Chapter 19: Shadows Across the Kingdom
Word of the Phantom Sovereign's power had spread across the kingdoms. Whispers of a background noble boy who crushed the Crimson Veil and dominated the Aelthar Academy tournament traveled faster than fire. Among those most disturbed was Kryos Valen.
"This boy is… unstoppable," Kryos muttered in a war room filled with nobles and elite mages from several kingdoms. "If we don't act now, he will control everything. We must set a trap one he cannot escape."
Plans were drawn: ambushes, magical barriers, elite squads, and assassination units, all coordinated to strike simultaneously across Aelthar City. The goal: corner Cael, overwhelm him, and expose the Phantom Sovereign.
Meanwhile, Cael, perfectly aware of the growing threat, activated the Umbra Circle. Seven of his top operatives moved with precision, shadow constructs stretching across the city to monitor enemy movements.
"This will be fun," Cael murmured, his aura flaring faintly. Shadows twisted around him, merging with atomic energy, pulsing in rhythm with his calm heartbeat. The Witch of Creation floated beside him, her magic enhancing his control. Her gaze lingered on him, awe and fascination evident.
"The more they come, the more I get to show them," Cael whispered. "Let's begin."
When Kryos' forces struck, they found the city already transformed. Streets bent under Cael's Dimension Warp, alleyways twisted into shadow labyrinths, and atomic energy fields neutralized magical attacks before they could reach him.
Shadow constructs moved like living phantoms, engaging enemy squads simultaneously. All-Range Atomic expanded outward, manipulating energy and matter across distances, demolishing enemy traps without causing collateral damage.
Even the most elite knights from other kingdoms, who believed themselves unmatched, fell into illusions or were restrained by shadow tendrils. Cael's Voidstep allowed him to appear anywhere, striking and disappearing before opponents could react.
At the center of the operation, the Witch of Creation amplified his power, subtly weaving her creation magic into his shadows. A faint blush crossed her cheeks as she whispered, "Your control… it's overwhelming. I've never seen anyone like you."
Cael glanced at her, expression calm, voice soft yet commanding: "Stay close. We finish this together."
By the time dawn approached, Kryos' ambush had failed completely. The elite squads were scattered or incapacitated, magical traps neutralized, and the city remained intact. Word spread among the kingdoms: the Phantom Sovereign's power was absolute, unstoppable, and untouchable.
Kryos retreated, pale and frustrated. "He's not just powerful… he's untouchable. If we try again, we risk losing everything."
Back at the Renard estate, Cael returned, aura settling into a faint glow. The Witch of Creation lingered nearby, subtly drawn to him.
Ledger in hand, he recorded:
All ambushes neutralized. Umbra Circle intact. Kryos humiliated. Witch of Creation partially aligned. City secure. Aura stabilized fear confirmed.
He gazed across the rooftops as shadows stretched silently over the kingdom.
The kingdoms believed in heroes in the light.
The Devil's cult feared the Phantom in the shadows.
The Witch of Creation… was beginning to believe in him.
And Cael Renard… ruled all, unseen, unstoppable, untouchable.