In the previous chapter, Solomon, with a do-or-die spirit, launched his final assault on the wicked magic circle. Under the force of his all-out attack, the magic circle, teetering like a fragile house battered by a storm, began to crack.
"Ha! You vile thing, you're finally falling apart!" Solomon mocked loudly as the dark glow of the magic circle flickered erratically. The demon's roars echoed deafeningly, a final desperate cry, as it struggled in vain.
Yet Solomon did not relax for a moment. His teeth clenched tightly, veins bulging on his forehead. "I won't give you any chance!" he roared, pouring his energy relentlessly into the Starblade, its gleaming edge driven deep into the heart of the magic circle.
With a thunderous explosion, the magic circle collapsed. The dark light was snuffed out in an instant, and the demon's roars were abruptly silenced. Solomon, his energy spent, slumped to the ground, utterly exhausted.
"This is only a temporary victory," Solomon thought, panting heavily. He knew deep down, "The root of this dark power is still buried deep within the heart of the Continent of Glory, like a slumbering demon. Given the slightest opportunity, it will rise again and plunge this land into catastrophe."
Dragging his battered body, he stumbled out of the temple. Once back in the human world of the Continent of Glory, Solomon wasted no time in summoning the leaders of all the major factions.
The atmosphere in the grand council chamber was heavy with tension. Standing before the gathered leaders, Solomon spoke with a voice that, though weary, brimmed with determination:
"Everyone, I must tell you—darkness has not been completely eradicated. Its roots remain."
"What? How is that possible?" A burly lord exclaimed, his face a mix of disbelief and concern.
"It's true. I witnessed it with my own eyes. If we do not unite and find a way to destroy it at its core, the Continent of Glory will once again fall into endless disaster," Solomon declared, his resolute gaze sweeping across the assembly.
"Solomon is right. We cannot sit idly by," said a mage in an ornate robe, rising to his feet with a grave expression.
The leaders, hearing the gravity of the situation, began to realise the dire threat. They knew well that no single force could stand against such overwhelming and terrifying darkness.
"What should we do? Solomon, do you have a plan?" a city-state lord asked anxiously.
"We must form a united expedition team to venture into the heart of the Continent of Glory and locate the source of this dark power. Only then can we eliminate this threat once and for all," Solomon replied.
"Count me in! I'll send the finest warriors from my domain!" the burly lord was the first to respond.
"I shall dispatch my most talented mages," the mage followed promptly.
"Our city-state will fully support this mission as well!" the city-state lord nodded in agreement.
Soon, factions from across the Continent pledged their finest warriors, mages, and resources to form a formidable united expedition team.
This team was a gathering of the Continent's bravest warriors, the most powerful magicians, and the wisest scholars. They hailed from different races and cultures, united by a singular purpose.
On the eve of the expedition's departure, in the castle of the Victoria family, the atmosphere was solemn.
"Solomon, you must be careful out there," Elder Claude said worriedly, his brow furrowed deeply. "This journey will be fraught with dangers—who knows what you may encounter?"
"Rest assured, Elder. I'll be cautious. For the sake of the Continent of Glory, I have no other choice but to go," Solomon replied resolutely.
"Hmm. The family will be your steadfast support. I only hope you can complete your mission and return safely," Elder Claude said, patting Solomon on the shoulder.
"Alfred, I leave the family affairs in your hands," Solomon said to his steward.
"Do not worry, my lord. I will manage everything in your absence. Focus on your mission, and we shall await your triumphant return," Alfred replied dutifully.
"Liana..." Solomon's gaze fell upon Liana, his eyes brimming with reluctant longing.
"Solomon, I know you will succeed. I'll be here, waiting for you to come back," Liana said, her eyes glistening with tears, yet her voice unwavering.
Solomon stood before his determined team, a surge of hope welling in his chest. He knew the path ahead was laden with dangers and uncertainty, but with everyone united, he believed they could overcome the darkness and protect the land they all loved.
As the team set out, their silhouettes under the sunlight shone with resolute purpose. They seemed like messengers of hope, embarking on a journey to bring a new dawn to the Continent.
Yet, as the expedition ventured deeper into the heart of the land, strange signs began to surface. A mysterious fog enveloped the forest ahead, thick and eerie, and it felt as though something was watching them from within its depths. What was this fog? What dangers lay hidden within? The fate of the expedition hung in the balance, shrouded in an enigmatic veil that left all on edge, clutching their weapons and whispering prayers to the heavens.
To be continued...