Chapter 37: The Dark Awakening
The sky turned completely black.
Thunder roared across the Shadow Kingdom as the dark pillar in the distance suddenly exploded into the sky.
Liora felt her chest tighten.
"...It's getting stronger."
The Shadow King stood beside her, his expression darker than ever.
"...He's finished."
The ground trembled violently.
A terrifying pressure spread across the entire kingdom.
Soldiers struggled to stand.
Some fell to their knees.
"What… is this pressure…?"
Liora's wings appeared instinctively.
Golden light spread around her, protecting the nearby soldiers.
The Shadow King glanced at her.
"...Your power is shielding them."
She nodded, focusing.
"I can hold it."
Suddenly—
The dark pillar collapsed inward.
Then—
Silence.
For a brief moment…
Everything stopped.
Then—
BOOM.
A massive explosion of dark energy erupted across the sky.
A figure slowly descended from the darkness.
Kael.
But he looked different.
Dark armor covered his body.
Black wings stretched behind him.
His golden eyes burned brighter.
Liora gasped.
"...He changed."
The Shadow King's eyes narrowed.
"...He merged with darkness."
Kael floated above the battlefield.
His voice echoed across the kingdom.
"Shadow King…"
The air trembled.
"...Come out."
The Shadow King stepped forward.
"I'm here."
Kael smiled slowly.
"Good."
He raised his hand.
Dark spears formed in the sky.
They fell like rain.
"Defend!"
Liora raised her light.
Golden barrier formed.
The spears collided.
Explosions echoed.
The castle walls trembled.
Kael attacked again.
The Shadow King jumped forward.
Darkness clashed mid-air.
Shockwaves spread across the sky.
The battle—
Had begun.
Their fight shook the heavens.
Kael moved faster than before.
The Shadow King blocked.
But slid back.
Kael smiled.
"You're weaker."
The Shadow King's eyes glowed.
He attacked again.
Dark blades clashed.
Liora watched nervously.
He's stronger than before…
Leon used to stand beside them.
But now—
That space felt empty.
She clenched her fists.
"I won't let anyone else die."
Her wings expanded.
She flew forward.
Kael noticed.
"The light bearer."
He attacked her instantly.
Too fast.
Before impact—
The Shadow King blocked.
"Stay back."
She shook her head.
"I can fight."
Kael smirked.
"Then show me."
He raised his hand.
Dark chains rushed toward her.
She cut them with light.
Kael's eyes narrowed.
"...Impressive."
She attacked.
Golden beams shot forward.
Kael blocked—
But stepped back slightly.
The Shadow King attacked from the side.
Perfect coordination.
Darkness and light combined.
Explosion.
Kael slid back.
For the first time—
He looked serious.
"Interesting."
Suddenly—
He spread his wings.
Dark storm formed.
Lightning struck.
The battlefield trembled.
The Shadow King attacked.
But Kael countered.
He slammed him into the ground.
"Liora!"
She rushed forward.
Golden light exploded.
She pushed Kael back.
The Shadow King stood again.
Blood trickled from his lips.
"...I'm fine."
She looked worried.
"You're not."
Kael attacked again.
The battle intensified.
Suddenly—
Kael raised both hands.
Dark portal opened.
More creatures appeared.
Thousands.
The army clashed again.
Chaos returned.
Liora fought fiercely.
Her power growing.
The Shadow King battled Kael alone.
Darkness filled the sky.
Suddenly—
Kael grabbed him.
Dark energy surged.
The Shadow King struggled.
"Liora!"
She rushed forward.
Golden light exploded.
She broke Kael's grip.
The Shadow King fell back.
He looked at her.
"...Thank you."
She nodded.
Suddenly—
Kael laughed.
"You two…"
He raised his hand.
Dark energy gathered.
A massive blade formed.
"This ends now."
He attacked.
The Shadow King blocked.
But struggled.
Liora stepped forward.
She added her light.
Darkness and light collided.
The sky cracked.
The ground shattered.
Then—
Explosion.
Smoke filled the battlefield.
When it cleared—
Kael stood still.
But unharmed.
Liora's heart sank.
"...He's too strong."
Kael smiled.
"You're not ready."
He raised his hand again—
Suddenly—
A new presence appeared.
Everyone froze.
A silver light descended.
Liora gasped.
"...That power…"
The Shadow King looked surprised.
"...Impossible."
The light faded.
A familiar figure stood there.
Alive.
"...Leon?"