The secret passage exit was located deep within the Darkwood, hidden behind a completely vine-covered rock fissure. Len followed Raven and the surviving Night Crow members out, finding themselves in an area he had never seen before.
The trees here were ancient and massive, their canopies completely blocking the sky. The ground was covered in moss that emitted an eerie blue glow. The magical energy in the air was so dense it was almost visible, flowing in traces.
"This is the entrance to the Shadow Labyrinth," Raven said in a low voice. "The legendary testing ground of the ancient Shadow Mages, and where the Heart of Shadow might be hidden."
Len could feel the dark power within him cheering with joy, like a wanderer returning home. At the same time, he sensed several powerful auras approaching from different directions—not just the Twilight Cult, but also Wolf Clan, Vampires, and even the Church of Light.
"The news leaked," Raven said grimly. "It seems this labyrinth opening won't be peaceful."
Ahead, a massive stone door was half-buried in twisted roots. Ancient runes carved on the door glowed with a faint purple light. The space beyond the door twisted uncertainly, as if leading to another dimension.
"Remember, the most dangerous thing in the labyrinth isn't the traps, but the other explorers." Raven handed Len a whistle. "Blow this if you're in danger. The Night Crows will come as soon as possible."
Len nodded, took a deep breath, and was the first to step through the stone door.
The sensation of dizziness lasted only a moment. When he steadied himself, he found himself standing in a stone corridor with no end in sight. Magical torches on the walls automatically lit with blue flames, stretching his shadow long and short.
He tried using Shadowmeld and found it was several times more effective than outside, almost allowing him to completely merge with the shadows. This confirmed his suspicion—the labyrinth's environment was of the same origin as his power.
After advancing cautiously for a distance, the sound of fighting came from ahead. Len approached silently and found three Wolf Clan members围攻 a Vampire. Judging by their attire, they were elites from both races.
"Hand over the Blood Crystal!" the lead Wolf Clan member roared, his claws cutting through the air.
"Dream on!" The Vampire girl dodged nimbly, her rapier countering like a venomous snake.
Len had intended to bypass them, but when he saw the emblem on the Vampire girl's waist, he changed his mind—it was the crest of the Camilla family, his father's lineage.
Just as the Wolf Clan was about to succeed, Len emerged from the shadows, his short sword precisely blocking the Wolf's claws.
"Get lost," he said coldly.
The three Wolf Clan members stared in shock at this suddenly appearing half-breed, unable to believe he had blocked a full-force strike.
"It's you? That half-breed?" the lead Wolf recognized Len. "How dare you..."
Before he could finish, Len moved. Enhanced by the labyrinth environment, his speed surpassed reason. The short sword flashed like lightning in the dark night, instantly leaving deep gashes on all three Wolves.
"What... what kind of power is this?" The Wolf stared in horror at his wound that wouldn't heal, the flesh there as if corroded by some force.
Len didn't answer, just looked at them coldly. The three Wolves exchanged glances and retreated unwillingly.
"Thank you," the Vampire girl sheathed her rapier, looking at Len curiously. "I'm Lilis Camilla. You... know someone from my family?"
Len was silent for a moment, then finally shook his head. "I just don't like bullies."
He turned to leave, but Lilis stopped him. "Wait! You're after the Heart of Shadow too, right? We can cooperate. I know a shortcut, but it takes two people to open."
Len scrutinized her. The Camilla bloodline gave him a sense of familiarity, but years of experience made him wary of trusting anyone easily.
"Why me?"
"Because you can wound Wolves and prevent their wounds from healing," Lilis pointed to the bloodstains on the ground. "That's the power of the Night Origin, right? Only those acknowledged by the Origin can open that path."
Len's heart stirred. It seemed the legend of the Heart of Shadow was no secret among the higher-ups.
"Lead the way."
Lilis smiled victoriously and led Len down a hidden fork. After about half an hour navigating the labyrinth, they came to a stone wall covered in star patterns.
"Need to inject shadow energy into both grooves at the same time," Lilis pointed to two star-shaped patterns on the wall. "Ready?"
Len nodded, placing his hand on the pattern. When both their shadow energies flowed in simultaneously, the stars on the wall lit up one by one. Finally, the entire wall dissolved into flowing light, revealing a passage behind it.
At the end of the passage was a circular hall. Suspended in the center of the hall was a pulsating black crystal—the Heart of Shadow. But to their surprise, the hall was already occupied.
Ron stood on the left with five Wolf Clan elites, while Lucious stood on the right with three Vampire elders. Both sides were clearly catching their breath after a recent confrontation.
When Len and Lilis appeared, all eyes turned to them.
"Half-breed? What are you doing here?" Ron was first surprised, then showed a fierce grin. "Perfect. Saves me the trouble of looking for you later."
Lucius narrowed his crimson eyes. "Little Camilla girl, you're actually mingling with this half-breed? A disgrace to your family."
Lilis glared back fearlessly. "Better than some traitors cooperating with Wolves."
Len ignored their bickering, his full attention on the Heart of Shadow. The black crystal pulsed as if alive, each beat resonating with the power within him.
"Child of Night..." a deep voice emanated from the Heart of Shadow, echoing directly in everyone's minds. "Finally, you have come."
Under the stunned gazes of all, the Heart of Shadow slowly flew towards Len, finally hovering before him.
"Touch me. Accept your destiny."
Ron roared and lunged. "Give it to me!"
Lucius struck simultaneously, crimson energy shooting towards Len like arrows.
Facing the combined assault of two powerful foes, Len remained exceptionally calm. He reached out and gently grasped the Heart of Shadow.
Time seemed to stand still at that moment.
A massive surge of energy flooded into him like a tidal wave. But unlike when he had devoured the Shadow Wolf, this was a deluge of knowledge—ancient memories, lost magic, cosmic truths... Simultaneously, he felt a certain shackle deep within his soul shatter completely.
As Ron's claws were about to touch him, Len slowly opened his eyes.
His pupils had turned pure black, like two miniature black holes. With just a glance, Ron was sent flying back as if struck by an invisible hammer, crashing hard against the wall.
Lucius's blood arrows dissipated an inch away from Len, like drops of water merging into the ocean.
"Impossible!" Lucius stared in shock at the black wings slowly unfurling behind Len—not physical, but虚幻wings composed of pure dark energy, their edges flowing with starlight.
Len felt the power coursing through him, a might far beyond anything he had imagined. The Heart of Shadow was not the source of power, but the key that unlocked his sealed essence.
"Night Monarch..." Lilis murmured, unconsciously dropping to one knee. It was an instinct from the depths of her bloodline, reverence for the dark origin.
Ron struggled to his feet, his eyes filled with fear and jealousy as he looked at Len. Lucius's expression shifted uncertainly, finally bowing slightly—even a Vampire Prince had to yield before absolute power.
Len's gaze swept over those present, finally settling deep within the Shadow Labyrinth. He could sense something more important waiting for him there.
"The game is over," he said softly, his voice carrying undeniable authority. "From now on, I make the rules."