Chapter 34: The Dark Fortress
The army marched through the black valley.
Dark clouds covered the sky, and cold wind howled across the barren land.
Liora tightened her grip on her cloak.
"This place… feels wrong."
Leon nodded.
"It's Kael's territory."
The Shadow King remained silent.
His eyes stayed fixed forward.
Far in the distance—
A massive fortress appeared.
Dark towers pierced the sky.
Black flames burned on the walls.
The Dark Fortress.
Liora's heart pounded.
"So… that's where he is."
The Shadow King spoke quietly.
"...Yes."
Suddenly—
A loud horn echoed.
The fortress gates slowly opened.
Thousands of dark soldiers marched out.
Liora gasped.
"So many…"
Leon frowned.
"He was waiting for us."
The Shadow King raised his hand.
"Prepare for battle."
The army stopped.
Weapons drawn.
Tension filled the air.
Then—
Kael appeared above the fortress wall.
Floating.
Golden eyes glowing.
"I've been expecting you."
The Shadow King's voice turned cold.
"...Kael."
Kael smiled.
"You came right into my trap."
Liora's heart tightened.
Trap…?
Suddenly—
Dark portals opened behind them.
Liora turned.
Her eyes widened.
Enemy forces surrounded them.
"We're surrounded!"
Leon cursed.
"Damn it…"
The Shadow King remained calm.
"Hold formation."
The battle began instantly.
Dark soldiers charged.
Steel clashed.
Magic exploded.
The battlefield turned chaotic.
Leon fought fiercely.
His silver blade cut through enemies.
Liora spread her wings.
Golden light burst forward.
Enemies vanished.
The Shadow King moved like darkness itself.
Every strike lethal.
The battle intensified.
Suddenly—
Kael descended slowly.
His aura crushed the battlefield.
The Shadow King stepped forward.
Their eyes met.
"Let's finish this."
Kael smiled.
"Gladly."
They attacked simultaneously.
Darkness collided.
The ground exploded.
Shockwaves spread.
Soldiers fell back.
Liora watched nervously.
Their power shook the battlefield.
Leon fought nearby.
But suddenly—
A scream echoed.
Liora turned.
One of their commanders fell.
More enemies rushed in.
"We're losing ground!"
Leon shouted.
"Hold the line!"
The Shadow King attacked fiercely.
Kael blocked easily.
"You can't win."
He counterattacked.
Dark blade tore forward.
The Shadow King blocked—
But slid back.
Liora stepped forward.
Her Light Seal glowed.
She attacked.
Golden beam shot forward.
Kael blocked—
But stepped back.
He smiled.
"You again."
The battle escalated.
Suddenly—
Kael raised his hand.
Dark chains burst from the ground.
They wrapped around multiple soldiers.
Screams filled the air.
Liora attacked.
Light shattered the chains.
But more appeared.
The battlefield grew chaotic.
Leon rushed to her side.
"Stay close!"
She nodded.
Suddenly—
A powerful explosion.
The Shadow King was thrown back.
"Your Majesty!"
Liora ran forward.
Kael stood above him.
"This ends now."
He raised his hand.
Dark spear formed.
Too fast—
Before impact—
Leon jumped in front.
The spear pierced his chest.
"L—Leon?!"
Time froze.
Blood spilled.
He collapsed.
Liora screamed.
"LEON!"
The Shadow King's eyes widened.
Leon smiled weakly.
"...Sorry…"
He fell.
Liora's heart shattered.
"No… no…"
Her Light Seal glowed violently.
Golden light exploded.
Her aura surged uncontrollably.
Kael watched calmly.
"...So this is your breaking point."
Her wings expanded.
Massive golden light filled the battlefield.
She attacked.
Light storm rained down.
Enemies vanished instantly.
The battlefield shook.
The Shadow King looked at her.
"...Liora…"
She attacked again.
More powerful.
But suddenly—
Her aura became unstable.
She's pushing too far…
Kael attacked.
The Shadow King blocked.
The battle intensified.
But Liora kept attacking.
Her power burned brighter.
Her tears fell.
"Why… why…"
Her voice trembled.
Golden light exploded again.
Kael stepped back slightly.
He smiled.
"Impressive."
Suddenly—
Her wings flickered.
Her body trembled.
She collapsed.
The Shadow King caught her.
"Liora!"
Her breathing weakened.
"...Leon…"
He looked at Leon.
Silent.
The battlefield slowed.
Kael stepped back.
"...Another time."
Dark portal opened.
He disappeared.
The enemy army retreated.
Silence fell.
The battlefield filled with smoke.
Liora cried softly.
Leon lay still.
The Shadow King stood silently.
The cost—
Was heavy.