Chapter 42:THE FINAL GAMBIT

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Chapter 42: The Final Gambit

Rio stood firm, his sword glowing faintly as the oppressive aura of the Abyssal King filled the air. His body was exhausted, but his mind raced. They couldn't fight this thing—not head-on.

"We're ending this… now," Rio muttered, his eyes narrowing with resolve.

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A Dangerous Plan

"Retina, how long can you maintain a dimensional seal?" Rio asked without looking back.

"Maybe… a few minutes," Retina replied, her voice strained. "But with this much energy… I can't guarantee it will hold."

"That's all I need." Rio clenched his sword tighter.

"Iris." His gaze shifted to her. "I need you to guide me to the Abyssal Core."

"The Abyssal Core?" Iris's eyes widened. "You're planning to—"

"Destroy the source," Rio interrupted. "If I can reach it… I can finish this."

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The Final Push

"Alright." Iris focused, her beast vision activating. "I can see it… deep within the castle ruins. But—"

"Say no more." Rio dashed forward, slicing through the incoming shadow creatures with A Thousand Slashes, creating an opening for the team.

"Retina, keep that seal ready!" Rio shouted.

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Abyssal Core: The Heart of Darkness

As they descended deeper into the ruins, the oppressive aura intensified. At the center, a massive Abyssal Core pulsed with dark energy. It was the heart of the Abyssal King's power.

"Once I strike that core… it's over," Rio murmured, gripping his sword tighter.

"But Rio," Retina's voice trembled. "The explosion will—"

"I know." His tone was calm but unwavering.

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A Sacrifice?

"Rio…" Iris's eyes glistened. "You don't have to—"

"I'm not dying today," Rio gave a reassuring smile. "I'm just… ending this nightmare."

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The Final Strike

Rio sprinted toward the core, dodging a barrage of shadow attacks. As he reached the core, the Abyssal King's voice echoed in his mind.

"You think you can stop me, mortal?"

"I don't think…" Rio whispered, his sword glowing brighter. "I know."

"A Thousand Slashes: Final Form!"

In an instant, Rio unleashed a devastating chain of attacks, each strike cutting through the core's defenses.

The core shattered, releasing a blinding explosion of light.

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A New Dawn

When the light faded, Rio opened his eyes, feeling the weight of the world lifting. The shadow creatures disintegrated, and the oppressive aura vanished.

"Did… we do it?" Retina whispered.

Iris's ears twitched, sensing the absence of danger. "It's… over."

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A Hero's Return

Rio stood at the edge of the ruins, looking at the rising sun.

"We made it," he whispered.

Retina and Iris stood beside him, their expressions filled with relief.

"Let's go," Rio said softly, a tired but victorious smile on his face.

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To Be Continued…