**Chapter 7: Embers of Liberation**

As Kael infused himself with holy energy, his body began to radiate an intense, golden light that seemed to push back against the darkness. The air around him vibrated with an otherworldly power, and his eyes burned with an unyielding determination. With a swift motion, he raised his hands, and a blast of holy energy shot forth, striking the twisted mass of darkness. Zha'thik let out a deafening screech as it recoiled, its presence reeling from the sudden onslaught. The entity retaliated, unleashing a wave of dark energy that crashed against Kael like a tempest. The young exorcist stood firm, his body glowing with an intense light as he absorbed the blow. He countered with a swift strike, his fist imbued with holy energy as he punched into the heart of the darkness. The battle raged on, with Kael dancing around the classroom, avoiding Elara's thrashing body as he sought to evade the entity's attacks. Zha'thik was relentless, summoning tendrils of darkness that snaked across the floor, seeking to ensnare Kael. The young exorcist leapt and weaved, his agility and quick reflexes allowing him to evade the entity's grasp. As the combat intensified, Kael carefully maneuvered himself to keep Elara out of harm's way. He could sense the entity's hold on her weakening, her consciousness stirring like a flame in the darkness. With each passing moment, Kael's blows landed with greater precision, his holy energy piercing the entity's defenses. The classroom became a maelstrom of light and darkness, the air thick with the clash of opposing forces. Elara's body convulsed, her eyes rolling back as Zha'thik's influence began to wane. Kael seized the opportunity, channeling a concentrated blast of holy energy into the entity. The darkness let out a defeated shriek as it stumbled, its hold on Elara's body beginning to falter. The young exorcist pressed his advantage, striking again and again, his blows weakening the entity's grip. Slowly but surely, Elara's body began to relax, her limbs ceasing their erratic movements. As the entity's power waned, Elara's consciousness began to reassert itself. Her eyes fluttered open, and she gazed up at Kael with a mixture of confusion and terror. The young exorcist's face was set in a determined expression, his eyes burning with an unwavering commitment to save her. With one final blow, Kael struck the entity, banishing it back to the depths of the underworld. The classroom fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the young exorcist. Elara's body lay still, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. Kael approached her cautiously, his eyes scanning her face for any signs of the entity's lingering influence. As he gazed into her eyes, he saw a glimmer of recognition, a spark of her true self beginning to emerge from the darkness. "Elara," he whispered, his voice soft and gentle. "Can you hear me?" Her eyes locked onto his, and she nodded weakly, a faint whisper escaping her lips. "K-Kael..." The young exorcist smiled, relief washing over him. "You're free, Elara. You're safe now."