Chapter 19: Lost and Dark
After Zephyr's defeat and the destruction of the temple, the team left the Dark City and retreated to a safe place. However, instead of the sweet taste of victory, there was a deep melancholy over them. The Dark Lord's presence showed that Zephyr was just a pawn. Moreover, losses and conflicts had begun to occur within the team.
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Silence in the Sanctuary
The team found shelter in the ruins. Lucian silently cleaned his daggers while Kaelene tended to his wounds. Ryker tried to repair his devices. However, Dante was sitting in a corner, lost in thought.
Kaelene broke the silence and approached Dante. "You brought us this far. But sitting silently like this is lowering the team's morale."
Dante took a deep breath, looking at his pistols. "We defeated Zephyr, but have we really won this war? The darkness of Oblivion is still upon us and the people are still in danger."
Kaelene smiled slightly and placed her hand on Dante's shoulder. "You cannot carry such a heavy burden alone. This war is not yours alone."
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A New Trace: The Dark Lord's Herald
A female figure approached the bunker from the shadows. She wore a black cloak with the Dark Lord's symbol on it. This woman, named Nyssa, was the Dark Lord's herald.
Nyssa stood before the team and spoke in a calm voice. "The fall of the Zephyr will not delay the Dark Lord's plans. But I will give you a chance. Stand down and accept the darkness's rule. Or be prepared to suffer."
Dante stood up calmly against Nyssa's threats. "The Dark Lord will not save anyone. If you come in his name, this may be your last speech."
Nyssa smiled wryly. "I admire your courage, Dante. But the darkness has already engulfed you. If you continue to fight, you will only suffer more losses."
Dante aimed his pistols. "I will ask the darkness for everything I have lost. Tell the Dark Lord; I am coming."
Nyssa disappeared into the shadows. However, her arrival made it clear that the team was not ready to face the darkness.
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A Lost Friend
A sudden explosion occurred while Ryker was repairing his devices. A shadow creature had infiltrated the bunker and attacked Ryker. The team rushed to save Ryker, but the creature was too fast.
Kaelene tried to ward off the creature with magic. "Ryker, get out of here!" she shouted.
Ryker threw one of his energy devices to deflect the creature's attack. However, the creature lunged at Ryker, mortally wounding him. Dante quickly destroyed the creature with both of his pistols, but it was too late.
Ryker lay on the ground, covered in blood. Dante ran to his side and knelt. "Ryker! Hang on, my friend!"
Ryker spoke with difficulty, smiling. "This… was my way, Dante. But… don't give up on this fight. You have to end it."
Kaelene couldn't hold back her tears as Ryker took his last breath. The team's scientist and technological genius was no longer among them.
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Dante's Oath
After Ryker's death, the team was buried in a deep silence. Dante was left alone for a while. Anger and grief were gathering inside him as he cleaned his pistols.
Kaelene came to his side and spoke quietly. "We couldn't save him. But you're still here, Dante. Don't let his sacrifice go to waste."
Dante put his pistols back in their place and stood up. There was determination and vengeance in his eyes. "We will find the Dark Lord. And this time, we will not lose anyone."
Lucian came to them, clutching his daggers. "If we are going to war, we will not go alone. We will avenge Ryker."
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A New Alliance
After Ryker's death, the team contacted an old ally to gain more information against the Dark Lord. This person was Sienna, a woman who was an expert in magic and martial arts.
As Sienna joined the team, she explained that the Dark Lord's true goal was not just the world, but the essence of all life. "He wants to go beyond Oblivion. If we don't stop him, all will end."
Dante looked back at Ryker's grave as they began their new journey. "I will do this for you, my friend. The Darkness will lose."
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