The Forbidden Element

The temple collapsed around them, debris falling like meteorites as dust choked the air. But Surya didn't move. His eyes, burning with golden light, remained locked on the spectral warrior.

The Forsaken King.

It loomed before him, ancient and unyielding, its rusted blade pulsing with black flames. The ground groaned beneath its presence, as if reality itself struggled to contain its power.

"The throne does not accept you."

The words struck deep, not just in Surya's ears but in his soul.

His grip tightened around his sword. "Then I'll make it."

He surged forward, golden energy exploding from his form.

CLASH!

The moment their blades met, the air itself screamed. The temple walls buckled outward—the impact sending shockwaves through the ruins.

Surya gritted his teeth, his arms trembling under the weight of the strike.

The Forsaken King merely stared.

Then, with a simple flick of its blade—

BOOM!

Surya was sent flying, crashing through a pillar and skidding across the ground. Blood dripped from his forehead. His ribs burned.

Kiran cursed. "This thing is worse than Varun!"

Rudra clenched his fists. "Then we fight together!"

But the Forsaken King moved faster than thought.

With a single step, it vanished—

And reappeared behind Rudra.

SLASH!

A black arc of energy tore through the ground.

Rudra barely dodged, flipping away as his arm burned from the dark flames.

"Shit—!"

Saria didn't hesitate. She raised her staff, her eyes glowing blue. "If brute force won't work—then let's try something else!"

A wave of binding magic shot toward the specter, glowing chains wrapping around its armor—tightening—

For a moment, it stopped.

Kiran seized the opportunity. His daggers gleamed as he flickered forward, moving faster than the eye could track. Steel met armor.

A perfect strike—

Except it didn't cut.

Kiran's eyes widened as his blades shattered on impact.

"What the—"

The Forsaken King simply turned.

A black shockwave erupted from its form—

BLAST!

Kiran was launched backward, crashing into the far wall.

Saria's spell snapped like twigs.

The Forsaken King's hollow gaze turned back to Surya.

"A king does not falter."

Surya stood, his breath ragged, but his aura flaring brighter than ever.

The throne did not accept him?

Then he would force it to recognize him.

He exhaled, centering himself.

His power surged.

Golden energy crackled around his frame—brighter than before, more refined. The air vibrated with intensity.

The Forsaken King paused.

It could feel it.

Surya lifted his sword, eyes burning with newfound clarity.

"I don't need your acceptance." His voice was steady, unwavering. "I'll carve my own throne."

The Forsaken King raised its blade once more.

Surya charged.

Their final clash shook the very foundations of the world.

TO BE CONTINUED...