Chereads / The Eternal Trail / Chapter 37 - Chapter 36

Chapter 37 - Chapter 36

The team had been tracking The Void's influence for weeks, each encounter bringing them closer to the final confrontation. Their journey had taken them through dark forests, abandoned villages, and now, the heart of Seoul. Each step was a test of their resolve, but they pressed on, driven by the hope of restoring balance.

As they approached the cathedral, a sense of foreboding filled the air. The once-grand building now stood as a testament to The Void's encroaching darkness. Vines and overgrowth crept along its walls, and the stained glass windows, once vibrant with color, were now dull and lifeless.

Hana led the way, her eyes glowing faintly as she tapped into her demonic heritage for guidance. "The anchor point is here," she said, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. "We need to be careful. The Void's presence is strong."

Ji-Hoon nodded, his grip on his weapon tightening. "Stay close and stay alert," he instructed, his eyes scanning the shadows for any signs of danger.

The team moved through the cathedral with caution, their footsteps echoing in the empty halls. Dust motes floated in the air, disturbed by their passage, and the faint scent of decay lingered. As they reached the central nave, the oppressive energy of The Void became almost tangible, pressing down on them like a weight.

Maeve's voice cut through the silence. "The anchor point should be in the main chamber. Let's move quickly."

They pushed open the heavy wooden doors, revealing the cathedral's main hall. At the center, a swirling vortex of dark energy pulsed, casting eerie shadows on the walls. The anchor point was a manifestation of The Void's power, and it needed to be destroyed.

Soo-min's sharp eyes scanned the room. "We're not alone," she whispered, spotting movement in the shadows. Twisted figures, corrupted by The Void's influence, emerged from the darkness, their eyes glowing with an unnatural light.

"Here we go," Ji-Hoon muttered, stepping forward with determination. "Everyone, be ready."

The battle that ensued was fierce. Ji-Hoon and Seok-jin fought at the forefront, their weapons flashing as they struck down the corrupted creatures. Soo-min's expert marksmanship picked off enemies from a distance, each shot precise and deadly.

Hana and Maeve pushed towards the anchor point, their goal clear. They needed to perform the ritual to sever The Void's connection to this place. "Cover us!" Hana shouted, her voice ringing out over the chaos.

As the team held off the creatures, Hana and Maeve began the ritual. Their voices rose in unison, chanting the ancient words needed to break The Void's hold. The air around them crackled with energy, the oppressive force pushing back against their will.

"Hold on just a little longer!" Maeve called out, her voice strained from the effort. The creatures' attacks grew more desperate, as if sensing the impending threat to their existence.

With a final, powerful incantation, Hana and Maeve completed the ritual. The anchor point shattered in a blinding flash of light, and the dark energy dissipated. The creatures let out a final, anguished cry before dissolving into nothingness.

Panting and exhausted, the team regrouped in the main hall. "We did it," Hana said, her voice shaky but triumphant. "The anchor point is destroyed."

Ji-Hoon wiped sweat from his brow, a look of relief mixed with resolve on his face. "One step closer," he said. "But we still have one more to go."

The team exited the cathedral, the night's chill wrapping around them like a shroud. Their breaths formed misty puffs in the air as they made their way through the deserted streets of Seoul, heading towards their next destination—the old government building at the heart of the city.