Chapter 26: Heart of Sekai
Dante and Kaelene looked at the map left after Eira's death, trying to figure out where the path to the Council leader ended. The map now pointed to an ancient city: the Umbra Nexus, the ruins of a lost civilization and home to the deepest roots of darkness.
Kaelene looked at Dante anxiously as she examined the map. "The Umbra Nexus was once the border between man and darkness. This will not only be a physical battle, but a struggle that will threaten our souls as well."
Dante checked his pistols and replied in a harsh voice. "If my soul is needed to finish this, I will put it on the line. We will set off now."
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Entrance to the Umbra Nexus
As they approached the ancient city, they felt the atmosphere change. The sky was covered in gray and black clouds, and a strange hum from the city filled the air. All around was ruins and stone structures that had darkened with age. But Dante could sense that something was waiting here.
Kaelene squatted down and examined an old stone tablet. "This city was protected by a seal. However, the seal has long since been broken. That's why the Council uses this place as a base."
Dante looked around silently when he suddenly heard screams coming from far away. "Those voices..." he said in a low tone.
Kaelene shook her head in fear. "Those voices are the echoes of those who died here in the past. Here we will not only fight our enemies, but also the curse of this place."
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The First Obstacles
As they descended deeper into the city, they advanced through dark tunnels that resembled underground dungeons. However, those they encountered were not ordinary guards. Dead soldiers, decayed by time but kept alive by magic, blocked their path.
These soldiers neither spoke nor stood still. Their only purpose was to stop the incoming ones.
Dante drew his pistols and aimed at them. "Come on, let's test you."
Kaelene supported Dante by creating a protective shield with magic. However, these soldiers could not be neutralized by ordinary bullets.
"Dante!" Kaelene shouted. "The way to stop them is to cut off their magic source. Focus on the stones that strengthen them!"
Dante noticed the glowing stones embedded in the walls of the tunnel. He took out one of his pistols, took aim, and shattered the magic stone. When the stone broke, the soldiers fell to the ground one by one.
"So this is what it is," Dante said calmly. "Break the spell, and the bodies will fall."
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Heart of the Umbra Nexus
When they reached the center of the city, a huge structure greeted them. A temple built underground, surrounded by endless darkness... This was the throne of the leader of the Council.
Kaelene looked at the temple and whispered. "The energy that emanates from here... This is the center of darkness. If we fail here, not only this war, but the entire world will lose."
Dante pushed open the massive doors of the temple and stepped inside. "We will not fail."
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Council Leader: Magnus
Inside the temple, a figure sitting on a dark throne awaited them. Magnus was the leader of the Council and a warrior who had reached the pinnacle of dark magic. His long, black armor and the sword in his hand seemed to be made with the essence of darkness.
Magnus looked at Dante and Kaelene with a cold smile. "I heard that you defeated Ignis and Eira. However, it takes a different kind of courage to face me."
Dante took a step forward, aiming his pistols. "I am here to kill you. Hold your words, for they will be your last words."
Magnus laughed and stood up. "Arrogance is the end of every warrior. Come on, Dante. I will show you what darkness is."
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A Fierce Battle
As soon as Magnus finished speaking, he summoned a storm of dark energy. Every corner of the temple was lit up by magic and the floor cracked. Dante tried to deflect Magnus' attacks while Kaelene supported him with magic.
Magnus used both physical and magical attacks at the same time. Each move struck with deadly precision, forcing Dante to keep moving.
Kaelene increased her spells to distract Magnus, but Magnus knocked her down in one move. "Are you trying to defeat me with a weak sorcerer?"
Dante dropped his pistols and drew the ice spear that Eira had left behind. He lunged at Magnus, trying to corner him with a physical attack. However, Magnus created a shield of dark energy.
"Is that all, Dante?" Magnus taunted.
Dante understood the limits of Magnus's power. "No, this is just the beginning."
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The Final Blow
Dante looked at Kaelene and made a plan. "Distract her. I'll make the final move."
Despite her injuries, Kaelene summoned all her strength and sent a wave of energy at Magnus. While Magnus tried to deflect the attack with magic, Dante grabbed the pistols on his back and fired both pistols at the same time.
The bullets pierced through Magnus's magic shield and hit him right in the heart. Magnus looked at Dante as he fell to his knees and spoke in a weak voice. "Even if you defeat me, the darkness will never end."
Dante pulled out his pistols.He lowered his head and replied coldly. "It begins and ends with you."
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One Step Closer
With Magnus' death, the temple began to collapse. Dante and Kaelene quickly escaped the ruins. However, Magnus's words echoed in both of their minds.
Kaelene looked at Dante. "This is not over yet. As Magnus said, the darkness may lie deeper."
Dante slowly holstered his pistols and looked up at the dark sky. "Then we will do whatever is necessary."
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