Chapter 74: Confrontation at the Tower

Sarah and Anna pushed forward, as they ventured closer to the ominous Alcantraz Tower. The skeletal soldiers, rising from the ground, formed a formidable barrier in their path, their hollow eye sockets fixated on the approaching intruders.

With the White Blessing Staff in her grasp, Sarah exuded an aura of holy energy that repelled the encroaching darkness. As they advanced, the skeletons recoiled, their bony forms quivering in the presence of the artifact's divine power. Anna marveled at Sarah's command over this sacred energy, realizing the true extent of her companion's abilities.

The duo fought their way through the skeletal ranks, Sarah wielding her staff with precision and Anna unleashing her own formidable magical prowess. Together, they maneuvered through the chaotic battlefield, dispatching the skeletal soldiers with a combination of holy and elemental spells.

As they cleared a path, they noticed a change in the atmosphere. The dark energy, once suffocating, began to retreat, slowly dissipating as they approached the tower. A flicker of hope ignited within them, fueling their determination to stop the ritual.

Reaching the base of the towering structure, they marveled at its sinister design. The black stone, etched with arcane symbols, seemed to pulsate with otherworldly energy. Its dark allure was both captivating and repulsive, a testament to the twisted power that resided within.

Sarah and Anna went straight towards the tower, but unfortunately, they were too late. When they arrived ten meters away from the tower, they could no longer move forward as the concentration of dark energy was too thick. Even the White Blessing Staff couldn't penetrate it. Sarah realized she couldn't utilize the full power of the staff, and a sense of urgency overwhelmed her.

Just as they were contemplating their next move, the ground beneath them began to shake. The tremors started slowly, gradually increasing in intensity until they resembled an earthquake. As the tremors peaked, a resonant sound emanated from the tower itself. Sarah and Anna turned their attention to the top of the tower, where a human silhouette started to materialize. To their shock, it was Jack Draco standing there.

A sense of foreboding gripped Sarah. Jack's presence here raised countless questions. How had he discovered this place? How long had he been planning this? The elaborate setup indicated a grander objective, and Sarah feared that there was only one possibility that fit the current situation—a possibility she dreaded.

Sarah urgently turned to Anna, her voice filled with determination. "Anna, I don't have time to explain everything, but I need your help. William might still be inside that tower, and it's dangerous for you to enter. However, I have something that can aid you. Take these two orb-like objects. They are life protection items from my family. When crushed, they will form a barrier around you, protecting you from harm. But be cautious—the barrier can only be sustained for ten minutes, and if it faces a force beyond its capacity, its duration will decrease. Please use it wisely. Once you succeed in saving William, retreat as far as you can."

Anna nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. She took the orbs from Sarah, clutching them tightly. "I'll do everything I can, Sarah. Be safe and stop Jack."

Without wasting any more time, Sarah left Anna behind, knowing she had to confront Jack and stop him. While concerned for William's safety, Sarah realized she was the only one capable of challenging Jack's immense power.

With unwavering determination, Sarah channeled the power of the White Blessing Staff, creating enough space to navigate past the tower's defenses. Unlike the lower levels, the upper part of the tower posed no obstacle for her to ascend. She began to climb, utilizing a wind levitation spell that showcased her refined control over elemental magic. Her ascent was swift, fueled by years of training and her newfound connection to Queen Elizabeth's legacy.

In a matter of moments, Sarah reached the pinnacle of Alcantraz Tower, stopping the levitation spell. The confined space atop the tower measured no more than 3x3 meters. Jack stood there, his hands behind his back, eyes closed, exuding eerie tranquility amidst the chaos below.

Sarah glanced at Jonathan's face, her voice steady. "Stop what you're doing now."

Jack remained calm, his eyes opening to reveal a gaze filled with curiosity. "And why should I stop?" he questioned.

"I know what you're attempting. Even if you harness all the dark energy here, it won't guarantee an upgrade to your constitution. Moreover, continuing with the ritual will weaken the spatial boundaries. If you persist, the undead will break free and wreak havoc upon the world," Sarah explained, her words flowing seamlessly, her certainty unwavering.

"As expected of someone I recognize. You're different from all those useless people. But, why should I care about what happens to those nobodies outside?" Jack retorted, a smirk playing on his lips, revealing his true nature.

"It seems there's no other way," Sarah responded, her tone shifting. She prepared herself for a battle, knowing deep down that this confrontation was inevitable.

Observing Sarah's resolve, Jack smiled and said, "Then let's see how strong the legacy of the legendary Queen Elizabeth truly is."