Chapter 23: The Lord's Steed

The arena cracked open with a thunderous roar, sending debris flying as towering pillars emerged from the ground. The chains rattled ominously, and an intense, fearsome aura filled the space. Behind a shimmering blue barrier etched with glowing white runes, a dark creature was revealed.

The creature's massive form was draped in a cloak of deepest black, which seemed to absorb the light around it. Its frame was imposing and foreboding, giving off a tangible aura of dread.

On its forehead were three sharp horns, twisted like obsidian daggers, pointing aggressively forward. Its violet eyes burned with a rage that felt almost tangible, their fiery intensity enough to make anyone who met its gaze shiver with primal fear.

Its mouth was filled with sharp obsidian fangs that revealed a pulsating purple glow within. Every snarl and growl from the creature sent shivers down the spines of those present, its very presence driving terror into the hearts of all mortals.

It's hooves were sharp and deadly, each step leaving faint traces of violet-tinged embers on the ground. Dark wings, as black as the void, would appear and disappear in an instant, adding to the creature's unnerving appearance.

"What, is that a black unicorn? Wait, no, not a black unicorn, that's a bicorn," Alicarde murmured, recognizing the creature from his knowledge of fantasy lore.

Despite being sealed behind a barrier, the bicorn's aura of menace was unmistakable. Alicarde was struck by the realization that his understanding from games and novels had come to life.

"Yes, my lord, this is our offering," Elder Fang said, his voice filled with a sense of satisfaction.

"This bicorn was the guardian of the nexus. It is quasi-immortal, which is why we could not kill it but had to seal it while it was unconscious." He stroked his beard, a sly glint in his eye.

"This bicorn possesses formidable dark magic, enhanced strength and speed, the ability to manipulate shadows and space, cast illusions, amplify fear, wield hell flames, fly, and even control minds. With such a steed, you will have a powerful ally at your side."

Argint's eyes widened in awe. "Wow, what a powerful bicorn. But taming it as a familiar will be... quite a challenge for Alicarde."

Alicarde's face contorted into a frown. The sight of the bicorn, even confined behind a barrier, filled him with a deep sense of unease.

Carrisa's inner frustration was evident. She wanted to curse the elder but maintained her composure. She knew the elder's offering, though grand, was a significant burden.

The creature's power was immense, and keeping it sealed would be difficult. The seal was likely to fail soon, and Carrisa would have to deal with the consequences.

'There's no proper place to confine such a beast... except... yes, that might work. Though it might cause Alicarde some discomfort,' she mused inwardly.

After some contemplation, Carrisa made her decision. Meanwhile, the elder continued his recount of the bicorn's prowess, relaying tales of how it had bested their best warrior and its great intelligence. Argint asked probing questions, showing genuine interest, while Amena remained silently by Carrisa's side.

The night shades watched the bicorn with a mix of awe and dread.

Carrisa approached the elder and Alicarde with a measured smile. "We accept your offering."

Alicarde, still unsettled, glanced sidelong at Carrisa.

"Something tells me that thing is not going to come willingly. And honestly, who needs a horse when we have cars?"

Carrisa's gaze turned to the elder. "Alicarde will form a familiar pact with the bicorn."

Alicarde's eyebrows rose. "Oh, so no one is going to ask for my opinion on this?"

The elder's face was a picture of shock. "But Princess, you must be aware of the risks. Our lord's soul is still rather... young. Forming a pact with our tribesmen is already difficult, but this bicorn—"

"Alicarde can handle the risk. You may have forgotten, but he is immortal, so his soul should be able to endure," Carrisa interjected firmly.

'I hope,' she added silently.

Alicarde's unease grew as he considered Carrisa's words. The implications of his soul being used in such a way were unnerving.

"Princess, this seems quite dangerous. Are you certain?" Argint asked with concern.

Carrisa turned to Alicarde, her eyes softening slightly. "Alicarde, do you trust me?"

Alicarde was taken aback by the question but realized that despite his doubts, he did trust her. He had no choice but to, given his circumstances.

"I trust you... I suppose it's better the devil you know than the angel you don't," Alicarde replied, trying to lighten the mood.

Carrisa's face showed a fleeting smile, pleased with his answer.

"Elder, prepare the materials for a familiar pact," Carrisa commanded.

The elder's frown deepened. "But Princess, surely you would not—"

Carrisa cut him off once more. "I will assist by mixing some of my blood, which contains my latent potential, with Alicarde's blood to complete the ritual. Present the materials now."

She gazed at Alicarde " Let us share this burden together"

The elder, though hesitant, complied. He signaled to the one-armed nightshade, and soon the night shades returned with various ritual materials, including Whitewood Ash.

Carrisa prepared a magic circle around the bicorn, meticulously placing the ash into a bowl and adding other powders.

Argint's worried glances continued as Carrisa used a blade to cut her wrist, letting her blood fill part of the bowl. After healing the wound with a vial from Amena, she gestured for Alicarde to step forward. She cut his wrist as well, causing him to flinch in pain.

Despite his usual tolerance for pain, Alicarde was uncomfortable. Carrisa kept the blade pressed against his wrist to ensure the blood flowed steadily into the bowl. She then used the mixture to inscribe runes around the magic circle, which was at the center of the arena.

The bicorn, aware of the ritual's purpose, became increasingly agitated. It thrashed violently, attempting to break free from its confinement. Its wings appeared and vanished in a futile attempt to escape. It kicked and blasted beams of violet energy at the barrier, which held firm despite its violent efforts.

As Carrisa completed the runes, she called Alicarde to the center of the circle. The moment he stepped in, the circle glowed with a blinding light, and the bicorn's aggression began to wane. Alicarde felt a profound and intense pain as if his soul was being torn apart and remade. The agony was so overwhelming that he couldn't even scream.

Carrisa's face paled as she watched, and Amena moved to support her. Alicarde's vision blurred, and he fell to his knees, overwhelmed by the excruciating pain. It felt like an eternity before the suffering finally ceased, leaving him drenched in cold sweat.

The bicorn's chains disintegrated, and it was now partially freed. Its aura was significantly weakened by the pact sealed. The creature, now aware of its new master, turned its gaze towards Alicarde, who was struggling to rise. The bicorn's form turned into a blur as it moved with a sudden burst of speed, its intent to attack clear.

Alicarde braced himself for the imminent confrontation, struggling to regain his footing as the formidable bicorn charged toward him.