Aelion, now bearer of Gandhāra's power, had returned to the Whispering Forest of Lost Dreams.His homeland, a place where the trees murmured ancient songs and sunlight filtered gently through thick canopies, felt more peaceful than ever. Yet, deep within, he knew something dark was approaching.
In the distance, sylvan owls let out strange cries. Their large, gleaming eyes followed Aelion as he walked along the central trail, guided by the call of an ancient spirit of the forest.
- Elder:"Child of the forest, the whispers bring news of shadow and chaos."
The ethereal voice of the elder emerged from the heart of an ancient tree. Aelion stopped and bowed his head in respect.
- Aelion:"Elder, what disturbs our land? What does the silence fear to reveal?"
- Elder:"The 20 Infernal Generals have moved. Vapula, Belial, and Gusion are leading forces against us. They seek the heart of the forest, where the power of the eternal trees lies dormant. They know that if they take the core, they will control all our land."
Aelion's expression hardened. With Gandhāra pulsing through his soul, he knew he had to protect his land—no matter the cost.
- Aelion:"I will fight, even if I stand alone. This is my home, and no demon shall corrupt it as long as I draw breath."
The next day, the skies darkened as thick clouds gathered above the forest. From the east, Vapula emerged, riding a shadowy spirit dragon. Around him, spiritual chains danced like serpents, ready to bind everything in their path.
Aelion, perched atop a colossal tree, observed the advance of the demonic army. He whispered softly:
- Aelion:"Spirits of the forest, lend me your strength."
With an elegant leap, he descended from the tree, landing smoothly among the invaders. Vapula laughed at the sight of him.
- Vapula:"So, you are the famed Guardian of the Forest? And one of the 13 Templar Knights as well? Ridiculous. Submit now, and I promise your soul will not be tortured."
Aelion ignored the insult and extended his hand. From the ground, thick roots surged upward, pinning the demonic soldiers in place. He then activated Lietus Pazuzu, unleashing a gale of wind blades that swept away the lesser creatures.
Vapula watched, intrigued but confident. He raised his chains and hurled them toward Aelion, who narrowly dodged.
- Vapula:"You're not as weak as you look, but you're still far from defeating me!" Vapula roared.
Seizing the moment, Aelion activated Gandhāra's Reflection. Vapula's chains struck the spiritual barrier and rebounded toward him, forcing the demon to retreat momentarily.
- Aelion:"The forest will not allow your victory, Vapula."
As Aelion faced off with Vapula, the ground trembled and the air grew suffocating. From the south, Belial approached. His infernal flames turned the sky crimson, and each step he took reduced fertile earth to ash.
- Belial:"Aelion! Step aside or burn with your precious forest!"
Aelion swiftly turned to face his new opponent. He noticed Vapula had temporarily retreated, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Belial began with Pride's Fiery Spear, a concentrated burst of fire. Aelion countered with Ultima Heosphorus, summoning a radiant blast that mitigated part of the impact—but not without effort.
- Aelion (thinking):"I made a vow with this power… so I must protect all that I love, or else…" Aelion focused, channeling the Protection of Gandhāra.
With a leap, he activated Root Manipulation, commanding nearby trees to strike Belial. The roots wrapped around the demon, trying to smother his flames. But with a roar, he exploded in a circle of fire, breaking free.
Suddenly, the environment began to warp. The trees appeared to shift, whispers grew louder, and Aelion felt a crushing mental presence. Gusion had arrived.
- Gusion:"How many memories are you hiding in your mind? I will shatter every one, and in the end… you'll be just another empty shell, like so many others."
Aelion felt his spirit being pulled into a mental realm. Within that space, he saw distorted versions of his forest, visions of his loved ones vanishing, and the shadow of Gandhāra trying to consume him.
- Aelion:"I won't fall for your illusions, demon!" Aelion shouted, activating the Protection of Gandhāra.
Gandhāra's spiritual energy enveloped his mind, forming a resonant barrier that expelled Gusion from his domain, at least temporarily.
- Gusion:"Interesting. You're stronger than I expected. That only makes the hunt more enjoyable."
Exhausted but determined, Aelion retreated to the heart of the forest. He knew that alone, he would struggle against the three generals.
At the core of the eternal trees, he called upon a final chain technique—Total Gale—together with other Sylvans. A spiritual storm formed, immobilizing the demonic armies and inflicting damage upon the generals.
Vapula, Belial, and Gusion felt the impact and realized Aelion was no ordinary foe.
- Gusion:"This Sylvan is more trouble than we anticipated. For now, we'll retreat. But we'll return—and next time, with our full power."
With that, the generals withdrew, leaving the forest in silence once more.
Aelion fell to his knees, exhausted but triumphant.
- Aelion:"The forest lives. And as long as I live, it shall never fall."
He knew the danger was not over—but he also knew he had grown stronger, more prepared for what lay ahead.Gandhāra pulsed in his soul, a constant reminder that he was the protector of the sacred lands.