Chapter 06: The Fall
Rhashid was abruptly woken up by the sound of alarms blaring throughout the Sanctum. He quickly got out of bed and dressed, sensing that something was seriously wrong.
As he made his way to the training grounds, he saw other initiates and warriors scrambling to get their weapons and armors. Rhashid's heart raced as he realized: this was not a drill.
He found Aman, who was barking orders to the warriors. "Get to your positions! We don't know what's coming, but we need to be ready!"
Rhashid noticed the worry etched on Aman's face, and it sent a chill down his spine. Aman had always been calm and composed, even in the most dire of situations.
"What's happening, Aman?" Rhashid asked, his voice shaking with fear.
"We're under attack," Aman said, his eyes scanning the horizon. "I don't know who or what it is, but we need to be prepared."
Suddenly, the ground shook beneath their feet, and Rhashid heard the sound of dozens of howling monsters in the distance.
"They're here," Aman said grimly. "Initiates, get to the armory and arm yourselves. Warriors, take up defensive positions."
Rhashid saw the fear in the eyes of the initiates as they ran towards the armory. He knew that they were not ready for what was coming.
The sound of battle filled the air, and Rhashid knew that the Sanctum was under siege. He ran to the nearest defensive position, a barricade made of sandbags, and prepared for the worst.
As the monsters approached, Rhashid could see that they were not human. They were bloodlust, big, and dominating creatures, with sharp teeth and menacing eyes. They moved with a speed and agility that seemed impossible for their size, and they were covered in fur that shimmered in the moonlight.
Rhashid's mind saw many red and glowing eyes that reminded him of hyenas in the desert during his adventures, but he pushed the thought aside. Right now, he needed to focus on survival.
The battle was fierce, and Rhashid saw many of his fellow initiates and warriors fall to the monsters' attacks. He fought with all his strength, but it seemed like they were never going to be able to repel the attack.
And then he saw the Dark Mage.
The Dark Mage emerged from the shadows, a tall and imposing figure clad in black robes. His eyes were glowing and his ears were red like fire. He wielded a staff that crackled with dark energy, and Rhashid could feel the malice emanating from him.
Aman rushed forward: "It's you! How dare you desecrate the very womb that nurtured and raised you? You were our brother. What have you done?"
"Brother? You and your brethren were to one that exiled me, remember? You were afraid of my powers. You do not deserve to be the overseer of the Sanctum. You are not worthy!" replied the Dark Mage.
The fight begins. After a few back and forth, Rhashid could see that Aman was not an equal match. Suddenly, the Dark Mage raised his staff, and a bolt of black lightning shot out, striking Aman in the chest.
Rhashid saw Aman get blown many paces backward toward the warriors, his body convulsing as the Dark Mage approached him. Aman looked up at Rhashid, and for a moment, their eyes met.
"Rhashid, go!" Aman shouted, pushing him away. "Take the other initiates and get out of here! Find help!"
Rhashid wanted to stay with Aman, to fight alongside him until the end. But he knew that Aman was right. He needed to make sure that the other initiates and young warriors were safe.
He turned and ran towards the other initiates, grabbing as many as he could and leading them towards the exit. They fought their way through the monsters and the Dark Mage's minions, and Rhashid could hear the screams of his fellow warriors echoing in the halls.