Chapter 10: The Sacrifice of the Core

The six pillars of the Annihilation Array glowed brightly, with blue runes flowing across the altar like living entities. Meanwhile, the awakened power of "The Source" surged to its full extent. The massive beast born from it let out a deep growl, sending shockwaves that caused the entire city to quake.

"Yao Yao, hold on!" Qin Yao gripped the pillar tightly, enduring the backlash from the Source's energy. Veins bulged on his arms as the powerful magic began corroding his body.

Lin Yao, pale but resolute, forced a smile. "Don't worry about me, Qin Yao. We must stay strong together. We can't let this destroy everyone!"

1. The Beast's Frenzy

The materialized beast suddenly leaped toward the altar, its massive claws aiming to tear it apart. The mysterious figure conjured black flames in his hands, throwing them at the beast and temporarily driving it back. Yet the effort drained him, leaving him kneeling and gasping. "I can only hold it off for a short while. Complete the ritual now!"

2. The Truth Revealed

As the Annihilation Array activated, the crystal at the altar's center projected a memory—revealing the true origins of "The Source":

"The creator of 'The Source' was a mage named Arcanos. He sought to unify the powers of humanity and beasts through energy, but ultimately failed. His creation turned against him, devouring his soul and becoming the core of today's catastrophe."

Lin Yao stared in shock at the vision. "So the Source wasn't meant to destroy… it was created for unity."

Qin Yao gritted his teeth. "Whatever its purpose was, it's a threat now. We can only seal it!"

3. The Necessary Sacrifice

The six pillars began to operate, but the energy was insufficient. The mysterious figure trembled as he stood, coldly declaring, "In this situation, someone must fully sacrifice their soul to maintain the balance."

"I'll do it," Qin Yao said without hesitation.

"No!" Lin Yao cried out, tears streaming down her face. "Qin Yao, you can't! There has to be another way!"

Looking at her, Qin Yao smiled softly. "Yao Yao, there is no other way. Don't be afraid—remember, we promised never to give up on each other. This time is no different."

4. A Miracle of Love

Lin Yao grabbed Qin Yao's hand tightly, and suddenly, a gentle light radiated from her body. The light enveloped Qin Yao and even spread across the entire Annihilation Array. The mysterious figure stared in shock. "This… this is the Light of Soul Bonding! Your connection has triggered a soul bond reaction!"

Tears welled in Lin Yao's eyes as she said firmly, "If someone must sacrifice, let me stand by your side! We'll face this together!"

With the power of their bond, the Annihilation Array began to stabilize. The beast let out one final, enraged roar before the runes' light completely consumed it. The Source's energy was sealed back into the crystal, and the Array securely locked it away.

5. Peace Regained

As the light faded, the altar returned to calm. Qin Yao and Lin Yao, battered and bruised, leaned against each other, smiling.

The mysterious figure observed them with a complicated expression. "You… used your bond to replace the sacrifice. Even the Source couldn't foresee such a possibility. It seems I underestimated you."

Qin Yao, catching his breath, joked, "Does this mean… we won?"

"More or less," the figure replied with a cold snort, though a hint of relief colored his tone.