Chapter 44: The Girl Consumed by Darkness
A cold wind swept across the top of the Abyss Tower.
Arif slowly stepped through the final doorway.
The moment he entered, the pressure around him multiplied.
The space was vast.
A circular platform stretched across the top of the tower, surrounded by endless darkness. Purple lightning flashed across the sky above, illuminating the entire area.
And in the center—
She stood there.
"Lina…"
Arif's voice trembled slightly.
She stood quietly, her back facing him. Long dark hair moved gently in the wind. Dark energy flowed around her like mist.
Arif stepped forward slowly.
"Lina… it's me…"
She didn't respond.
He took another step.
Then—
She slowly turned around.
Arif froze.
Her eyes glowed deep purple.
Darker than before.
Her expression…
Empty.
Cold.
"Lina…"
She looked at him.
But there was no recognition.
Only silence.
Suddenly—
A dark voice echoed from above.
"You finally arrived…"
Arif looked up.
The Shadow King appeared in the sky, floating above them.
Arif clenched his fists.
"Release her."
The Shadow King smiled.
"She's no longer yours."
Arif's aura flared.
"I won't let you take her."
The Shadow King laughed softly.
"Then… stop her."
Lina raised her hand.
Dark energy gathered.
Arif's eyes widened.
"Lina… wait—"
She attacked.
Dark blades shot toward him.
Arif dodged quickly.
The battle began.
But this time—
Her power had grown tremendously.
She moved faster.
Stronger.
More ruthless.
Arif struggled to defend.
"Lina… stop!"
She didn't respond.
Their blades clashed.
The impact shook the platform.
Arif slid back.
Her aura kept growing.
"She's getting stronger…"
Suddenly—
She disappeared.
She appeared behind him.
Her blade cut across his back.
Blood splashed.
Arif fell to one knee.
"Lina…"
She attacked again.
Arif barely blocked.
Their clash intensified.
Arif refused to strike back.
He only defended.
The Shadow King watched calmly.
"You're still hesitating."
Arif gritted his teeth.
"I won't hurt her."
The Shadow King smiled.
"Then you will die."
Lina attacked again.
Her blade pierced his shoulder.
Arif staggered.
But he didn't counter.
"Lina… remember…"
He lowered his blade.
"We promised… to protect each other…"
For a moment—
Her eyes flickered.
Arif noticed.
"Lina…"
But suddenly—
Dark energy surged.
She screamed.
The Shadow King raised his hand.
"Fight…"
Her aura exploded.
She rushed forward.
Arif realized.
"He's controlling her…"
He activated Shadow Domain.
Darkness spread.
He tried to restrain her.
But she broke free.
Her power rivaled his.
Their clash intensified.
The platform cracked.
Lightning flashed.
Arif's injuries increased.
But he endured.
Suddenly—
He noticed something.
A dark mark on her chest.
The source of corruption.
"So that's it…"
But it was risky.
He needed to get close.
Lina attacked again.
Arif dodged.
He moved closer.
She struck.
Their blades locked.
He reached toward the mark.
But she pushed him away.
He crashed into the ground.
The Shadow King laughed.
"You can't save her."
Arif slowly stood.
Blood dripped.
But his eyes burned.
"I will."
He rushed forward again.
This time—
He didn't hold back.
Their clash intensified.
He dodged.
Countered.
He finally reached her.
He grabbed her.
"Lina!"
Her eyes widened slightly.
He placed his hand on the mark.
"Shadow Purification!"
Dark energy exploded.
She screamed.
The mark cracked.
The Shadow King frowned.
Arif pushed harder.
The mark shattered.
Dark energy burst outward.
Lina collapsed.
Arif caught her.
Her eyes slowly returned to normal.
"...Arif…?"
His eyes softened.
"I'm here…"
Tears formed in her eyes.
"You came…"
Arif smiled weakly.
"Of course."
But suddenly—
The Shadow King's aura exploded.
"You dare…"
The final battle…
Was about to begin.
To Be Continued…