As the first rays of dawn broke, the air above the Valley of Ashes was filled with silence, as if the earth itself were holding its breath before a storm.
On the horizon, the Citadel of Black Ashes appeared, towering amidst the smoke and dark clouds, black whirlpools swirling around its tall towers, and the echo of the Shadows' cries mingled with the wind.
The Attack Begins:
Eren raised his Wind Wings behind him, waving to the knights and soldiers:
"Today... we end these Shadows!"
Beside him, Leylin replied, golden flames flaring around her arms:
"Today... the chains burn."
The Battle Begins:
The first team made their way through the eastern valley, engaging Shadows rising from the ground like black smoke, while the winds drove the Ashes away to protect the attackers.
The second team seized the northern passes, cutting off Shadows' supply lines, using Leylin's fire to burn the tunnels that carried Shadows from the depths.
As for Eren and Leylin, the winds lifted them high toward the walls of the Black Castle, hiding among the black clouds that enveloped the area.
Breaching the Walls:
A powerful gust of wind created by Eren blew through the ash surrounding the walls, while Leylin unleashed the Flame of Liberation upon the Black Gate, which cracked beneath the glow of pure fire.
Shadow Guardians emerged from the gate, their bodies amalgamated with black smoke and red flames, their eyes glowing bloodshot.
"Leylin, watch my back!" Eren shouted, raising his hand, the wind swirling around his arm like a compressed air spear.
The first Guardian charged at him, but Eren unleashed the spear, piercing the Shadow's chest, and his body erupted in an explosive smoke.
Leylin screamed, firing a ball of golden flame at another Guardian who attempted to attack them from behind. The smoke burned away, leaving a dark scream before fading.
Shadow Counterattack:
Thick shadows gathered on the walls, forming creatures with red eyes and smoky wings, and began to unleash a cold black wind against Eren and Leylin.
"These winds... are trying to tear my soul apart!"
Eren whispered, resisting the flow of darkness within him.
But Leylin held his hand and said firmly,
"Let the winds pass through the fire... and they will become purer."
The dark winds passed between the golden flames Leylin held, transforming into clear green winds, then returned to surround Eren. He opened his wings and shouted, "Pure Winds Attack!"
A powerful gust of air blew through the shadow creatures, blowing their smoke far beyond the walls, while the fire lit up the sky like a second sun.
Entering the Citadel:
They advanced inside the citadel. The blackened corridors were filled with ash and smoke, and the screams of spirits echoed.
As they walked, they saw the soulless bodies of the soldiers moving slowly, their eyes bloodshot red.
"They... they were people like us," Leylin said, her voice broken.
Eren closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them with determination.
"We will end their suffering."
Leylin unleashed a golden glow of fire, as a pure wind swept through the space, freeing the spirits from the shadows, and the empty bodies burned to ash, fading peacefully.
Chapter End:
Eren and Leylin stopped before the great gate of the Throne of Shadows, where smoke swirled like a storm. At its heart stood Nazar, his red eyes glowing in the darkness.
"At last you have arrived... Heir of the Wind and Heir of the Fire."
Nazar said with a wicked smile, as the shadows gathered behind him, and the black wind began to move through the hall.
Eren looked at Leylin and said, "This is the final battle."
Leylin nodded, golden flames blazing in her eyes.
"We will free the fire and wind... no matter the cost."