Chapter 39: Alliance
Scene – The Lake Serpent's Trial
The moonlight shimmered across the lake, now stained with the remains of fallen water fiends. The once-violent surface began to calm as the last of the summoned monsters dissolved into nothingness.
Kael exhaled, lowering his staff.
"It's over… finally."
The Lake Serpent coiled its massive body above the water, its glowing crimson eyes surveying the warriors on the shore. Its voice rumbled, low and ancient, echoing across the entire lake.
> Lake Serpent: "You fought well, humans… even you, dark caller."
Kael smirked slightly at the title.
"I am Kael, the Dark Summoner. And this is my son, Yuta." He gestured to Yuta beside him, his tone shifting to something more serious.
"We seek to end the cycle of fear and blood. No more sacrifices. Instead… let my son be your tamer."
The serpent tilted its massive head back, then let out a deep, rumbling laugh that shook the trees.
> Lake Serpent: "Hah! A bold proposition. I have devoured kings and drowned armies, and now you ask me to submit to a mere boy?"
Its laughter faded, replaced by a sudden and terrifying stillness. The crimson glow in its eyes darkened to a deep, menacing red.
The serpent's growl vibrated through the ground, rattling weapons and shaking knees.
> Lake Serpent: "Tell me, human child… are you worthy enough to claim me as your partner?"
The air grew tense.
Yuta stepped forward without flinching, meeting the serpent's gaze.
"I don't need you to bow before me. I'll prove my worth through strength."
Behind them, Captain Elara subtly raised her sword, whispering to Ursa and Dred.
> Elara: "Stay ready. If it tries anything, we strike."
Meth clutched her staff nervously, sweat beading on her forehead.
"C-Captain… it's so terrifying up close…"
Kael's dark chains hovered in the air, prepared to bind the serpent if negotiations went south.
He muttered to Elara, "Don't interfere unless it attacks. This trial is between my son and the beast."
---
The Twist – The Ritual Backfires
Before Yuta could make his move, the lake suddenly rippled violently. A strange, guttural screech echoed from beneath the water.
The serpent's head snapped around, its crimson eyes widening—not in rage, but alarm.
> Lake Serpent: "No… this energy… it's not mine!"
The entire lake began to glow sickly green, waves rising unnaturally high. A vortex formed at the center, sucking in debris, fish, and even chunks of land from the shore.
Kael's expression darkened.
"This isn't part of my summoning… Something else was awakened!"
From beneath the vortex, an enormous clawed hand emerged, followed by a monstrous, shadowy figure. It was unlike anything they'd seen—its body seemed to shift between flesh and mist, its glowing eyes filled with hatred.
> Fel (telepathically to Synoh, far away in the village): This presence… it's ancient. Far older than the serpent itself. A guardian corrupted into a wraith.
The Lake Serpent let out a furious roar, coiling protectively around the warriors.
> Lake Serpent: "This lake… is mine! I will not let this abomination defile it!"
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The Unexpected Alliance
For a brief moment, everyone stared in stunned silence.
Captain Elara blinked, processing what was happening.
"Wait—did the serpent just… protect us?"
Kael nodded grimly, his chains wrapping around his arms like serpents themselves.
"It seems our enemy isn't the serpent after all. If we don't stand together, none of us will leave this lake alive."
Elara turned to her division, her voice commanding.
"You heard him! Fight alongside the serpent! Defend the lake and the village!"
The knights roared in unison, forming ranks around Elara, Kael, and Yuta. Even Dred, normally cocky, tightened his grip on his sword, shouting,
"Guess we're fighting with the big scary snake now!"
The Lake Serpent lowered its head to Yuta, its massive fangs glistening.
> Lake Serpent: "Prove yourself here, human child. Fight with me, and I will acknowledge your strength!"
Yuta smirked, summoning a massive creature of his own—an armored wolf-like beast.
"Don't hold back, old snake. Let's show this thing who owns this lake!"
Ending the Chapter
The monstrous wraith fully emerged from the water, letting out a soul-piercing screech that sent waves crashing into the shore.
Elara and the others braced themselves as Kael shouted,
"Positions! Protect Yuta and the serpent at all costs!"
The chapter closes with a wide shot of the battlefield:
The Lake Serpent rearing up, ready to strike.
Yuta atop his summoned wolf, charging forward.
Elara and Kael leading the knights into battle.
And the dark, shifting wraith looming above them all, a greater threat than anything they'd faced so far.