### Chapter 42: The Shadow King
The village was eerily quiet, a calm before the impending storm. As Allen walked through the streets, he saw the determination etched on the faces of his friends and comrades. They had fought a great battle and emerged victorious, but the war was far from over.
Allen convened a meeting with his closest allies in the war room. Marik, Thalia, Leora, Draven, and Alicia sat around the table, maps and intelligence spread out before them.
"We need to interrogate the cult leader," Allen began. "He might have information that can help us understand more about the Shadow King and his plans."
"I'll handle it," Draven volunteered. "I'll make sure he talks."
Thalia looked concerned. "We must be careful. If the Shadow King's power is as insidious as we suspect, the cult leader might try to use it against us."
Alicia nodded in agreement. "We've wounded the cult, but they're still dangerous."
Just then, a guard entered the room. "Allen, someone is here to see you. It's urgent. They claim to have information about the Shadow King."
Allen's curiosity piqued. "Bring them in."
A young woman with piercing eyes and an air of strength and determination entered the room. She introduced herself as Serafina.
"Thank you for seeing me," she began without preamble. "I have information that can help you against the Shadow King."
Allen gestured for her to sit. "What do you know?"
Serafina took a deep breath. "I used to be a member of the cult, but I left when I saw the true power of the Shadow King. This isn't just some ancient legend; it's a force of pure darkness that seeks to consume everything in its path."
Allen scrutinized her. "Why should we trust you?"
"I understand your skepticism," Serafina replied. "I don't expect you to trust me blindly. But I want to see the Shadow King destroyed as much as you do."
"What can you tell us about their plans?" Draven asked.
"The cult is gathering the necessary relics to summon the Shadow King fully into this world. They already have two of the three relics. The final one is hidden in the catacombs of the ancient city of Dragor."
Allen's heart sank. "What are these relics?"
"Ancient artifacts imbued with powerful magic," Serafina explained. "The final relic is the key. If they obtain it, the summoning will be complete."
Alicia stood up. "Then we have to get there first. We can't let them succeed."
Allen nodded. "We'll leave immediately. Serafina, can you guide us?"
"Yes," Serafina agreed. "But be on guard. The cult will stop at nothing to achieve their goal."
As they prepared for the journey, Allen shared his concerns with Thalia. "I'm not sure if we can trust her, but we can't ignore what she's saying either."
Thalia nodded. "We'll keep a close watch on her. If she's telling the truth, she'll be a valuable ally. If not, we'll deal with her accordingly."
The journey to Dragor was fraught with peril. Serafina led the way, her knowledge of the terrain and the cult proving invaluable. She was guarded in her interactions, revealing only what was necessary.
One night, as they camped by a river, Marik approached Allen. "We need to talk about Serafina. Some of the men are wary of her. They fear she might lead us into a trap."
Allen sighed. "I've considered that too. But until we have proof otherwise, we must remain cautious but open-minded. We need all the help we can get."
The next day, they arrived at the entrance to the catacombs. Serafina pointed to the dark, ominous passage. "This is it. The relic lies deep within, guarded by powerful wards. Be prepared for anything."
Allen's heart pounded in his chest, the weight of the orb a constant reminder of the power he wielded. As they ventured into the tunnels, they encountered traps and dark creatures. Allen used the orb to protect them, its power cutting through the darkness.
They finally reached a vast chamber where the relic sat on a pedestal. As they approached, Serafina suddenly stepped back, a fearful expression on her face.
"We're not alone," she whispered.
Cultists emerged from the shadows, led by a figure in a black cloak. It was the cult leader, his eyes gleaming with malevolence. "Welcome, Allen. You've done exactly as we hoped."
Allen's eyes narrowed. "You knew we were coming."
The leader laughed. "Of course. Serafina played her part perfectly. Thank you for bringing us the final piece of the puzzle."
Serafina's eyes filled with sorrow. "I never wanted it to end this way, Allen. I'm sorry."
The leader raised his hand, dark energy swirling around him. "Prepare to witness the true power of the Shadow King."
The cultists attacked, their dark magic clashing with Allen's orb. Despite the betrayal, Allen's resolve hardened. He would not let the Shadow King be summoned.
As the battle raged, Allen searched for a way to turn the tide. He had to use the power of the orb to end this threat once and for all. The fate of their world depended on them.