The ruins of Vaelmar quivered under the fading echoes of the Second Seal's activation. Dust rose from broken stone as the wind shifted, carrying the scent of magic and danger.
Eiji staggered to his feet, medallion glowing softly against his chest. "Okay, so that was intense. But I survived. Victory!"
Lyra wiped sweat from her brow. "Survived, yes. Victory… debatable. I'm still cleaning ash out of my hair."
Pyra hovered, flicking embers into the air. "You're lucky your hands are glowing instead of your pants catching fire."
Kael scanned the horizon. "Don't celebrate yet. The Shadow Guild isn't done."
From the mist surrounding the ruins, cloaked figures emerged, their silver masks glinting in the pale light. They moved silently, forming a semicircle around the group.
"Shadow Guild," Selene said, stepping protectively in front of Eiji. "They sensed the seal's activation. This is their first direct attempt to stop you."
Eiji groaned. "First direct attempt? So this is basically a welcome party?"
Lyra muttered, "Worst kind of party ever."
Kael drew his sword. "Focus. Protect the Oracle. Do not let them interfere with the seal."
The Guild members raised their hands, releasing black tendrils of magic that hissed through the air. The ground around them sizzled as the tendrils twisted toward the group.
Eiji held up his hands, medallion glowing brighter. He felt the power of both seals flowing through him. "Fine. If you want to fight, I'll fight back!"
A beam of light shot from the medallion, colliding with the Shadow Guild's magic. The impact sent a shockwave through the ruins, toppling broken pillars and scattering debris.
Lyra flung a vial of green fire into the middle of the enemy, causing several cloaked figures to vanish in a cloud of smoke.
Pyra circled above, flames forming a protective dome. "Try touching him now," she warned.
The remaining Guild members advanced, chanting words in an ancient language. Shadows gathered at their feet, stretching like living things toward Eiji.
He felt the visions of his past life surge in his mind. Failures, choices, and sacrifices all appeared in flashes, showing him how the last Oracle had fought and lost.
Eiji gritted his teeth. "No. I'm not failing this time. Not again."
He focused, letting the medallion's energy flow through him. A brilliant circle of runes appeared around him, shimmering with blue and gold light.
The shadows recoiled, hissing as the runes expanded. Eiji pushed forward, forcing the darkness back. The Guild's chants faltered, and the air grew heavy with tension.
Selene and Kael pressed forward, fighting alongside him. Blades clashed and magic flared, creating bursts of light that illuminated the ruins.
Eiji's vision narrowed to a single point—the lead Guild figure, taller than the rest, radiating a dark, oppressive aura. He raised his hand, and the medallion pulsed violently, reacting to the Guild leader's power.
"Focus on him!" Kael shouted.
Eiji's pulse raced. The energy of the seals surged, and the memories of past failures guided his movements. He summoned a beam of concentrated light, striking the Guild leader squarely.
The figure staggered back, the shadows dissipating. The rest of the Guild, seeing their leader falter, retreated into the mist, disappearing as silently as they had arrived.
The ruins fell silent. Dust drifted lazily in the air, and the only sound was the faint hum of the medallion.
Eiji slumped to his knees, exhausted. "Okay. That was… definitely more exhausting than Vaelmar ruins deserved."
Selene approached, her staff glowing faintly. "You did well. The seal is safe, and you protected the ruins. But the Guild will not give up so easily. This was only a taste of their strength."
Kael sheathed his sword. "They will return. We need to prepare for their next attempt."
Lyra exhaled, wiping soot from her face. "And I thought cleaning up after my potions was stressful."
Pyra hovered near Eiji, sparks flicking lazily. "You may survive, Oracle, but only barely. Do not get used to this kind of victory."
Eiji looked down at his glowing medallion. "Great. I've just defeated evil with visions from my past life. And I'm supposed to get used to this? Wonderful."
Selene smiled faintly. "This is only the beginning. The other seals, the Guild, and your past are all connected. You must learn, grow, and prepare."
Eiji groaned. "I was hoping for a normal life. Maybe a bakery."
Lyra laughed. "Bakeries don't have ancient magic or evil cults. You really didn't miss much."
The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the ruins. Eiji and the group stood together, ready for whatever the Shadow Guild might bring next.
The medallion pulsed once, softly. A quiet reminder that the cycle was far from over.