Chapter 24: The Final Decision

As time passed, the tension in Arcano City grew increasingly suffocating. The air carried an oppressive aura, thick with the weight of impending fate. Qin Yao, Lin Yao, and the mysterious figure stood at the center of the altar, ready to face the climactic battle. At this moment, all secrets would be unveiled, and all powers unleashed.

The mysterious figure stood at the edge of the altar, silently gazing at the glowing crystal. A flicker of complicated emotions crossed his eyes.

"Is this really the ending you desire?" he asked softly, his voice tinged with hesitation.

Qin Yao turned, his gaze unwavering. "No matter what, we must put an end to this. The shadow of Arcano has loomed for far too long. No matter how powerful the 'Source' may be, it cannot become this city's eternal curse."

Lin Yao remained silent, clutching the rune tightly in her hands. Determination radiated from her weary yet resilient eyes. Though her body was weak, her indomitable spirit had not wavered.

"We have no other choice," she murmured. "Only we can decide the end of this."

The mysterious figure gave no rebuttal. He stepped forward to the crystal in the altar's center, extending his hand to touch its glowing blue surface. Instantly, the crystal vibrated violently, and a piercing hum echoed across the altar, as if responding to his actions.

"Are you ready?" the mysterious figure asked.

Qin Yao took a deep breath, emotions swirling in his chest. Along this journey, he and Lin Yao had overcome countless trials and tribulations, but now they stood at the crossroads of destiny.

"We're ready," he replied firmly, gripping Lin Yao's hand tightly.

Lin Yao nodded slightly. "Whatever lies ahead, we will face it together."

The altar's energy surged upward, and the runes carved into the air began to radiate dazzling light. Suddenly, a deafening roar thundered in the distance, shaking the very ground of the city. The beasts, sensing the shift, began surging madly toward the altar.

"They're here!" Qin Yao shouted.

"There's no time!" the mysterious figure barked. "We must activate the Annihilation Array now, or the 'Source' will fully awaken!"

The trio placed their hands on the six stone pillars of the altar in unison. As their energy flowed into the structure, the runes on the pillars lit up in unison. The altar trembled violently, and the hum of raw energy grew louder with every passing second.

At that moment, the beasts broke through the city's defenses, charging at the altar with ferocious abandon. Their colossal forms exuded immense power, embodying the collective terror of the world. Qin Yao and Lin Yao stood resolute, faces grim but undeterred.

"Yao Yao, stay safe!" Qin Yao yelled over the chaos.

"You too!" Lin Yao replied, her eyes brimming with determination.

The mysterious figure moved ahead, a halo of rune-like light illuminating his surroundings. His cold gaze fixed on the oncoming tide of beasts. Suddenly, he lunged forward, his hand weaving a pattern of radiant runes, sending a massive beast flying backward.

"Keep going!" he bellowed. "I'll hold them off!"

"You can't—" Qin Yao began, stepping forward.

"Save it!" the mysterious figure roared. "Your job is to finish the array—don't waste your lives!"

The altar's energy continued to surge, its six stone pillars glowing with blinding intensity. The beasts grew ever more frenzied, crashing against the altar's defenses in a desperate attempt to shatter it.

At the brink of collapse, the altar emitted a booming pulse, engulfing the city in a dome of blue light. Qin Yao and Lin Yao felt an incomprehensible force sweep over them, as though the entire world had momentarily lost its weight.

"It's done…" Lin Yao whispered, her voice tinged with relief but laden with exhaustion.

The mysterious figure's expression changed. Turning back to them, he shouted, "Go! Run now!"

In the heart of the altar, the core of the 'Source' was successfully sealed. But the beasts' retaliation reached a fever pitch, shaking the city to its foundations. A shockwave sent Qin Yao and Lin Yao sprawling, yet they refused to release each other's hands.

"Move!" Qin Yao yelled, pulling Lin Yao as they sprinted toward the city's edge.

Behind them, the altar's light intensified, radiating like a newborn sun. Its brilliance enveloped all of Arcano City, signaling both its salvation and its demise.

To be continued…