Chapter 95: Shadows of Confrontation
The air felt heavier as Yun-ho, Nova, Ethan, Anya, and their newfound ally, Seraphine, prepared for the journey ahead. The wraith's cryptic warning still echoed in their minds, leaving them unsettled. Their search for allies had proven fruitful, yet the reality of the battle against the Heart of Darkness loomed closer than ever.
In the academy courtyard, Yun-ho paced nervously, the sunlight gleaming off his Crimson Reaper chain sickle, now firmly strapped to his back. His mind wandered to the Azure Blade technique, a signature of his past life in the Azure Peak Sect, which had saved him countless times. Yet, something deep inside stirred—a latent fear that his growing power, now tainted by the Heart of Darkness, was slowly corrupting him.
As they made their way through the academy grounds, the students whispered about the upcoming confrontation, the tension palpable.
Ethan, walking beside Yun-ho, nudged him with his elbow. "Still brooding?"
Yun-ho shook his head, forcing a grin. "Just thinking. The stakes are higher now. This isn't just about us anymore; it's about everyone."
Anya, always one to cut through the tension, spoke up with a teasing tone. "Relax. You've got the 'Reaper of the Sea' on your side."
"Right, the Reaper," Nova muttered dryly, though a slight smirk tugged at her lips. "We need to stay focused. The Heart of Darkness isn't just another enemy we can brute force. There's something more to it… something we're missing."
Seraphine, who had been walking behind them, spoke up for the first time since joining their ranks. "The Phoenix constellation granted me a vision last night. I saw flames, shadows, and a convergence. The Heart isn't just an object of power—it's tied to something much older, perhaps even beyond our understanding."
Yun-ho's brow furrowed. "Something older?"
Seraphine nodded, her fiery eyes reflecting the light of the midday sun. "The wraith. It serves something, or someone. Whatever's behind the Heart has a greater plan."
As they approached the central tower, their meeting point with the upperclassmen contractors, the weight of Seraphine's words hung heavy over them. Inside the tower, the other contractors were already gathered. A few nodded in recognition, while others kept their distance, unsure of the outsiders who now sought their help.
A contractor stepped forward, a tall figure with sharp features and a commanding presence. He was Garret, a senior contracted to the constellation of Hercules. "You're the ones who stirred up the academy with this talk of wraiths and shadows," he stated, his voice both curious and skeptical.
Yun-ho straightened. "We need your help. The Heart of Darkness is coming, and if we don't stop it now, it'll consume everything."
Garret crossed his arms, scrutinizing the group. "And what makes you think you can lead this fight?"
Before Yun-ho could respond, Nova stepped forward, her voice steady and unwavering. "Because we've faced it before. And we'll do it again. With or without your help."
For a moment, there was silence. Then, slowly, Garret nodded. "Very well. We'll stand with you, for now."
The alliance was sealed. But as they left the tower, Yun-ho couldn't shake the feeling that something darker lay ahead.