Chapter 17: The Decision of Fate

With the detonation of the Oblivion Array, the air in the city finally returned to stillness. Yet, Qin Yao and Lin Yao could feel an oppressive force lingering around them. Even though the threat of the beasts had temporarily disappeared, they knew the aftermath of this catastrophe had just begun.

"We succeeded, but the mysterious man…" Lin Yao's voice trembled slightly as she tried to calm herself, yet the pain in her heart was undeniable.

Qin Yao tightly held her hand. "He made his choice. To give us the chance to survive, he was willing to shield us from everything. We must carry on his will."

Lin Yao nodded, but the scars of sorrow lingered in her gaze. She looked up at the distant skyline. The city, once tranquil, had been consumed by shattered reality.

"What do we do next? What exactly is 'Source'? Can we truly put an end to all this?" Qin Yao thought deeply, determination flashing in his eyes.

Lin Yao took a deep breath. "'Source' isn't just energy—it's a curse, a disaster created by human greed and desire. If we don't destroy it completely, this city will never regain peace."

"Then we must find its origin." Qin Yao's eyes firmed as he gripped the weapon in his hand. "Whether it's the sins of humanity or the tricks of fate, we must face them head-on."

As they prepared to embark on a new journey, a faint glow emerged from the core of the altar. A soft, distant whisper echoed through the air. The voice seemed to come from far away, yet it was unnervingly close.

"You thought it was over?"

Startled, Qin Yao and Lin Yao spun around, their faces filled with shock. The voice didn't come from outside; it resonated from deep within their minds.

"What is that?" Lin Yao asked in a low voice.

Qin Yao listened intently for a moment before grabbing her wrist. "We don't have time to hesitate. That voice isn't the real 'Source.' It's a deeper existence. We need to find it and completely eradicate the city's curse."

They moved quickly toward the origin of the voice, passing through the ruins of the city streets. The scenery grew increasingly desolate. The city, once vibrant with life, was now shrouded in darkness and suffocating air.

Reaching an ancient library, Qin Yao and Lin Yao finally found the source of the voice. In the center of the library stood a massive stone monument engraved with countless runes and patterns. The ancient, dangerous aura emanating from the inscriptions was palpable.

"Is this… the real seal of the 'Source'?" Lin Yao asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Qin Yao nodded. "It should be. This monument records the true origin of the 'Source.' It's not just a power source; it's a deeply hidden existence. Its awakening and control determine the fate of the city."

Suddenly, the runes on the monument began to glow. The intense light spread rapidly as the surrounding air distorted, seemingly opening a new dimension.

"You think you can break the chains of fate? You don't understand. The 'Source' has always been an inevitable destiny." The low, mocking voice returned, filled with an infinite sense of derision.

"I won't let you succeed!" The voice vanished, and the space around the monument tore apart. A massive rift appeared, threatening to swallow everything.

Qin Yao tightly held Lin Yao's hand. "Are you ready? This time, there's no turning back."

Lin Yao nodded, her gaze resolute. "I've always been ready. Together, we'll change the fate of this city!"

As they braced to charge toward the monument, a shadow suddenly shot out from the rift, rushing toward them at an incredible speed.

"Damn it!" Qin Yao instinctively raised his sword to confront it, but the shadow's speed far exceeded his expectations. It materialized into a vague form and instantly disappeared.

"What is that…" Lin Yao tensed up. "It's no longer just a beast!"

"We must stop it. We can't let it spread further!" Qin Yao roared, leaping into the rift without hesitation, with Lin Yao close behind. As they crossed the threshold, the shadow reappeared, transforming into an indescribable energy and surging toward them.

"This war won't end." The shadow's voice, like the whisper of a demon, echoed in their ears.

This chapter builds tension and introduces the ultimate trial and the characters' resolve while unveiling new mysteries and threats. The next section will lead to the climax as Qin Yao and Lin Yao confront the ultimate challenge posed by the 'Source.'