36: Awakening of the Light
The night deepened over the Shadow Kingdom.
Dark clouds gathered silently above the castle, as if the sky itself sensed the approaching storm.
Inside Liora's chamber, golden light flickered faintly.
She lay unconscious on the bed, her breathing uneven.
The Shadow King stood beside her.
His eyes never left her face.
"She's still not awake?"
The royal healer bowed slightly.
"No, Your Majesty. Her power is evolving. This kind of transformation… is dangerous."
His expression darkened.
"...Dangerous how?"
"If her body can't handle the power… she may not survive."
Silence filled the room.
The Shadow King's hands clenched.
"Leave us."
The healer bowed and left quietly.
Now—
Only the two of them remained.
He sat beside her.
"...You always push yourself too far."
Her fingers twitched slightly.
The golden mark on her wrist glowed faintly.
He gently held her hand.
"...You can't leave me too."
The wind outside howled.
Suddenly—
Her Light Seal flared.
Golden light burst across the room.
The Shadow King stepped back instantly.
The entire chamber trembled.
Liora's body floated slowly into the air.
Her wings appeared—
But they were different now.
Larger.
Brighter.
Feathers made of pure light.
Her eyes opened slowly.
Golden.
Radiant.
"Liora…"
Her voice echoed softly.
"...Where am I…"
The light slowly faded.
She descended gently.
The Shadow King stepped forward.
"You collapsed."
She looked confused.
"I remember… pain…"
Her wings slowly disappeared.
She touched her chest.
"My power… it feels different."
He nodded.
"...You evolved."
She looked at her hands.
Golden particles shimmered around her fingers.
"I feel… stronger."
Suddenly—
The door burst open.
Leon—
No.
The soldiers rushed in.
"Your Majesty! Something's happening!"
The Shadow King frowned.
"What?"
"Dark energy detected… outside the kingdom."
His expression hardened.
"...Kael."
Liora stood up.
"I'm coming."
He looked at her.
"You just woke up."
"I'm fine."
She stepped forward.
Her aura felt calm.
But powerful.
He nodded.
"...Stay close."
They reached the castle walls.
Dark clouds gathered above the mountains.
Lightning flashed.
Liora felt chills.
"...That's not normal."
The Shadow King nodded.
"...He's starting something."
Suddenly—
A massive dark pillar of energy rose in the distance.
The ground trembled.
Soldiers panicked.
"What is that?!"
Liora's heart pounded.
"...It feels dangerous."
The Shadow King narrowed his eyes.
"...A ritual."
Meanwhile—
Inside Kael's fortress.
Dark energy filled the entire hall.
Darius looked uneasy.
"This much power…"
Valtar frowned.
"If something goes wrong—"
Kael raised his hand.
Silence.
He stood in the center of a massive magic circle.
Dark symbols glowed.
"Begin."
Dark energy surged.
The fortress trembled.
The ritual had begun.
Back at the Shadow Kingdom—
The dark pillar grew larger.
The sky turned black.
Liora's Light Seal glowed in response.
She gasped.
"My power… reacting."
The Shadow King stepped closer.
"...He's targeting you."
Her eyes widened.
"Me?"
He nodded.
"Your light… is his opposite."
Suddenly—
Dark energy spread across the sky.
Creatures began appearing.
More enemies.
"Attack!"
The battle began instantly.
Soldiers charged.
Liora spread her wings.
Golden light burst forward.
She attacked.
Light cut through enemies easily.
She froze.
"I'm stronger…"
The Shadow King fought beside her.
Their coordination felt natural.
Suddenly—
A massive creature appeared.
Dark dragon.
The soldiers panicked.
Liora stepped forward.
"I'll handle it."
She raised her hand.
Golden spear formed.
She threw it.
The dragon roared.
Explosion.
The creature collapsed instantly.
Everyone froze.
The Shadow King looked at her.
"...You've grown."
She smiled faintly.
But suddenly—
The dark pillar expanded.
Lightning struck the ground.
The Shadow King frowned.
"...He's almost done."
Liora clenched her fists.
"We have to stop him."
He nodded.
"...Prepare the army."
The final confrontation—
Was approaching.
Meanwhile—
Kael opened his eyes.
Dark power surrounded him.
His aura—
Stronger than before.
He smiled.
"It's time."
The ritual—
Was complete.