the army of dark creatures. He knew that they were in for a battle unlike anything they had ever faced before.

  But he was ready. He was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, armed with his newfound magic and his determination to protect himself and those he cared about.