"A future where everyone is happy and safe—that was my goal. That my actions would pave the way for my worst nightmare to come true… that was never intended." – Liang Wei
The ballroom was heavy with tension. Amid the shadows cast by opulent chandeliers and gleaming marble floors, a chaotic dance of steel and agility unfolded. Ash and Yuichiro moved like opposing forces around their opponent, Morvan, whose grotesque form shimmered with greenish slime. The substance pulsed unnaturally, reshaping itself to absorb every strike.
"Come on, Yuichiro, move a little faster! It feels like I'm fighting alone here!" Ash teased, twirling one of his daggers before delivering a quick thrust toward Morvan. The traitor blocked the attack effortlessly, morphing a viscous mass of slime to repel Ash's blade.
Yuichiro, standing poised with his katana raised, shot Ash a sharp glare. "Maybe you should focus more on fighting instead of running your mouth."
Ash rolled his eyes, dodging a slimy tentacle that lashed out at him, and chuckled mockingly. "And maybe you should stop being so stiff! A bit of flexibility never hurt anyone, Samurai-san!"
Morvan took advantage of their friction, lunging at them with multiple slimy appendages at once, forcing them to leap in opposite directions. He laughed, his voice deep and distorted. "You're no match for me! Two uncoordinated fools hindering each other—how pathetic!"
Episode 14 – Awakening (Part 2)
Yuichiro responded with a precise strike from his [Spirit Blade], the glowing katana slicing through part of Morvan's slimy body. But the severed mass reassembled instantly, and Morvan used the moment to grab Yuichiro with another tentacle, slamming him against the wall.
"Focus, Samurai!" Ash shouted, rolling across the floor fluidly and throwing both daggers in quick succession at Morvan. The blades struck true but were absorbed into the creature's slimy body without causing harm.
"I've had enough of your games!" Morvan growled, activating one of his more powerful abilities. The slime surrounding him began to boil, forming countless sharp spikes that shot out in all directions. Ash and Yuichiro were forced to dive for cover to avoid the deadly barrage.
Yuichiro rose to his feet, gripping his katana tightly, and glared at Ash. "If your attacks were better coordinated, this wouldn't have happened!"
Ash ducked behind a pillar and grinned, even in the heat of battle. "And if you were a little faster, we'd have taken down this slimy bastard already!"
The two exchanged another sharp look, but as Morvan launched a concentrated attack at both of them, they realized they needed to put aside their differences.
"Alright, Samurai. I'll cover you—you attack!" Ash called out, darting over the rubble-strewn floor with lightning speed. His daggers spun in the air, aiming precisely for Morvan's arms to keep him distracted.
Yuichiro gave a brief nod and focused. With a fluid motion, he swung [Spirit Blade] in a wide arc, slicing off a significant portion of Morvan's slimy mass. The traitor roared as part of his body splattered to the ground, beginning to dissolve slowly.
Morvan recoiled, his form pulsating erratically. "You're improving… but it's not enough to stop me!"
"We'll see about that!" Ash retorted, using his agility to land directly in front of Morvan. He feigned a strike with his right dagger but swiftly drove the left into a vulnerable spot in Morvan's slimy body.
Yuichiro seized the opening. "Now!" With a powerful slash of his katana, he struck directly at Morvan's core, severing another large section. The traitor staggered, visibly weakened as more of his slime spilled away.
"Impossible…" Morvan snarled, retreating. "This isn't over. I'll destroy you all when the time is right!" With a final, slimy impact, he dissolved into a cloud of gooey mist and vanished from the ballroom.
Ash and Yuichiro were left panting heavily. "See, Samurai?" Ash said with a triumphant grin. "We make a pretty good team."
Yuichiro sheathed his katana and snorted. "Maybe… if you'd stop talking so much."
"And if you stopped being such a stick-in-the-mud fighter, we could even be unbeatable!" Ash countered, grinning.
The two locked eyes, and though they were polar opposites, there was a silent understanding between them. Morvan was defeated—for now. They were ready for the next step.
Valenor appeared unstoppable. His movements were fluid, almost playful, as he lunged at Aiden, Liang Wei, and Vincent with dark shadow blades. "You're nothing but insects," he sneered, his voice dripping with superiority. "I could crush you with a single blow, but I want you to suffer."
Aiden blocked an attack with a shield forged from bone, but the force of the strike sent him staggering. "That won't happen!" he shouted, activating [Lifetime Legend – Restrictionless]. Massive bone hands erupted from the ground, reaching for Valenor. But the dark warrior merely laughed, shattering the bone with a single swing of his shadow blade.
Liang Wei, ever the strategist, struck from the side with his halberd, a whirl of precision and power. Yet Valenor parried every attack with ease. "Your technique is impressive," he taunted, "but you're powerless against me."
Vincent, relying on his experience and the return of his beasts, coordinated his attacks to corner Valenor. His strikes were synchronized with Leviathan's presence, who continued battling the Celestial Dragon outside. But even with this support, Valenor remained unshaken.
"We need to force him onto the defensive!" Aiden called out as he dodged another attack. "We can't keep this up forever!"
Vincent, breathing heavily, nodded. "I have an idea," he said, determination and pain flickering in his eyes. "Aiden, Liang Wei—create an opening. I just need a moment."
Liang Wei understood instantly, charging at Valenor with a flurry of halberd strikes to keep him focused. "You won't defeat me so easily!" he shouted, locking Valenor in a rapid exchange of blows.
Aiden seized the opportunity to activate [Lifetime Legend – Restrictionless] again. A colossal bone sword formed in his hands, and with a roar, he charged at Valenor. "This is for everything you've destroyed!" he cried, bringing the blade down on his foe.
In that instant, Vincent saw his chance. While Valenor parried Liang Wei and Aiden, Vincent summoned one final wave of water and lightning. "Leviathan!" he shouted, and the water dragon spirit roared outside, channeling its energy into Vincent.
Vincent shaped the energy into a massive spear of pure water, crackling with electricity. "This is for everything you took from me!" he yelled, hurling the spear with all his might at Valenor.
But Valenor noticed the attack at the last second and unleashed a shadow shockwave toward Vincent. The counterstrike struck Vincent head-on, slamming him against one of the crumbling columns of the throne room.
Aiden and Liang Wei paused as Vincent slumped to the ground, gasping for air. His eyes burned with resolve as he forced himself to his feet. "You have to finish this," he wheezed, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. "I… can't hold him off any longer."
Valenor's dark laughter filled the room, his presence dominating the space. "You're pathetic," he mocked. "Do you really think you can defeat me, Vincent?"
But Vincent smiled—a faint, confident smile that came from deep within. "Maybe not… but I can show you that you're not invincible." For a brief moment, Leviathan's voice echoed in his mind.
"You gave it everything, Vincent," the spirit whispered. "And that will make the difference."
With one final glance at Aiden and Liang Wei, Vincent nodded weakly. "Finish this," he whispered. "For all of us."
Aiden and Liang Wei stood side by side, their eyes fixed on Valenor. The darkness around them seemed tangible, but an unyielding fire burned in their hearts.
"We end this here," Aiden said quietly, his voice firm and resolute. Liang Wei nodded, his halberd glowing faintly in the dim light of the throne room.
Valenor stood motionless, his eyes glowing ominously. "Come," he said coldly. "Show me what you're truly capable of."
The throne room trembled under the sheer force of the battle as Aiden, Liang Wei, and Vincent continued to face Valenor. The air was thick with the crackling energy of dark magic, and the shadows surrounding Valenor seemed to writhe and rage as if alive.
Liang Wei stepped forward with determination, his halberd glowing with an intense golden light. "Enough of your games, Valenor!" he shouted, swinging the blade in a wide arc. "It's time for you to face justice!"
Drawing a deep breath, Liang Wei summoned [Wrath of the Vanguard]. An explosive aura surrounded him as golden light surged from the halberd, forming a massive, piercing energy. "With this power, I'll strike you down!" he cried, unleashing a powerful blow that shattered the dark shadows gathering around Valenor.
Valenor evaded the strikes with elegant movements, dancing through the darkness. But Liang Wei refused to relent, each swing bringing him closer to his opponent, his resolve burning like a blazing fire. "You can't hide forever, Valenor!" he shouted, preparing for a final strike.
Yet Valenor remained unfazed. Instead of defending himself, he began to laugh softly—a dark, malevolent chuckle that filled the room and caused Liang Wei to hesitate. "Ah, Liang Wei," Valenor said, his voice dripping with arrogance. "You still don't understand, do you? You're not here to defeat me. You're here because you are the key."
Liang Wei faltered, his attack stalling as he stared at Valenor with furrowed brows. "What are you talking about?"
Valenor straightened, his dark eyes locking onto Liang Wei with the intensity of a predator. "The key that maintains Valoran's divine seal is split into two parts, manifesting as two individuals. Separated at birth, they were each raised by opposing factions—the demon slayers and the shadow walkers—to ensure they would never meet."
Liang Wei's grip on his halberd tightened, and anger began to cloud his expression. "That's ridiculous!"
Valenor's voice deepened, filled with a twisted sense of triumph. "But fate had other plans. Both children were rescued from the battlefield that tore through their cities on that fateful day. And so, we met, Liang Wei."
The battle raged on, but Valenor's monologue continued. "As we grew, we founded the forbidden army together to protect humanity. But soon, I realized the army was futile. Save the humans, and they would find new ways to die, new ways to suffer. We were the ones responsible for their pain. So, I left the army—and we became enemies."
Liang Wei's expression flickered with shock and disbelief, his golden aura faltering. Doubt and confusion began to erode his focus. "This can't be true," he muttered. "You're lying!"
Valenor towered over the now-weakened Liang Wei, his face a cold mask of determination. The shadows around him grew denser, and the air in the throne room grew heavier. "You understand nothing, Liang Wei," he said in a low, ominous voice. "None of you do. Your naive ideas of justice and morality are laughable."
Valenor took a step closer, his gaze piercing through Liang Wei's wavering resolve. "I've seen the depths of humanity's depravity. I've watched as greed, hatred, and despair consumed people. I've seen friendships crumble, families betray each other, and children burn in the fires of war—all in the name of a better future that never comes."
His voice echoed through the room, filled with bitter conviction. "I've watched rulers bleed their people dry, heroes turn into tyrants, and every flicker of hope snuffed out by darkness. Every victory, Liang Wei, is just another form of suffering. Every life saved is just another drop in the ocean of despair."
Raising one of his shadow blades, Valenor pointed it directly at Liang Wei. "You've always believed in the light, in the good. But what has it brought you? Your cities burn, your companions die, and the world will never know peace. There is no escape from the cycle of pain and death."
Valenor's grin widened, his eyes glowing like black abysses. "That's why I'll break Valoran's seal. I'll destroy the gods who created this world and trapped humanity in eternal suffering. And with them, I'll annihilate everything—every person, every life, every spark of hope. Only in absolute darkness can true salvation be found."
Liang Wei trembled, his body wracked with pain and shock, struggling to find the words. "You… you can't mean that. There's always a chance, Valenor! We can fight! We can make the world better!"
But Valenor only laughed—a cold, dark laugh that reverberated through the ruins. "You're so blind, Liang Wei. So pathetically blind. Humanity doesn't deserve salvation. It's a cancer devouring itself. And I am the cure."
In a single, fluid motion, Valenor struck, and Liang Wei fell to his knees. The golden light that once surrounded him was now entirely gone. Blood trickled from his wound, staining the cold marble floor. Aiden and Vincent cried out in unison as they watched helplessly, too far away to intervene in time.
Liang Wei knelt on the cold marble floor of the throne room, the golden glow of his aura completely extinguished. His body trembled—not with fear, but with determination. Blood trickled from the wound on his back, pooling beneath him, a stark reminder of the cost of the battle so far. He looked up at Valenor, whose mocking smile loomed over him like a shadow.
Summoning the last remnants of his strength, Liang Wei pushed himself upright, using his halberd for support. Each step was a monumental effort, but he persisted until he stood directly before Valenor. The dark warrior regarded him with a mixture of amusement and disdain, like a predator toying with its prey.
With a trembling hand, Liang Wei clenched his fist and struck Valenor in the chest. The blow was weak, barely more than a tap, but the gesture carried immense meaning. Valenor frowned, momentarily puzzled by Liang Wei's actions.
Liang Wei smiled—a faint, peaceful smile that seemed to emerge from the depths of his heart. "I've done everything I could," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. "Now… it's up to the others."
Valenor's eyes narrowed. "One last, meaningless sacrifice," he said coldly, raising his shadow blade high. "Your words are nothing, Liang Wei."
With a single, merciless strike, Valenor drove the blade through Liang Wei's chest. Blood sprayed from the wound, and the force of the attack sent Liang Wei collapsing to his knees. The shadows around them roared and surged, as though feeding on the devastation. Aiden and Vincent, watching from afar, screamed in anguish, powerless to stop what was unfolding.
"Aiden!" Vincent cried out, his voice hoarse from pain. "We can't just stand here!"
Aiden's body trembled with rage and grief as he watched Liang Wei's lifeless form slump to the ground. "LIANG WEI!" he roared, his voice raw with sorrow. Gripping his bone blade tightly, he charged at Valenor with reckless abandon. His weapon pulsed with unrestrained energy, shaking the entire hall as he bore down on his foe. "YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS!"
Valenor turned to meet Aiden, a sinister grin spreading across his face. "Come then, Aiden," he taunted. "Let me see how your anger consumes you."
Aiden bellowed like a wounded beast, swinging his blade with wild ferocity. Each strike sent shockwaves through the crumbling throne room, but Valenor evaded or blocked them with effortless grace. "Your rage is delicious," Valenor mocked, parrying another blow. "But it makes you weak."
Aiden didn't respond, his mind clouded by grief and fury. His attacks grew faster, each one more forceful than the last. The bone hands he summoned from the ground reached up once more, larger and more menacing than ever before. The entire room seemed to shudder under the weight of his raw, unrestrained power. Valenor's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of respect—or perhaps anticipation—crossing his face.
The throne room descended into chaos as the battle raged on. In the distance, the ruins of the palace groaned and cracked, collapsing under the strain of the unleashed energy. The seal that held Valoran bound was breaking, its power surging uncontrollably.
Valenor strode through the crumbling ruins, his gaze fixed on Liang Wei's lifeless body lying at his feet. For a moment, silence engulfed the space, broken only by the deep rumble of the collapsing palace. Valenor's eyes gleamed with triumph—but also with a hint of doubt.
"It's done," he murmured, his voice barely audible. The shadows around him recoiled as if even they feared the energy being unleashed. "I have the first half of the key… but how do I merge it with my own?"
Valenor's brow furrowed as he pondered. Liang Wei had never known he was part of the key, and even Valenor had only recently uncovered the truth. But the gods had left no instructions, no prophecy to guide him on how to unify the two halves.
He stepped closer to Liang Wei's body, his expression shifting between curiosity and contempt. "The gods hid you well, brother," Valenor said softly. "But even they couldn't keep you from me."
Then, throwing his head back, he laughed—a hollow, triumphant sound that echoed through the collapsing ruins. "It doesn't matter! I am the second half of the key! If I don't know the way, no one does!" Raising his shadow blade, he gazed at the pulsating darkness that writhed like a living thing around the weapon. "I will end this cycle myself. Humanity doesn't deserve life, and I won't be their cursed instrument of existence."
Without hesitation, Valenor drove the blade into his own chest. The shadows that had always been a part of him erupted in all directions, filling the throne room with an overwhelming darkness. His glowing eyes flared brightly for a moment before dimming, and his body crumpled to the ground beside Liang Wei's.
A massive surge of energy tore through the room as the two halves of the key—Valenor and Liang Wei—were finally united. The divine seal that had imprisoned Valoran began to pulsate, faintly at first, then with increasing intensity as the combined power triggered the mechanism of unsealing.
A deafening crack echoed through the palace as the seal released a shockwave, shaking the very foundations. Walls split apart, marble floors fractured, and the grand chandeliers shattered under the immense pressure. Shadows roared like living flames as the seal continued to pulse with growing power.
Aiden, still standing ready to fight, stared in horror at the scene before him. "What… what have you done?" he screamed into the void, but there was no response. The sheer pressure of the unleashed energy forced him to cling to a crumbling pillar to stay upright.
The palace began to collapse in earnest. Ceiling panels caved in, massive walls buckled, and deep fissures spread across the floor. A glowing, fiery red energy erupted from the depths as if the very earth had been torn asunder.
"Two days," Aiden murmured, his wide eyes fixed on the pulsating energy. "In two days, Valoran will be free…" His gaze shifted to the lifeless bodies of Valenor and Liang Wei. "And nothing will stop him."
He turned and called out to Vincent, who leaned heavily against a crumbling wall, bloodied and battered. "We have to get out of here! The palace won't hold much longer!"
Vincent nodded weakly, his eyes lingering on Liang Wei's body, filled with sorrow. "He gave his life… and yet he freed Valoran…" he muttered as Aiden helped him to his feet.
The palace continued to collapse around them as they ran through the debris. Behind them, a massive pillar of light and shadow erupted into the sky, piercing the heavens and illuminating the night with a haunting glow. It was a sight both awe-inspiring and terrifying—a sign that the end of their world had begun.
The rain of Valoria poured relentlessly as the group made their way through the narrow, drenched streets. The pulsating column of light and shadow could be felt even here, an ominous glow piercing the dense clouds and casting an eerie hue over the city. Their footsteps echoed softly against the cobblestone, the weight of their losses and the gravity of their mission heavy on their minds.
Yuichiro carried Aiden on his shoulders. Though soaked to the bone, he pressed forward with unwavering determination. Behind him, Ash supported Vincent, whose breaths were labored and weak. The rain mingled with sweat and blood, masking the toll of their journey as they navigated the city's winding alleys.
At last, they arrived at a secluded shelter—a weathered stone pavilion whose roof provided some reprieve from the downpour. Yuichiro gently lowered Aiden onto a damp stone bench, while Ash propped Vincent against a sturdy pillar. Both looked utterly exhausted, their faces etched with grief and fatigue.
The steady rhythm of the rain against the pavilion's roof was their only solace. Yet even here, the light and shadow column on the horizon remained visible, its unearthly glow illuminating the dreary surroundings like a cursed beacon.
"So, this is what we're facing," Ash murmured, his voice barely rising above the sound of the rain. "Two days… and then he's free."
Yuichiro sat silently beside Aiden, placing a firm but gentle hand on his shoulder. His eyes were serious, yet there was a warmth in his expression. "Aiden, we don't have time to grieve. Liang Wei gave his life so we could continue this fight. If we give up now, his sacrifice will mean nothing."
Aiden blinked slowly, his reddened eyes glistening as tears mixed with rain on his face. "He… he shouldn't have had to die," he whispered hoarsely. "He shouldn't have died for me."
"He didn't just die for you," Vincent said, his voice weak but steady. "He did it for all of us—for the entire world. Now it's up to us to honor that and finish what he started."
Ash leaned against the pavilion's pillar, staring out into the rain. "We've got two days," he said bitterly, letting out a hollow laugh. "Two days to figure out how to survive this—or how to stop Valoran."
Yuichiro nodded, his eyes fixed on the distant column of light and shadow piercing the rainy skies. "We have two days to do everything we can. Two days to stop the end of the world."
The rain continued to pour as the group moved through the labyrinthine streets of Valoria. The oppressive presence of the light and shadow column seemed to weigh down on them with every step. Eventually, their path led them back to a narrow alleyway, where a familiar door stood slightly ajar—the entrance to Dr. Mortis's clinic.
Inside, the soft hum of medical equipment filled the air. The dim, flickering light cast long shadows over the room, where Luna remained unconscious on a makeshift bed. Nearby, the brothers rested, their wounds tended to but their bodies still frail from the ordeal.
Dr. Mortis worked quietly, his movements precise as he adjusted Luna's monitors. Without turning to face them, he spoke. "You've returned. I hope you didn't expect miracles. They're alive—that's all you can ask for."
Yuichiro stepped forward, his expression solemn. "Thank you, Dr. Mortis. We've brought Vincent to you. He's gravely injured, and we need him back on his feet as soon as possible."
Mortis cast a brief glance at Vincent, who leaned heavily on Ash. "Put him on the bed over there," he said, snapping his gloves in preparation. "He's hurt, but not critical. If he stays still long enough, I can fix him."
Vincent weakly lifted his head, attempting to protest. "I… I can still go with you. You need me—"
"No," Yuichiro interrupted firmly. "Your job is to survive and protect the others when they recover. Leave the rest to us."
Vincent clenched his teeth, his eyes filled with frustration and pain—both physical and emotional. But after a moment, he nodded silently, unable to argue further.
Dr. Mortis sighed softly, his tone curt but not unkind. "He'll need a few hours of rest. Now let me work—I have no time for pointless conversation." His sharp gaze flicked to Yuichiro. "And you… your aura has changed. Whatever you're planning, do it quickly."
Yuichiro nodded in acknowledgment. "We will." Turning to Ash and Aiden, he gestured toward the door. "Let's go. We can't waste any more time."
The three of them exited the clinic, stepping once more into the relentless rain of Valoria. Their expressions were grim, their movements purposeful. Yuichiro took the lead, his strides quick and determined. Ash and Aiden followed close behind, the silence between them filled with unspoken resolve.
Eventually, Ash broke the silence, his voice cautious yet pressing. "So, Yuichiro, you have a plan to stop Valoran, right? What's the next step?"
Yuichiro paused for a moment before answering, his tone calm but heavy. "There's a place—the Seal Ruins. That's where the original seal that bound Valoran was created. Each time a seal breaks, it can be restored there."
"That sounds like a solution," Aiden said, a flicker of hope in his voice. But his expression darkened as he caught Yuichiro's somber gaze. "But…?"
"But the cost is steep," Yuichiro continued, his voice unwavering but tinged with sadness. "To renew the seal, a demon slayer must give their life. It's the only way to activate the ancient magic."
Ash froze in his tracks, his face contorted in disbelief and anger. "Wait—are you seriously saying that you—?"
"Yes," Yuichiro cut him off, his resolve unshakable. "I will restore the seal. It's my duty as the leader of the demon slayers to make this sacrifice. If my life can save the world, then it's a price I'm willing to pay."
"Damn it, Yuichiro!" Ash shouted, his voice trembling with rage and desperation. "That's insane! There has to be another way!"
Yuichiro turned slowly to face him, his gaze steady and unwavering. "If there were another way, I would have found it by now. We don't have time for doubts or hesitation. Valoran must not return."
Aiden stood silently, his hands clenched into fists. "Yuichiro… are you sure? There has to be… there has to be another way."
The samurai shook his head. "There isn't, Aiden. This is my decision, and I need you to respect it."
A heavy silence settled over the group until Ash finally muttered, "You're a damned fool, you know that?" He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "But if you're really set on this… I'll make sure you get to the ruins."
Aiden nodded reluctantly, his eyes glistening with restrained sorrow. "We'll stand by you, Yuichiro. To the very end."
The rain began to lighten as they left Valoria behind, and soon they found themselves at the foot of a vast stone plateau. The Seal Ruins lay atop the mountain, surrounded by a labyrinth of crumbling pillars and bridges that stretched over deep chasms. Ancient runes were carved into the stones, their faint glow growing stronger with each step.
"This is the place," Yuichiro said quietly, his gaze fixed on the ruins ahead. "Here is where it all ends—or begins."
Ash and Aiden exchanged a brief glance before following him. The path was treacherous, and the air was thick with an overwhelming power that seemed to press down on them. Yet despite the danger, they pressed onward, determined to face whatever awaited them in the ruins.
Plagued by losses and a failed plan, Valoran has finally been defeated—but an even greater challenge now lies ahead for the adventurers. Everything depends on restoring the seal. Will they succeed in sealing Velnor? What dangers await them within the Seal Ruins? Find out in Episode 15 – Temple Runner (Part 1)!
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