Fading Light

Danial's entire body shook as the pain became unbearable. He fell to one knee, gasping for breath, watching in despair as the Curse King loomed over him, hands forming that ominous dark-red orb. The sheer malevolence radiating from the sphere chilled Danial’s spine. His vision blurred, his mind racing.

"Damn it! Where are the professors? Where are the masters?!" Danial screamed inwardly, his heart thundering in his chest. “Where is Elysia? Where is Master Marvin? Am I really going to die here?”

The Curse King’s cold smile widened as though reading Danial’s thoughts. “I know what you did,” he said, his voice smooth and venomous. “That roar... It wasn’t just a desperate attack. It was a call for help. An attempt to alert the academy, to summon your so-called protectors. A clever tactic, I’ll admit.” His eyes gleamed with twisted amusement. “But, unfortunately, boy, they’re too late.”

Danial’s blood ran cold. He struggled to push himself up, his arms trembling violently, but his body was