Chapter 34: The Hollowing’s Pawn

Leo's grip on his sword tightened as he stared at the figure standing before them. His breath hitched, his mind refusing to believe what his eyes were telling him.

It was him.

No. It was who he used to be.

The man before them was none other than Dante, Leo's closest friend and the man who had died protecting him years ago. But there was no mistaking it—this wasn't the Dante Leo had once known. His eyes, once full of fire and defiance, now glowed with the sickly hue of the Hollowing's corruption.

Marcus took a step forward, disbelief etched across his face. "This has to be a joke."

Kaelara's hand hovered over the hilt of her blade, her expression dark. "It's not."

Eris's face was pale, her magic already crackling at her fingertips. "This isn't just a reanimated corpse. He's alive—but tainted."

Dante finally spoke, his voice an eerie mix of familiarity and something far more sinister.

"It's been a long time, Leo."

Leo swallowed hard. "You're supposed to be dead."

Dante chuckled, his smirk almost identical to the one Leo remembered. "I was. And then I wasn't."

Leo's stomach churned. This wasn't just some illusion, some trick of the Hollowing. This was really Dante.

But he had changed.

"You died saving me," Leo said, his voice hoarse. "I buried you myself."

Dante's smirk faded. "And look where it got you. Fighting a war you can't win. Still carrying that damn sword like it means something." His gaze flickered to Eris. "And still surrounding yourself with fools who think they can outplay the Hollowing."

Eris's hands tensed, but she didn't speak.

Leo forced himself to stay calm. "What did it do to you?"

Dante spread his arms wide. "It saved me."

Kaelara scoffed. "Looks more like it enslaved you."

Dante's gaze darkened. "You don't understand, Kaelara. None of you do. The Hollowing isn't just some mindless force. It's evolution. It doesn't just destroy—it transforms. I chose this."

Leo's hands trembled. He had faced monsters, assassins, horrors beyond human understanding. But nothing had ever shaken him like this.

"You expect me to believe that?" he asked quietly.

Dante's smile returned, but it was sharper now. Colder. "You will. Soon."

The air grew heavy. The ground beneath them trembled.

And then—Dante moved.

In an instant, he was in front of Leo, a blackened blade materializing in his hand. Leo barely had time to react before their swords clashed, sending a shockwave through the air.

Dante's strength was overwhelming. Leo staggered back, barely managing to parry the rapid flurry of strikes. Every blow sent vibrations through his arms, each strike more ruthless than the last.

Marcus charged, his greatsword swinging in a devastating arc—only for Dante to twist effortlessly out of the way. With inhuman speed, he kicked Marcus square in the chest, sending the massive warrior flying backward.

Kaelara lunged, her twin blades flashing. But Dante moved like a shadow, slipping past her guard and slamming his palm into her side. The force of the impact sent her skidding across the ground.

Eris unleashed a barrage of magical energy, violet lightning crackling toward Dante. But he raised his hand, and the Hollowing's corruption formed a barrier around him, absorbing the magic as if it were nothing.

Leo gritted his teeth. This wasn't just the Dante he knew. He had become something else entirely.

And he was toying with them.

"Enough," Dante said, his voice laced with amusement. "You're all fighting the wrong battle."

Leo forced himself to stand his ground, his sword steady despite the exhaustion creeping into his limbs. "Then tell me—what the hell is the right battle?"

Dante's glowing eyes locked onto his. "Stop resisting. Stop fighting against something far greater than yourself. The Hollowing doesn't need to be destroyed, Leo. It needs to be embraced."

A pit formed in Leo's stomach.

"Join us," Dante said.

Silence.

The words hung in the air like a curse.

Eris's voice was sharp. "Not a chance."

Dante barely spared her a glance. "I wasn't talking to you."

His focus was solely on Leo.

Leo felt the weight of everyone's gazes on him. His mind raced. Could Dante be reasoned with? Was there anything left of the man he once called his friend?

And, most importantly—was there even a chance that Dante was right?

Leo took a breath. His next words would define everything that came next.

And he had already made his decision.

He raised his sword. "I'll tell you what I do understand."

Dante tilted his head.

Leo's grip tightened. "You're not the Dante I knew."

Dante's smirk faltered.

Leo's voice was unwavering now. "You're just another pawn. And I don't talk to pawns."

Dante's eyes burned with something unreadable. Then—

He laughed.

Low at first, then rising into something almost joyous.

"Oh, Leo," he said, shaking his head. "You always were predictable."

His fingers twitched. The air around him darkened, shadows twisting at his feet.

"Fine, then," Dante said. "Have it your way."

The corruption surged.

And the real fight began.