The Forbidden Element

The night air was thick with tension as Surya, Saria, Rohan, and the Phoenix Rebellion moved through the darkened streets of Sangram Isle. The moon cast silver light over the cobbled roads, illuminating the path toward the eastern garrison. Every step felt heavier, charged with the anticipation of battle.

Aaryan led the way, his movements swift and calculated. The rebels spread out, blending into the shadows as they neared their target—a towering stone fortress lined with steel gates and watchtowers. Guards patrolled the perimeter, their torches cutting through the darkness.

"This is it," Aaryan whispered, crouching behind a stack of wooden crates. "We stick to the plan. The distraction team will strike first—draw them out, scatter their formation. Once the outer guards are in disarray, we infiltrate the garrison and take out Captain Dravak."

Surya tightened his grip on his sword. "And if things go south?"

Aaryan smirked. "Then we improvise."

Saria let out a small sigh. "That's always the backup plan, isn't it?"

Before anyone could reply, a sudden explosion rocked the air.

A burst of flames erupted near the western side of the garrison, followed by shouts of alarm. The rebels' distraction team had done their job. Guards scrambled toward the commotion, leaving gaps in the defenses.

"Now!" Aaryan commanded.

Moving like shadows, Surya and his group darted toward the entrance.

A lone guard noticed them too late—before he could raise the alarm, Saria struck him with a precise, non-lethal blow, knocking him unconscious.

Inside the garrison, the halls were eerily silent, save for the distant sound of clashing steel and battle cries from outside. The air smelled of oil and metal, torches flickering along the stone walls.

The group pressed forward, weaving through corridors until they reached the central chamber.

A heavy door loomed ahead—Dravak's quarters.

Aaryan gestured for silence, then pressed his ear against the wood. "He's in there."

Surya stepped forward. "Then let's end this."

With a forceful kick, the door burst open.

Inside, Captain Dravak stood waiting. A towering figure clad in dark armor, his crimson cape draped over his shoulders. His sharp eyes glinted in the firelight, and a wicked smirk played across his lips.

"I was wondering when you'd show up," Dravak said, voice deep and mocking. "Did you really think I wouldn't see this coming?"

Without hesitation, he drew his massive broadsword, the blade humming with a strange energy. The moment he swung, the very air around them seemed to vibrate with force.

Surya barely dodged in time as the strike shattered the stone floor beneath him.

"Scatter!" Aaryan shouted.

The room exploded into chaos.

Saria and Rohan flanked Dravak, forcing him on the defensive. Aaryan moved swiftly, striking at any opening he could find. But Dravak was no ordinary soldier—he was a war-hardened commander, his movements precise and overwhelming.

Surya lunged, his sword clashing against Dravak's in a violent spark of metal. The force of the impact sent a shockwave through the chamber.

"You fight well for a fallen prince," Dravak sneered. "But you are still just a child playing at war!"

Surya gritted his teeth. "And you're just another tyrant who will fall like the rest."

With a surge of power, Surya's golden eyes gleamed.

The energy within him stirred, an unfamiliar warmth coursing through his veins. His grip tightened.

And then—his blade ignited.

Not with fire, but with something deeper, something raw. A golden aura wrapped around the weapon, pulsing with intensity.

Dravak hesitated for the first time, his smirk fading. "What... is that?"

Surya didn't answer. He moved.

With blinding speed, he struck.

Dravak barely had time to react before Surya's sword sliced through his defenses, forcing him back. The impact sent him crashing into the far wall, cracking the stone.

Breathing heavily, Surya lowered his sword, the golden glow still shimmering along its edge.

Dravak coughed, trying to push himself up, but his strength was fading. His gaze met Surya's, and for the first time, there was fear in his eyes.

Aaryan stepped forward, placing a dagger against Dravak's throat. "Surrender, or die."

Dravak's jaw tightened, but he knew the battle was lost. With a slow nod, he dropped his weapon.

The rebellion had won.

Outside, the sounds of battle were dying down.

The garrison was falling, its forces scattering into the night. The rebellion had struck its first major blow against the First Kingdom.

As Surya looked around, he knew—this was just the beginning.

(TO BE CONTINUED...)