615: Winter's Veil of Deception      

Winter's Veil of Deception      

ǁ T E M P O R A L S T A S I S ǁ0

Temporal Stasis is a potent spell wielded by Elaine, granting her the ability to halt time within a specific area or around a chosen target.

When invoked, the caster's eyes glow with a silvery luminescence, and an ethereal clock appears in front of them, its hands frozen in place. This spell is a rare and highly specialized form of temporal manipulation, allowing the Seer to create a pocket of suspended time.

The Seer focuses their energy to slow down and eventually freeze the flow of time within a designated area or around a single subject. The extent of the stasis depends on the caster's skill and experience.

While time is frozen, everything within the affected area remains motionless, as if trapped in a crystalline state. However, the caster can still interact with the frozen objects and beings, moving freely within the suspended time.

The duration of the temporal stasis depends on the Seer's mastery of the spell. It could range from a few seconds to several minutes, allowing the caster to seize the advantage during critical moments or to carefully plan their actions.

Temporal Stasis is an intricate and challenging spell, demanding immense concentration and energy from the Seer. Using it extensively or for prolonged periods can be physically and mentally draining, and repeated use in a short span of time might lead to severe fatigue or even repercussions on the caster's health.

Additionally, the spell's influence cannot extend beyond a certain radius, and the caster must be in close proximity to the affected area or target.

Casting Temporal Stasis requires a deep understanding of time's intricate nature, and Seers who wield this powerful spell are considered exceptional and revered among their kind.

The ethical implications of freezing time also weigh heavily on the Seer, as it can disrupt the natural course of events and raise questions about the responsible use of such a potent ability.

As such, the decision to employ Temporal Stasis is never taken lightly and is often reserved for moments of utmost necessity or as a last resort in dire circumstances.

ǁ E N D ǁ

The spell took effect, freezing the entire surroundings in time, except for Ren, who moved swiftly to seize the floating [Exile Blade] over the forge. Elena and the Prince were left stunned, unable to react to the sudden turn of events.

However, the Queen of Air and Darkness was not easily ensnared. Within moments, she broke free from the time freeze, causing Elaine to suffer a painful backlash.

"You!" the Queen's once amiable face twisted with rage. "What is the meaning of this?!"

Despite the pain, Elaine mustered her resolve and faced the Queen's question. "I won't let you kill Queen Titania. We must find a peaceful way for everyone to coexist for the sake of this realm and ours."

The Queen's anger surged, and she roared, "There's no peace between Titania and me! The only solution is the complete obliteration of either side! And it will be Titania who meets her demise, along with anyone who stands in my way!"

With a powerful magical spell, the Queen's hand unleashed a devastating attack aimed at Elaine. It was too fast to evade, and in an instant, Elaine transformed into an ice crystal.

"Elaine!" Prince Zeroth's cry of anguish filled the air, but before he could rush to her aid, the Queen of Air and Darkness cast [Winter Grip]. In the blink of an eye, both Prince Zeroth and Elena were encased in ice.

"Ward of Clarity!" Queen Aurora gestured with her wand, and the ice thawed from Elena and the Prince.

ǁ W A R D of C L A R I T Y ǁ

It is a protective spell used by skilled spellcasters to nullify the effects of status-inflicting spells and enchantments. When invoked, the caster creates a shimmering, transparent barrier around the target or a designated area, warding off any magical attempts to impose debilitating conditions.

The Ward of Clarity acts as a magical shield, repelling and neutralizing the effects of status spells cast by adversaries. It can negate a wide range of conditions, such as paralysis, confusion, poison, curses, freeze, burn, mind control, etc.

The effectiveness of the ward may vary depending on the strength and complexity of the status spells being countered.

Powerful enchantments or curses might require a more potent ward, and a direct clash between two skilled spellcasters could result in the weakening or breaching of the ward.

ǁ E N D ǁ

"What's the meaning of this, Aurora?!" The Queen thundered, demanding answers.

But instead of responding, Queen Aurora swiftly cast a spell, teleporting Ren and the others out of the throne room.

"Please . . ." Queen Aurora pleaded, "save both Queens and this realm." That was her last words before she turned into a crystal ice just like Elaine.

In the blink of an eye, the scene changed, and Ren found themselves outside the Ancient Tree.

Prince Zeroth was in shock, his mind struggling to process the sudden turn of events before he shouted Elaine's name in anguish.

Princess Elena approached Ren with a mix of confusion and worry. "What's going on?"

Ren relayed the situation and everything Elaine had told him.

Elena clicked her tongue in frustration. "That girl didn't say anything again. Was she that afraid that we would give anything away and ruin the future she envisioned?"

Ren and Isolde didn't comment. Only Elaine could answer that.

"What are we going to do now?" Elena asked after a short paused.

"It's obvious," Prince Zeroth said after collecting himself. His face was even more determined as he said in a solemn voice, "We go back there and stop the Queen and rescue Elaine."

As if in response to their dilemma, a notification appeared on Ren's screen.

[The Quest, FEY REALM, has been updated!]

At least he didn't fail. Ren was worried about that for a second.

A sudden storm of snow shifted their attention to the sky.

"What's that?" Isolde asked when a sudden snowstorm blanketed the horizon.

"It's starting," said Elena with a serious voice. "The Queen of Air and Darkness extends her court to coat the fey realm in winter. The effect is temporary but provocative and is intended to lure Titania and her nobles into open conflict, giving the Queen the opportunity she needs to exact her revenge."

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