Chapter 27: The Monster of Malum
January 18, 2026 at 10:17 AM
The creature that emerged from the fissure was unlike anything Flora had ever seen.
A towering abomination of molten stone and twisted metal, its body pulsing with veins of black fire. Its eyes burned with the same crimson glow that had once possessed the old man. Each step shook the earth.
Aestus whispered, “He fused himself with a Titan…”
Malum stood atop the creature’s shoulder, flames swirling around him like a crown.
“You took everything from me,” he snarled. “Now I will take everything from you.”
Flora raised the Sword of Vengeance.
Silver light clashed with black fire.
The dragon roared, launching itself into the sky. Aestus summoned a tidal wave from the sea, sending it crashing toward the Titan. Flora charged forward, flames igniting around her feet.
The battle began.
The Titan swung a massive arm, sending a shockwave that shattered the cliffside. Flora leapt aside, landing on a jagged outcrop. She slashed the sword through the air — a beam of silver energy slicing across the Titan’s chest.
It roared in pain.
Aestus shouted, “Flora! The sword reacts to intent! You have to strike with purpose!”
Flora steadied her breath.
She focused.
Not on anger.
Not on revenge.
On justice.
The sword blazed brighter.
Malum screamed, “NO!”
The Titan lunged.
Flora leapt.
The sword met the creature’s core.
Light erupted.
And the world vanished in a storm of fire and silver.
