NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 14: Chapter 14: The Wind Rises
Arthur stood his ground, his eyes fixed on Magnus and the massive basilisk coiled at his feet. The serpent's golden eyes gleamed with predatory intent as it began to slither forward, its movements deliberate and deadly.
"You really think sending your pet to kill me will end this?" Arthur said, his voice laced with defiance.
Magnus leaned back on the throne, shadows swirling around him like a dark aura. "I don't want to hurt Daphne. That wasn't my intention. But you, Arthur… You're an obstacle, a threat to everything I'm building." He waved his hand dismissively. "I'll make this quick."
The basilisk lunged forward, its massive body surging like a tidal wave. Arthur's heart pounded as he leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding the creature's venomous fangs.
Before Arthur could counter, three dark figures emerged from the shadows, clad in black robes. Each carried an air of menace, their faces obscured by hoods.
"Magnus's inner circle," Arthur muttered under his breath, recognizing the dangerous energy they radiated.
One of the figures stepped forward, their voice cold and sharp. "You've made a grave mistake coming here alone."
Arthur smirked, summoning his courage. "I've faced worse."
The tension in the chamber grew as Arthur raised his Blackthorn wand, its core of Kamaitachi fur humming with raw magic. He extended his free hand, summoning his four-leaf clover grimoire. It floated before him, its pages glowing with green light.
"Let's even the odds," Arthur said, flipping through the grimoire. He focused his magic, channeling it into the book. "By the winds that guide me, I summon thee, guardian of the skies!"
The grimoire began to spin rapidly, emitting a brilliant light. A swirling portal formed above Arthur, the wind howling like a tempest. The room shook as a massive dragon emerged, its scales shimmering like emeralds, and its eyes glowing with ancient wisdom.
The wind dragon roared, the force of its presence pushing back the basilisk and Magnus's allies. Arthur stepped forward, his confidence bolstered by the creature's arrival.
Magnus rose from the throne, his expression one of mild surprise that quickly shifted to amusement. "A wind dragon, is it?" He smirked, his five-leaf clover grimoire glowing ominously. "You've grown, Arthur. I'll give you that. But do you really think a dragon will save you from me?"
Arthur met Magnus's gaze, determination burning in his eyes. "I don't need saving. I need to end this."
The wind dragon reared back, its wings spreading wide as it prepared to unleash its power. The basilisk hissed, coiling tightly, ready to strike. The three dark figures surrounded Arthur, their wands raised, magic crackling in the air.
Magnus, standing tall and radiating dark magic, extended his hand. Shadows erupted from his grimoire, forming a massive vortex that seemed to consume the light around them.
Arthur tightened his grip on his wand, his mind racing as he prepared for the battle of his life.
And as the chamber of secrets became a battleground, the clash of light and shadow echoed through the ancient halls.