Chapter 41:THE AWAKENING OF AN ANCIENT EVIL
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Chapter 41: The Awakening of an Ancient Evil
The air grew colder as the remains of the Shadow Lord dissolved into the void. But instead of the usual silence after victory, an unsettling pulse echoed through the corridor, making Rio's skin crawl.
"Why… does it feel like something's not right?" Iris muttered, her ears twitching as she scanned the area.
"Because it isn't," Retina whispered, her gaze locked on the spot where the Shadow Lord fell.
A low, sinister rumble echoed from deep below the castle.
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A Seal Broken
Suddenly, ancient symbols etched on the walls began to glow with a blood-red light.
"Those markings…" Retina's eyes widened. "It's… a binding seal!"
"Binding what?" Rio asked, his voice tense.
"Something much worse than a Shadow Lord," Retina murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
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A Forgotten Legend
"The seal wasn't just protecting the castle…" Retina's voice trembled as realization dawned. "It was holding back an ancient entity… sealed away by the vampire lords for centuries."
"Sealed away?" Rio's eyes narrowed. "What kind of entity?"
Retina's lips quivered as she spoke the name.
"The Abyssal King."
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The Abyssal King's Return
A deafening boom echoed as the ground shook violently, cracks spreading like veins across the stone.
"Something's rising…" Iris growled, her claws extending instinctively.
From the depths beneath the castle, a monstrous dark figure began to emerge—a towering creature with jagged wings, hollow glowing eyes, and a sinister aura that suffocated the air.
"The Abyssal King…" Retina whispered, her voice filled with dread.
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A Threat Beyond Imagination
"Impossible…" Rio muttered, feeling the immense pressure radiating from the creature.
The Abyssal King's chilling voice echoed through the air, ancient and filled with malice.
"Fools… you've broken the seal. Now… I shall consume this world once more."
A wave of oppressive energy surged through the area, making even Rio stagger.
"Retina, Iris, fall back!" Rio commanded, his eyes locked on the monstrous figure.
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A Desperate Retreat
"We're not ready for this fight," Retina said, her voice trembling.
"Agreed." Rio clenched his jaw. "We need a plan… and fast."
"Rio…" Iris's tone was grim as her beast vision picked up something worse.
"It's not just the Abyssal King…" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
From the cracks, countless shadow creatures began crawling out—an army ready to devour everything in their path.
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Rio's Resolve
"An army…?" Rio's eyes darkened as he clenched his sword tighter.
"Damn it," he muttered. "This is worse than I thought."
Retina's voice was urgent. "We need to retreat and regroup. If we stay here—"
"No," Rio interrupted, his gaze sharp. "If we run now, this thing will destroy everything."
Iris growled softly, her instincts conflicted. "So, what's the plan, Rio?"
Rio's eyes burned with determination.
"We fight… but this time, we fight smart."
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A Plan in Motion
"We'll split up," Rio decided quickly. "Retina, use your magic to slow down the creatures. Iris, scout the area for an escape route. I'll keep the Abyssal King occupied."
"Alone?" Retina's voice was filled with concern.
"Just long enough to buy us time," Rio said, his jaw clenched.
"Be careful, Rio," Iris whispered, her tone filled with worry.
"Always," Rio replied with a confident smirk, but deep down… he knew this battle would push him beyond his limits.
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To Be Continued…