Chapter 19 - Race Against Time

Inside the dark ruins, Iris ran at full speed, dodging falling debris as the echoes of monstrous growls filled the air. These were no ordinary ruins; they were a deadly maze, teeming with threats he wasn't fully prepared for.

But above all, one thought consumed him—Selena.

She had been taken right before his eyes. A monstrous claw had dragged her into the shadows, and he had been powerless to stop it.

"Damn it!" he growled, slamming his fist against the wall. There was no time for anger—he had to save her.

Taking a deep breath, he continued through the stone corridors, slashing through any monster that dared to stand in his way. His senses were sharp, scanning every corner for any clue to her whereabouts.

After minutes of relentless running and combat, he arrived at a vast chamber. In the center stood a massive stone throne, and before it loomed a giant beast wreathed in purple flames.

"The King of the Ruins..." Iris muttered, gripping his sword tightly.

But what shocked him most was Selena, suspended mid-air, bound by black chains that seemed woven from darkness itself.

"Iris..." she whispered weakly, struggling to speak.

The beast stepped forward, its deep voice reverberating through the chamber.

"Humans... always intruding where they do not belong. This girl will be my first sacrifice. As for you, you will die here."

Iris clenched his sword, knowing the upcoming battle wouldn't be easy. But before he could charge, Selena's voice rang out:

"Iris... the sword... the Dragon Slayer... it's beneath you!"

His eyes widened. Could it be that the very weapon capable of turning the tide of battle was hidden here?

"If there's even a sliver of hope, I won't waste it!"

Dashing toward the throne, he narrowly dodged the beast's massive strikes, his breath quickening. Everything depended on this moment.