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Chapter 19: Eclipse of Destiny
The red eclipse cast a shadow over all of Daehara. The light of the true moon was swallowed, and for a moment, the world held its breath.
Ji stood at the edge of the shadow realm, staring at No-eul. Her silver robes flowed like smoke, and behind her, the dark beasts stirred.
"You saw what they did to me," she said, voice low and bitter. "You saw the truth."
"I did," Ji replied. "But that doesn't make this right."
No-eul raised her hand. The air warped. Crimson lightning flashed across the sky.
"You still believe in balance?" she asked. "In mercy?"
"I believe in light."
She smiled—sadly. "Then come take it back."
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The final battle began.
Ji surged forward, Seora and Duri flanking him. Moonlight clashed with dark flame. Beasts leapt through the smoke, only to be torn apart by spells and steel.
Baek Rin—still weakened—fought by Ji's side, redeeming himself with every strike.
No-eul moved like a storm—her power beyond anything Ji had ever faced. Every blast of her energy shook the realm. Yet Ji pressed forward, light growing with each step.
Their powers collided—moonlight and eclipse. The sky cracked.
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Then, in a moment of silence, Ji saw her.
The girl she had once been.
Tears streamed down No-eul's face as they circled one another. "I was chosen to protect. I never wanted this."
Ji lowered his weapon. "Then stop."
She shook her head. "I can't."
He stepped closer. "You can."
The red moon pulsed behind her.
She screamed—and unleashed everything.
Ji braced himself, raising both hands. The light within him answered—not with power, but with understanding.
He absorbed the attack.
And the light reached her.
No-eul gasped. Her body flickered. Her power unraveled.
"Ji..." she whispered. "Thank you."
The red moon shattered.
And with it, the darkness lifted.
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Ji collapsed to his knees. Around him, the beasts vanished. The veil faded. The skies cleared.
He had done it.
He hadn't destroyed her.
He had saved her.
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To Be Continued in Chapter 20: The Last Light