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The battle raged on, the figure before them casting dark shadows that twisted with the energy of the seal. Chirag's flames were growing hotter, but the power of the figure was unlike anything he had faced before. Each attack felt like it was pulling him deeper into the darkness, threatening to overwhelm his senses.
Siya's wind whipped around them, forming protective barriers and pushing back the figure's strikes. But even her wind couldn't block everything. Kael was fighting with everything he had, his sword clashing against the figure's dark energy, but each strike seemed to only make the figure stronger, feeding off the chaos of the battle.
"We can't hold this up forever," Chirag said, his voice strained as he focused his fire, trying to keep the figure at bay.
Kael nodded, his sword clashing against the dark force. "We need to find a way to stop him, now."
Siya gritted her teeth, trying to form a stronger barrier, but the energy from the figure was pushing them back. "He's feeding off our attacks. We're only making him stronger!"
Chirag's mind raced. He remembered what Vareth had said about time, about how everything had consequences. This figure—this being—was the past coming back to destroy the present. But they couldn't fight it with brute force alone. They needed to outsmart it, to find its weakness.
"I have an idea," Chirag said, his mind working quickly. "If we can disrupt the flow of his power, weaken him from within, we might be able to defeat him."
Siya raised an eyebrow. "How do we do that?"
"By using the Chrono Flame," Chirag replied. "It can disrupt time, slow things down. If we can slow him down, even for a moment, we can strike when he's vulnerable."
Kael looked uncertain but nodded. "It's a risk, but we don't have much choice."
With no time to waste, Chirag reached for the Chrono Flame that Vareth had given him. He could feel the relic pulsing with power in his hand. It was their only chance.
"Get ready," Chirag warned, holding the Chrono Flame up high.
The figure, sensing their plan, let out a roar, sending a wave of dark energy toward them. Chirag focused all of his will on the Chrono Flame, channeling the energy of time. The air around them thickened, and everything seemed to slow, as if the world itself was holding its breath.
The figure's movements became sluggish, his attacks no longer as precise or powerful. The dark energy that had once surged with terrifying speed now moved like a heavy, slow current.
Now was their chance.
Chirag, with all the strength he could muster, launched himself at the figure, his flames burning hotter than ever before. Siya followed, using her wind to propel herself forward, and Kael charged with his sword raised high.
They struck together—fire, wind, and steel. The figure's dark energy shuddered as they attacked from all sides. Each strike chipped away at the force that surrounded him, weakening his power bit by bit.
But just as they thought they had him, the figure's eyes glowed brighter. With a roar, he unleashed a burst of dark energy that sent them flying backward. The Chrono Flame flickered in Chirag's hand, its power draining.
"No!" Chirag shouted, scrambling to his feet. "We can't let him regain control!"
Siya struggled to stand, her breath coming in short gasps. "We need more time—more power!"
Kael was already up, sword in hand. His eyes locked on the figure. "Then we'll make it our time."
Chirag took a deep breath, focusing on the fire inside him. The flame was stronger now, more controlled. He could feel its heat building, the energy surging through his body. He wasn't just a mortal anymore. He had the strength of a thousand flames inside him, and he was ready to unleash it.
He gripped the Chrono Flame again, using its power to slow time once more. This time, he focused all his energy on the figure, trying to keep him still, trapped in the slowed flow of time.
"We have one chance," Chirag said, his voice steady despite the weight of the moment. "This time, we finish it."
Siya and Kael nodded, their resolve clear. Together, they moved as one, launching another combined attack. The figure tried to fight back, but his movements were slower now, less precise.
With one final burst of power, Chirag's flame collided with the figure's dark energy. The two forces clashed in a brilliant explosion of light and shadow, and for a moment, everything seemed to freeze.
Then, with a thunderous crack, the figure's form shattered. The dark energy collapsed into itself, dissipating into the air like smoke. The storm that had raged overhead vanished, leaving behind a calm, clear sky.
Chirag stood, panting, his body exhausted from the effort. Siya and Kael were equally worn, but they were alive.
"We did it," Siya said softly, her voice filled with awe.
Chirag looked around at the stillness of the valley. The ground was cracked, the air thick with the remnants of the battle. But the figure was gone. The past had been defeated.
Kael sheathed his sword, his face still serious. "It's over. But at what cost?"
Chirag sighed, lowering the Chrono Flame. "The past is gone, but we've only just begun to understand what's coming next."
Siya placed a hand on his shoulder. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together."
Chirag nodded, looking at the horizon. The battle for the future was far from over. But for now, they had won.
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