Chapter 24: The Shadow's Wrath
The cathedral roared as Jian raised both hands, the runes beneath him igniting like a storm of fire and ash. Darkness spiraled upward, forming a colossal figure of shadow—its claws scraping the stone, its eyes glowing like burning coals.
Mei Lin's breath caught. "He's channeling everything into one form… a manifestation of his hatred."
Le Wai steadied his blade, sweat dripping down his brow. "This is his true power."
The shadow-beast lunged, its claws tearing through pillars like paper. Le Wai rolled aside, striking at its arm, but the blade barely left a scratch. The sheer force of the impact sent him crashing into the cracked wall.
"Le Wai!" Mei Lin shouted, darting forward to cover him. Her sword flashed, slicing into the creature's leg, but the beast howled and retaliated with a wave of dark energy that sent her tumbling back.
Jian's laughter thundered, echoing through the cathedral. "You see now? Your strength means nothing against the weight of betrayal. This is the power you created when you abandoned me!"
Le Wai forced himself to stand, every muscle screaming in protest. He looked at Jian—at the comrade who once fought by his side, now consumed by vengeance. His grip on the blade tightened.
"No more running," he whispered. His voice rose with new determination. "I won't escape my past anymore. Jian, if this is the monster I helped create… then I'll be the one to end it!"
The blade in his hands shimmered with a faint glow, resonating with his resolve. Mei Lin stepped beside him, battered but unbroken.
"You're not alone," she said firmly.
Together, they charged—their light clashing against Jian's abyss, as the cathedral shook with the fury of their battle.