Betrayal again

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### Chapter 43: Betrayal and Redemption

The room echoed with the clash of weapons, the crackle of magic, and the cries of battle. Allen's heart pounded in his chest as he surveyed the chaos, the Advantage Orb glowing in his hand. He looked around at his friends, their faces etched with determination as they fought against the cultists.

"Why, Serafina?" Allen's voice was laced with anger and betrayal.

Serafina stood on the outskirts of the battle, her expression pained. "I had no choice, Allen. My family… I had to bring you here, but I never wanted anyone to get hurt."

"Don't give up, fight!"

The cultists advanced, their dark magic swirling around them. Eren raised the orb, creating a protective barrier for his comrades. "We need to fight our way out," he shouted, urging the others forward.

Marik wielded his swords with ferocity, Thalia unleashed bursts of magical energy, and Alicia's movements were swift and precise as she struck down their enemies.

As the battle intensified, Allen felt the orb's power coursing through him. Focusing his energy, he unleashed a beam of light towards the cult leader, hoping to neutralize his dark magic.

The cult leader staggered but quickly regained his footing. "You think you can stop me that easily, foolish boy?"

Eren instinctively raised the orb higher, channeling all his strength into reinforcing their shield. Beads of sweat trickled down his face. "We can't let him win."

Amidst the chaos, Serafina made a decision. She dashed towards Allen, her eyes filled with determination. "I can help you," she said earnestly. "I know a way to disrupt the summoning ritual."

Allen eyed her skeptically. "Why should I trust you now?"

"Because I want to make things right," she replied. "I'll guide you through it."

"Alright, what's the plan?"

Serafina quickly outlined the runes they needed to draw around the room. "These runes will amplify the orb's power and disrupt the ritual. But we have to act fast."

As the cultists attempted to intervene, Marik, Thalia, and Alicia fought them off with all their might.

With the final rune in place, Allen felt the orb's energy surge. "It worked," he exclaimed, a glimmer of hope in his voice. "Let's end this."

Under Serafina's guidance, Allen channeled the orb's energy into the runes. The room trembled, and the dark magic began to dissipate. The cult leader's confidence turned to fear.

"No! This cannot be happening," he screamed, trying to resist the onslaught.

But it was too late. The runes glowed brightly, and a powerful light erupted from the orb, engulfing the room. The dark energy dispersed, and the cultists were thrown back by the force.

When the light faded, the cult leader fell to his knees, his power broken. "You… you've ruined everything," he uttered, glaring at Eren with hatred.

Stepping forward with determination, Allen faced him squarely. "It's over. You won't harm anyone else."

"I still don't trust you, but you helped us today. I won't forget that," Eren said, extending a hand to help him up.

Back at camp, Allen couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. They had overcome significant obstacles, and he believed they could face whatever challenges lay ahead with strength and determination.