Voidborne:The Soul sea chronicles

Corvella moved quickly through the forest, her boots making almost no sound on the wet ground. Her mind was full of fear and anger. Eliot's power haunted her, the way it had destroyed her blade and forced her to run. She clenched her fists as she ran, her pride hurting more than her bruises.

"How did a mortal get that much power?" she muttered. Her breath came in quick bursts as she moved, the faint light of the camp ahead a welcome sight.

She slowed down, her mind thinking through what had happened. That strange energy wasn't normal. It wasn't from this world. The Empire would call it dangerous if they knew it existed and may even try to use it for themselves,but Corvella saw something else. An opportunity.

"That power could be mine," she whispered, her lips curling into a cold smile. "If he doesn't disappear first, I'll make sure it does."

As she saw the camp torches, Corvella's determination grew. She couldn't let Eliot's power slip away, not when it could shift the balance of power in her favor.

Eliot stood still in the forest, his breath slowing as the strange energy inside him settled. The fight with Corvella had drained him, but it had also given him something he hadn't felt in a long time,control.

He flexed his fingers, watching the dark energy flicker around them before disappearing. It felt like a part of him now.

"The void energy… it's not just power," he muttered to himself. "It's alive in its own way."

As he focused inward, he felt the connection to his abilities. The void energy, deep inside his soul, pulsed faintly. It was the source of his power, feeding into other abilities he didn't fully understand. He realized then,the stronger his soul became, the stronger his powers would grow.

"This is just the start," he said, a small smile on his face. For the first time, he felt like he could protect himself and Harlen from whatever the world threw at them.

But his thoughts were interrupted by a loud sound,a clash of steel echoed through the trees. He tensed, his body reacting without thinking. The noise wasn't far, and it sounded like a battle.

"Harlen," Eliot whispered. Without thinking, he turned and ran toward the sound.

Harlen's body hurt as he dodged another swing from Captain Ren's blade. Sweat ran into his eyes, making it hard to see. His movements were slower now, each step heavier than before. Ren, on the other hand, seemed untouched, his strikes sharp and nonstop.

"You're barely awake," Ren sneered. "You're just a clumsy child."

Harlen gritted his teeth, holding his sword tight. "I won't back down," he growled, forcing himself to stand strong.

Ren smirked. "Stupid. Brave, but stupid."

With a quick burst of speed, Ren closed the gap between them. Harlen raised his sword to block, but the impact knocked him back. Ren struck again, cutting across Harlen's side.

Harlen gasped, pain shot through him as blood soaked his armor. His knees buckled, but he stayed standing. He swung wildly, but Ren dodged easily, like he wasn't even trying.

"You don't even know how to use your power," Ren said, mocking him. "Did you really think you had a chance?"

Harlen tried to focus, to use the power he'd felt when he awakened, but it slipped away like water. Ren struck again, aiming for Harlen's arm.

The pain was sudden and overwhelming. Harlen screamed as his sword fell from his hand, his arm now just a bloody stump. He collapsed to the ground, holding the wound with his other hand.

Ren stood over him, cold and uncaring. "Pathetic," he said, raising his blade for the final blow.

The sight of Harlen on the ground, his hand gone and blood pooling around him, stopped Eliot in his tracks. A wave of anger surged through him, clouding his thoughts.

"Get away from him," Eliot said, his voice low but filled with rage.

Ren turned, narrowing his eyes when he saw Eliot. "You again," he said, full of contempt. "You should have stayed hidden."

Eliot stepped forward, the dark energy within him rising. The air grew cold, and the shadows of the forest deepened. Ren frowned, sensing the change.

"What are you?" Ren asked, his voice shaking for the first time.

Eliot didn't answer. The dark energy surged out, forming the edges of his domain. Ren's sword began to fall apart as it entered the space, its metal dissolving into nothing.

"You hurt him," Eliot said, his voice shaking with fury. "Now you'll pay for it."

Ren lunged, but Eliot was faster. Dark energy shot from his body, hitting Ren directly. Ren's face twisted in shock and fear as his body began to break down.

"No—" Ren's voice was cut off as he vanished completely, leaving no trace behind.

Eliot dropped to his knees next to Harlen, his hands shaking. The dark energy slowly faded, and the forest became still again. He looked at Harlen, his chest tight at the sight of his injuries.

"I'm sorry," Eliot said, his voice barely a whisper. "I should have been quicker."

Harlen managed a weak smile, his face pale. "You… saved me," he said, his voice faint. "That's all that matters."

Eliot clenched his fists, feeling anger and guilt mix inside him. The sight of Harlen's missing hand was a painful reminder of how cruel this world was.

"We need to move," Eliot said, his voice firm. "They'll send more."

Harlen nodded weakly, his strength almost gone. Eliot helped him to his feet, supporting him as they began to walk. The forest felt heavier now, the weight of what had just happened pressing down on them.

As they disappeared into the shadows, Eliot couldn't shake the feeling that the fight wasn't over. The Empire would come for them, and they would need to be ready.

The battlefield was strangely quiet, with only the faint sounds of fighting in the distance. Falk Richter, a tall man with a commanding presence, stood by a makeshift command post. His black-and-gold uniform bore the Empire's crest, shining under the moonlight. He was a man who demanded respect.

A messenger approached quickly, his footsteps crunching on the dry ground. "Commander Richter," he said nervously, "There's been trouble at the safe zone."

Falk's eyes narrowed. "What kind of trouble?"

The messenger swallowed. "Captain Alric is dead. Two fugitives are on the run,one is a new soldier, the other… a mortal."

Falk's face darkened. He didn't need more details to understand the seriousness of the situation. "How long ago?"

"Hours ago, sir. Lady Corvella wants you there to handle it."

Falk didn't hesitate. "Prepare my mount. We leave now."

When Falk arrived, the camp was in chaos. Soldiers rushed to form search teams, whispers of betrayal and danger filling the air. Falk dismounted from his armored horse, his boots hitting the ground sharply. His cold gaze swept over the mess before landing on Lady Corvella, standing near the command tent.

"Lady Corvella," Falk said, his tone calm but firm. "What happened?"

Corvella, normally composed, seemed rattled under his stare. She gave a small bow. "Commander Richter, thank you for coming. The situation is… complicated."

"Skip the pleasantries. What happened?" Falk's voice was clipped, impatient.

Corvella hesitated, then spoke. "Captain Alric was killed by two people. One is a newly awakened soldier, the other…" She paused, her face hardening. "A spy, most likely. They've fled into the forest."

Falk crossed his arms, his sharp eyes narrowing. "A spy? Are you sure?"

Corvella nodded. "Yes. The mortal acted strangely and fought alongside the awakened soldier. They attacked Captain Alric without warning."

Falk frowned. "What kind of strength did they have? How did they kill Alric?"

Corvella's lips tightened. "The awakened soldier is new to his powers, not in full control. The mortal was… resourceful but not dangerous on their own."

Falk's gaze sharpened. "You're leaving somethingout."

Corvella stiffened, but remained calm. "Commander, I've told you everything important. Their combined efforts took Captain Alric by surprise. That's all."

Falk didn't respond immediately, but his eyes lingered on her. Something felt off about her story. But he didn't press her for now.

"Why did they do it?" Falk asked.

"They wanted to disrupt the command," Corvella said smoothly. "The mortal probably wanted to weaken our forces, and the soldier… maybe he was forced."

Falk's jaw tightened. "And Captain Ren?"

Corvella hesitated. "Captain Ren went after them, but he was killed. They are dangerous."

Falk's expression grew even more serious. "Dangerous, yet you couldn't capture them?"

Corvella lowered her gaze, acting regretful. "The forest is vast, and they had a head start. But we can track them."

Falk stayed silent for a moment, thinking. Something didn't add up, but pushing her wouldn't get him the truth. He'd dealt with ambitious people like her before. He'd keep an eye on her.

"Bring me a tracker," Falk ordered.

Corvella's eyes gleamed slightly, but her face stayed neutral. "We have a skilled tracker. I'd like to come with you, Commander. My experience might help."

Falk's expression showed slight distaste. He didn't trust her, but they didn't have time to argue. "Fine. But you'll follow my orders."

"Of course," Corvella said, her tone respectful, though her mind raced. She couldn't let Falk take control completely. Eliot's power was too important to lose.

A soldier stepped forward, dirty and scarred. He carried a bundle of tools and had a confident smirk.

"Tracker Grel," he introduced himself, bowing to Falk. "I'll find your fugitives, sir."

Falk nodded. "Good. What do you need?"

"Just time," Grel said, kneeling to inspect the forest floor. "They left traces,broken branches, footprints. It won't take long."

"Make it quick," Falk said sharply.

Corvella watched quietly, her mind already planning. If they found Eliot, she'd have to be careful. Revealing too much about his power could cost her the advantage. For now, she would keep the details to herself.

As Grel led the way, Falk and Corvella followed closely. The forest was silent except for the occasional snap of a twig or rustling leaves. Falk's mind stayed focused on the task, but he couldn't shake the feeling that Corvella was hiding something.

"Why are you so eager to join this hunt?" Falk asked suddenly.

Corvella glanced at him, her face calm. "Captain Ren was a friend. I want justice."

Falk didn't believe her, but kept his face neutral. He made a mental note to watch her more closely.

Grel stopped suddenly, pointing to a broken branch. "They went this way," he said. "Not far now."

Falk nodded, his hand resting on his sword. "Good. Keep moving."

As they entered deeper into the forest, the tension grew. Falk's instincts told him this chase was more than it seemed. Corvella's odd behavior, the strange way Alric had died,none of it felt right.

"Commander," Grel said quietly. "There's a clearing up ahead. I think they're there."

Falk tightened his grip on his weapon. "Spread out. We'll approach quietly."

Corvella followed his orders without hesitation, though her mind raced. She had to make sure Eliot didn't die,not yet. His power was hers to claim, and she wouldn't let Falk or anyone else take it from her.

As they got closer to the clearing, Falk felt the air grow heavier, colder. Something unnatural lingered here, and it only deepened his suspicions. Whatever waited ahead, he knew it wouldn't be easy as corvella described.

"Stay alert," he whispered.

The hunt was nearing its end, and Falk Richter would make sure there were no loose ends,no matter what it took.