Chapter 12: Shadow of Oblivion
With Lucian's information, Dante and his team embarked on a journey into the most isolated and dangerous regions of the world to track down Oblivion. The enemies they faced this time were not just physical threats; this journey would test their limits both mentally and emotionally.
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Mysterious Headquarters
The team arrived at the first destination Lucian had mentioned, an ancient fortress deep in the Southern Forests. Although the castle appeared to have been abandoned for years, it was possible to sense that something was amiss in its surroundings.
Kaelene whispered as she examined the strange symbols in the forest: "This place... there is something I sense. These symbols point to an ancient magic. It's like this place is alive."
Ryker added as he checked his weapon. "If there is a clue to Oblivion inside this castle, we must be ready for more than a physical battle this time."
Dante spoke, walking ahead. "Be ready. Not only information, but possibly traps await us here."
As the team reached the main hall of the fortress, they were ambushed by a group of black-cloaked enemies. These were Oblivion's loyal followers. A battle of guns, swords, and magic ensued.
Dante drew his silver-plated pistols and opened rapid fire on the enemies. But these warriors were more experienced and deadlier than Elysia's guards. The enemy's movements were flawless, as if they had been planned in advance.
Kaelene parried the attacks of two enemies with her sword at the same time, dealing a fatal blow to another. "These are unlike anything we've seen before!"
Ryker hid behind a wall, firing shots from a distance. "These guys aren't just warriors. Some of them have a strange energy in their movements. It's like they're using magic!"
Dante, fighting an enemy at close range, pointed his gun at the enemy's head and pulled the trigger. "No matter what, they all die."
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Heart of the Citadel
After bypassing the guards, the team reached the deepest part of the citadel. Here they found an ancient stone tablet, thought to be from Oblivion. The tablet was engraved with writings in a dark language and frightening symbols.
Kaelene carefully examined the tablet and spoke. "This may describe the plans of Oblivion. But this language is different from modern languages. It is some kind of ancient text."
Lucian stepped out of the shadows and approached the team. "Those writings represent the true power of Oblivion. This tablet only describes its first phase. But even that knowledge may be enough to stop it."
Dante looked at Lucian sceptically. "You knew that much, but why didn't you tell me? If there was a clue here, we should have known about it sooner."
Lucian replied coolly. "Because this kind of information should only come out at the right time. I think you are ready now."
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The Dark Prophecy
The tablet revealed Oblivion's ultimate plan: A ritual called the Dark Eye. This ritual would draw all the energy of the world into Oblivion, transforming it into an invincible entity. But the ritual required a specific time and place to be completed: The night of the rising of the Black Moon and in a structure called the Eternal Tower.
Kaelene pointed to the symbols on the tablet. "This tower is in the northern ice deserts. But it will take time to reach it. We can't let Oblivion complete its plans."
Ryker added as he studied the map. "The Black Moon will rise in just three days. If we don't leave now, we can't stop the ritual from happening."
Dante turned to the team, decisively replacing his pistol. "We will reach that tower. And this time, we won't just stop Oblivion. We're going to eradicate everything."
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Next Step: The Eternal Tower
Dante and his team must now make their way to one of the most isolated regions of the world, the Eternal Tower. Time was running out and the journey would test not only their physical endurance, but also the trust between the team.