The Veil of Darkness
Chapter 355: Shape-Shifting Weapon

Chapter 355: Shape-Shifting Weapon

Annalise stared, or more like glared, at the glowing sword in her hand.

"Why is it a sword?"

The question that she wanted to ask out loudly so desperately, actually came from Kenric as he exchanged glances with everyone as if expecting one of them to explain exactly what was going on with the weapon that was supposed to be anything but a sword.

"There seems to be some sort of mistake." Annalise whispered out in a barely audible voice but it was still heard by everyone.

"That’s not possible. A weapon of such strength and power, can not be a mistake." Valerius spoke as his eyes closely examined the sword.

"But it’s a sword..." Annalise protest died on her lips when Esmeray suddenly spoke in response.

"No, it is not."

"Huh?"

"What I mean to say that it’s not just a sword. Annalise, imagine any other weapon that comes into your mind and channel that thought to your sword." Esmeray directed her and Annalise immediately followed his guidance. She closed her eyes and tried to imagine the first weapon that came to her except for a sword, and she found herself picturing a dagger. She channeled the image toward her sword and felt it shifting between her fingers.

She opened her eyes and found the sword swiftly turning into a dagger that looked just as delicate but formidable as the sword she just held.

"Wha-"

Annalise was shocked beyond words as she stared at the dagger in her hand. Her confused eyes shifted from the dagger to Esmeray who carried a satisfied smile on his lips.

"Try again. A different weapon this time." He guided again and Annalise followed, imagining a whip and once again she witnessed the dagger in her hand shifting its shape and turning into a whip.

"Stars!"

"A weapon that changes its form as per its master command and requirement..."

Everyone seemed to be in awe and Annalise felt her own feeling of surprise, confusion, and awe - turning into pride. Her fingers tightened around the handle of the whip as she pictured it turning into a pair of bow and arrow, only for a bow to appear and no hint of any arrow.

She looked at Esmeray in confusion but the man had a look of interest in his eyes as he once again directed - "Trying using the bow."

"But there’s no arrow." Annalise pointed out but even her brain had started understanding what Esmeray was trying to imply. "Okay." She added before anyone could respond to her claim.

Everyone stepped away from her, making enough space for her to use the bow.

Annalise looked for a target and found a lantern hanging outside in the balcony of a tower standing at quite a distance. Using her enhanced eyesight, she set her target at the lantern and stretched the string, immediately feeling magic blooming between her fingers and within a second, there was a golden arrow made of nothing but her light magic.

With a satisfied smile, she released the arrow and it went straight into the lantern. And just like she guided it before release, instead of breaking the lantern, it went straight inside and turned into a ball of golden light that filled the lantern, making it brighter than any other lantern throughout the Secret.

The hushed murmurs of her companions filled the air as they watched with a mixture of awe and disbelief.

The transformation of her sword into various weapons had astounded everyone. While everyone had great expectations from her weapon, no one expected it to turn out to be this unique and powerful. It was as if Annalise held the essence of every conceivable weapon within her grasp.

Esmeray’s eyes glinted with intrigue as he observed her. "You see, Annalise," he said, his voice carrying a hint of pride, "the weapon you wield is not limited to any single form. It adapts to your will, your imagination, and your needs. It is a reflection of your inner strength and your connection to the magic of this realm."

Annalise marveled at the golden bow in her hand. It felt weightless, like an extension of herself. She glanced at Damien, who had been skeptical at first but was now wearing a bemused smile. "So, it truly is a weapon of incredible power," he mused.

"Indeed," Esmeray replied. "But its true potential lies in your ability to harness its versatility. You can manifest any weapon you can envision, and it will respond to your command."

Kenric stepped closer, still wearing a look of wonder. "Can anyone else do this?"

Esmeray shook his head. "No, Annalise is unique in this regard. The weapon has chosen her, and her connection to the light element allows her to shape it as she desires."

Annalise absorbed this information, feeling a newfound sense of responsibility. She knew that with great power came great responsibility, and she had to master this gift.

Esmeray’s voice grew serious. "But remember, Annalise, the weapon is only as strong as its wielder. Your intent, your determination, and your skill will determine how effectively you can use it."

Annalise nodded, taking a deep breath to calm her racing heart. She couldn’t afford to let doubt or fear creep in. With renewed focus, she imagined the bow changing into a dagger again, but this time - into a pair of twin daggers. The bow transformed into two matching daggers with intricate golden hilts and razor-sharp blades.

She twirled the daggers expertly in her hands, feeling a surge of exhilaration. It was as if she had unlocked a hidden part of herself, a reservoir of power waiting to be tapped.

Silas, always the strategist, saw the potential for tactical advantage. "Imagine a shield," he suggested. "We need to test its defensive capabilities as well."

Annalise complied, picturing a sturdy shield in her mind. The daggers morphed into a formidable golden shield, large enough to cover her entirely. She braced herself as Kenric approached with a practice sword. With a swift, controlled motion, he struck the shield.

The impact sent shockwaves through Annalise’s arm, but the shield held firm. It barely even vibrated with the force of the blow.

Kenric stepped back, impressed. "That’s one tough shield."