Chapter 12. Sinister Night

At nightfall, an eerie sense of foreboding creeps over me. It's as if unseen eyes are watching, and I can almost taste the danger lurking in the air. My heart races, my instincts on high alert as I lie in bed. Suddenly, with a swift and deadly swoosh, a blade pierces through the darkness, narrowly missing me. Something sinister is happening in the kingdom, and I can't ignore it any longer.

Without a moment's hesitation, I leap out of bed, hastily throwing on my sleeping clothes. My hands instinctively reach for my sword as I step outside, ready to face the unknown. As I survey the scene, my heart sinks. The academy, my sanctuary of knowledge, is under siege by an army of shadows.

"Oh no! Have I overslept?!"

Regret floods through me as I realize that I should have stayed awake, standing guard against this impending threat. Smoke billows into the night sky, a grim sign that more adversaries are on their way.

"Great, just what we needed!"

The soldiers outside valiantly fight, their determination unwavering, but some have already fallen. With determination burning in my veins, I join the fray, my sword at the ready. The academy is in shambles, engulfed in flames, and swarming with shadow nests. Annoyance gnaws at me as I realize the audacity of these foes. Even the teachers are battling alongside us, their sword skills a vibrant display of colors I have never witnessed before.

"Professor Penatini, catch!"

Mrs. Whiddon hurls a bottle toward him, and as he catches it, a surge of speed electrifies his movements, turning him into a whirlwind of destruction. Mrs. Whiddon, wielding her mighty mace, smashes through the shadows with unparalleled strength. My classmates fight valiantly by their side.

"Hey, Alfonse!"

Miles waves at me, his eyes filled with determination.

"Need an extra hand?"

I nod vigorously, my resolve firm. Slashing through the shadows, I can't help but glance down, seeking answers amidst the chaos.

"Wait a minute! I think I've figured it out!"

The shadows, I realize, are stealing the kingdom's precious resources and transporting them to their unknown destination. Someone has orchestrated this elaborate plan. My mind made up, I charge straight toward the shadows, intending to draw their attention solely to me.

"Hey! Over here!"

I sprint, my heart pounding, until I find myself cornered in a dim alley, shadows closing in from all sides.

"Now it's my turn!"

I take a deep breath, my muscles coiled like springs, as I launch myself into a furious battle. Each swing of my sword brings me closer to exhaustion, but I refuse to yield.

"Oh, this is bad. I can't give up!"

I press on, slashing and parrying, determined to make every strike count. But weariness threatens to consume me, and the shadows multiply relentlessly.

"Is this the end?"

I gasp for breath, the swarm overwhelming me. However, a surge of adrenaline propels me forward, enabling me to escape their clutches. As I emerge from the shadowed alley, the sight that awaits me is heartbreaking—the academy is in ruins.

"No!" The teachers' anguished cries fill the air as blackboards crumble and laboratories explode. Despair settles over everyone like a heavy fog, their screams echoing through the devastation.

"More of them!" One of my classmates shouts fear etched on their face. Overwhelmed, we stand at the precipice, shadows advancing to consume us all, until...

"Roar!"

A resounding roar pierces the chaos as my sword gleams with an emerald radiance.

"Bloom, bloom, bloom." The words of my first battle against the shadows flood my memory, filling me with newfound strength. The sword skills I had acquired that day come rushing back, and I wield them with fierce determination against the encroaching darkness.

"Stella percutiens!" I bellow, unleashing a powerful sword skill that cuts through the swarm of shadows. Green particles scatter in their wake, and awe fills the eyes of those who witness my newfound abilities.

"That's right! Tremble before my onslaught!" I taunt, even as I struggle to keep up the fight.

"Whoa, Alfonse! You've got to teach me those moves!"

A classmate marvels at my prowess, their voice filled with admiration. I fight on, the shadows dwindling in numbers.

"It's almost over, isn't it?"

I exhale a sigh of relief, believing the battle is nearing its end. But my relief is short-lived as a new wave emerges, their malevolent glow now a menacing shade of crimson.

"You've got to be kidding me!"

I strike with renewed vigor, forcing one of the shadows against the wall, causing it to explode.

"Well, this just got worse!"

Summoning one of my classmates to join me, we devise a plan to strike from above, minimizing the destruction to the kingdom. With each swing of our swords, we fight with every ounce of strength, refusing to yield to the relentless onslaught.

Amid the chaos, I notice a beeping sound emanating from the shadows. It dawns on me—they are rigged to explode!

"Damn it! How do I stop this?!" I halt my assault, attempting to use my crystal to connect with the remaining shadows, willing them to cease their destructive path. But my efforts prove futile. However, Miles, my steadfast companion, steps forward, determined to find a solution. He pushes himself beyond his limits, pouring his last reserves of energy into the desperate endeavor.

And then it happens—the shadows explode.

"Miles, no!" My voice trembles with concern as he collapses, his valiant effort leaving him weakened and vulnerable.

"Alfonse!"

The bomb, its detonation imminent!

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!"

In a haze of pain and disorientation, I'm hurtled through the air, my senses dulled. I plummet to the ground, consciousness slipping away, and darkness claims me.