Chapter 31: Shadows Descend
The village square was bathed in an eerie glow as the shadowy figures emerged from the darkness. The leader, cloaked in black, stepped forward, their glowing red eyes fixed on Jin Soo and his companions.
"You've come far," the figure said, their voice cold and commanding. "But this is where your journey ends."
Jin Soo tightened his grip on the tether, its light burning brighter in response to the looming threat. "We've faced worse," he said, his voice steady.
The figure chuckled, a hollow sound that sent chills down their spines. "You think you understand the shadows, but you've barely scratched the surface."
Without warning, the shadow creatures surged forward, their movements swift and coordinated. The villagers scattered, their screams filling the air as chaos erupted.
"Protect the villagers!" Eun Ha shouted, drawing her blade and charging into the fray.
Min Jae followed suit, his movements a blur as he took down several creatures with precision strikes. Seo Jin and Hye Rin worked together, their combined attacks creating bursts of light that temporarily drove the shadows back.
Jin Soo focused on the leader, who stood motionless amidst the chaos. The tether pulsed in his hand, urging him forward.
"You've been following us," Jin Soo said, his voice firm. "Who are you, and what do you want?"
The figure tilted their head, a faint smile visible beneath their hood. "I am but a fragment of the darkness," they said. "And you are an obstacle that must be removed."
They raised a hand, and the shadows around them converged into a massive, swirling vortex. Jin Soo barely had time to react before the vortex exploded outward, forcing him to dive for cover.
"You can't fight this alone!" Hye Rin called, her voice cutting through the chaos.
Jin Soo nodded, his resolve unwavering. Together, they launched a coordinated assault, their combined strength pushing the figure back. But even as they fought, the shadows seemed endless.
"We need a plan!" Seo Jin shouted, his energy nearly depleted.
"We'll find one," Jin Soo said, his gaze locked on the leader. "We have to."
To Be Continue.......