The massive serpent, woven from pure lightning, hissed and crackled as it lunged toward Adrius with terrifying speed. Its electrified form lit up the throne room, casting flickering shadows across the ornate walls.
King Aethor and Anara widened their eyes in shock, realizing that Lysander had cast a spell meant to kill. The guards and courtiers behind the protective barrier gasped in horror, their fear palpable.
But Adrius remained unfazed, his expression calm and composed. As the deadly serpent closed in he raised his Starsteel staff and channeled a small, precise amount of his Magic into it.
The staff began to glow with a soft, steady light, a stark contrast to the chaotic energy of the lightning serpent.
With a graceful motion, Adrius pointed the staff directly at the incoming serpent. The serpent's momentum didn't waver; it surged forward, intent on delivering a fatal blow.
In the final moment before impact, Adrius's staff touched the serpent. Instead of the violent explosion many had anticipated, there was only a brief, blinding flash.
The serpent disintegrated upon contact, its fierce energy dissipating into harmless sparks that fizzled out before hitting the ground and just gone.
The throne room fell silent once again, the air still crackling with residual energy. The spectators were in awe, their resentment replaced by a newfound respect for Adrius's incredible skill. Even King Aethor and Anara, who knew Adrius well, couldn't hide their astonishment.
"He just become stronger after leaving the kingdom," the king thought, gritting his teeth.
Lysander's confident smirk faltered, his eyes widening in disbelief as he watched his most powerful spell dissolve like smoke.
He had expected a struggle, a dramatic clash of powers, but Adrius had effortlessly neutralized his attack with a mere gesture.
Adrius lowered his staff, the serene smile still on his lips. "You have talent, boy," he said, his tone almost fatherly. "But raw power without control and understanding is nothing but a danger to yourself and others."
Lysander's face twisted in anger and humiliation.
King Aethor's expression shifted, the anger that had dominated his features moments before beginning to give way to a mix of concern and fear.
He knew the significance of such an alliance; the combined strength of the Dwarves and Elves, united with Astoria, would be a formidable force.
Adrius chose his next words carefully. "We must rally our own forces and prepare the kingdom for the coming storm. There is much to do, and we cannot afford to delay."
Throughout his explanation, Adrius deliberately omitted any mention of Erend's Dragon power or the Elf he had imprisoned in his Magical tube. These were details that he felt were too sensitive and potentially dangerous to reveal at this moment. He needed Aethor's trust and cooperation first and foremost.
King Aethor's steely demeanor softened slightly, his eyes reflecting the weight of the information Adrius had shared. The king's anger towards Adrius for his departure years ago and the failure of his project began to fade, replaced by a deepening concern for the kingdom's future and a fear of the unknown threat.
"I see that you have been busy, Adrius," Aethor said, his voice low and contemplative. "And it seems your efforts have borne significant fruit. An alliance with the Elves and Dwarves is no small feat."
Adrius inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Your Majesty. But we must act quickly. The Great Calamity is not a distant threat; it is imminent. We need to strengthen our defenses, gather our allies, making strong weapons, and prepare for the worst."
Aethor nodded slowly, the lines of worry deepening on his face. "You have given me much to consider. I will call a council at once. We must begin preparations immediately."
Adrius felt a sense of relief wash over him. The king was listening, and more importantly, he was taking action. It was a small but crucial victory.
King Aethor rose from his throne, his decision made. "We will convene the council and mobilize our forces. Adrius, you will have my support in this. But know this: we will be watching closely. Do not let us down."
Adrius met the king's gaze with unwavering resolve. "I will not, Your Majesty. Together, we will face this threat and protect our kingdom."
As the king issued orders to his advisors and the room buzzed with activity, Adrius allowed himself a moment of quiet reflection.
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