Chapter 052Lucia carefully entered the ancient sanctuary; her breath caught as she examined the grand, weathered stone walls. Because of its long history, the building's interior atmosphere felt dense and heavy, while old incense scents floated through the air like vanished memories.Lucia sensed powerful, undomesticated energies flowing from every area within the temple, including the underground foundation.The moment had arrived for her to continue forward without any possibility of returning.The artifact she sought existed inside this temple, where labyrinthine corridors protected it through multiple tests of her physical abilities and mental acuity.Matteo's approaching forces left her with no room to delay her mission.A barely audible sound interrupted the complete silence. A low grinding noise occurred, followed by a single click. A powerful slam of the door behind her caused her body to shiver. They sealed the sanctuary. She wasn’t alone.Lucia automatically reached for th
Chapter 053Lucia moved through the tight corridor with labored breathing as her movements slowed. The artifact vibrated in her hands as its dark power created a storm that surrounded her.The artifact seemed to burrow beneath her flesh while its poison invaded her bloodstream until it reached the core of her being.The artifact's power whispered ancient voices to her mind, demanding her submission to its energy.She clenched her teeth to push the murmurs into the recesses of her mind. She needed to ignore their voices because she lacked the resources to pay attention. Not now.The moment demanded her full attention because everything depended on it.The artifact felt heavier as she lectured herself with these words before gripping it tightly. "You have to control it."The flashes of future destruction from the power she held appeared before her eyes as her vision became blurry. Her body erupted with cold sweat.She understood she needed to stop this pattern before it became fatal. Th
Chapter 054Lucia's heart raced as she remained in the dimly lit space, where tension filled the air. The traitor was here. He was one of her own. She had completely trusted this individual.She never saw it coming, and she would have never believed it in a thousand lifetimes.A deep sense of betrayal invaded her stomach when she saw the familiar person standing before her."Why?" Her voice remained cold, but her hands shook as she asked the question. "How could you do this? After everything we’ve been through?"The woman who betrayed her stood before her with her eyes fixed on the floor. The woman displayed a mixture of shame, but something else was present.A hidden strength emanated from her body that she never expected to find.Something dangerous. Lucia’s inner voice warned her that this encounter marked only the start of a more perilous situation.The traitor lifted her eyes to meet Lucia's stare. She spoke with softness, but her voice lacked any hint of regret. She intended to
Chapter 055The earth trembled under Lucia's feet when Matteo's initial military force attacked the base. The war drums played a haunting beat in the distance, sending shivers through her veins.She had anticipated this day's arrival, yet its intensity exceeded all expectations."Get ready!" All noise halted momentarily when Lucia shouted to command her troops during the frantic military movement. "Keep your position! The walls must remain secure, as no one can allow the enemy's forces to penetrate.She checked the battlefield while her heart raced inside her chest. The loyal and brave members of her alliance stood uncertain before the battle. Their training prepared them, but the enemy forces outnumbered them heavily. The base her last bastion was surrounded.Aiden approached Lucia's side with a serious expression. We cannot defeat them in this manner, Lucia. They’re too strong, too many."She spoke with composure even though fear consumed her. "But we fight anyway. Our resistance la
Chapter 056Lucia stood by herself in the destroyed area while her body suffered from combat injuries, and her heart carried the burden of everything that had been killed.The battlefield displayed a grim sight of dead soldiers who belonged to both enemy and friendly forces.The destroyed command center released smoke into the air while its remains transformed into ruins.The bitter taste of victory disappeared from her grasp when she surveyed the destroyed battlefield. The victory she earned through her intense battle efforts proved too costly.The gentle wind sounds allowed Aiden to approach without making any noticeable noise. He observed her standing there for an extended period while she remained deep in thought. He didn’t need to speak. He knew what she was feeling."Lucia..." His voice emerged with caution and deep comprehension as he started to speak. "We’ve won. But—"She interrupted him before he could complete his statement. Her voice barely reached his ears as she spoke th
Chapter 057Lucia traversed the dimly lit hallways of her stronghold while her thoughts raced about everything that had occurred. The ongoing conflict with Matteo had exhausted both Lucia and her followers.The battle victories were not without a steep price.The stronghold seemed to face fresh threats from unknown enemies that emerged from every shadow.Her body and mind showed signs of complete exhaustion. The artifact's weight burdened her, while its power remained both a blessing and a curse.She needed answers and guidance but had no one to seek it from.A woman dressed in dark robes entered Lucia's chambers through the slowly opening door while carrying a timeless aura that seemed to stretch back to the beginning of time."Who are you?" Lucia demanded as she instinctively grabbed her weapon while keeping her senses at maximum alert.The woman didn’t flinch. The pale and sharp eyes of the woman examined Lucia with full attention. She introduced herself with a gentle voice as Isab
Chapter 058Lucia remained in the dim chamber while the dancing candlelight shifted shadows on the stone walls. The ritual was ready.The heavy danger surrounding it became physically noticeable to Lucia as it sank its pressure into her body.This was the moment she had been preparing for, as it had the potential to break the Blood Moon curse.The ancient scroll lay before her as she touched its edge, yet her mind kept returning to the sense that something essential was missing.Lucia spoke in a soft tone while expressing her doubts about the decision. "What if we fail? The sacrifice seems too heavy to manage according to our current circumstances.Isabella moved through the room with focused attention while she arranged the ritual space near Lucia. She spoke unwaveringly and calmly, saying, "We've traveled this distance together, Lucia." This is the only way.The choice stands between success or enduring another encounter with Matteo's punishment. The consequences will be even more s
Chapter 059Lucia stood at the edge of the ancient ruin while the wind tore through her hair, and her breathing became unsteady.Matteo was here. She sensed his presence like an oppressive dark shadow that grew more intense with each passing moment, Years and lifetimes of struggle had led her to this moment, yet she doubted her readiness to face it.Dark, ominous clouds swirled through the sky above their position. The Blood Moon hovered in the distance while it illuminated the terrain with its blood-red light, which seemed to be observing the unfolding battle.Lucia held the artifact tightly while its energy surged through her palm, yet it appeared unsteady because it shared the same uncertainty about what would occur.Do you believe you can halt my path, Lucia? Matteo directed his voice across the collapsed temple walls until it reached every ear. It echoed, cold and mocking.From the edge of the sacred circle, Matteo watched with evil intent as he kept his distance. "This is the e
Chapter 184The moonlight barely broke through the dense clouds overhead, bathing the deserted courtyard in a pale glow. With his eyes sweeping the group in front of him, Eldrin stood in the middle, a commanding yet unsettling presence.Tension pervaded the air, and an unsaid uneasiness hung over them like a mist. Despite the preparation of Lucia, Nero, and their closest allies, the uneasiness in their eyes revealed their concern.Eldrin's icy, decisive voice broke the silence, "I've seen enough." His hands clenched at his sides, he took a step forward. There was an unavoidable weight to his words. Lucia squinted, her posture defensive. "Eldrin, what do you mean? We have already fought together and accomplished a tremendous deal. This—this isn't you.Eldrin's eyes shifted to her, but they were no longer warm or respectful. Eldrin's gaze had turned gloomier. Lucia, you are blind. All of you, including Nero, are playing like kids in the dark. You don't realise how ugly the truth is. W
Chapter 183Lucia stood looking around the ruins at the entrance to the ancient, dilapidated temple. Her lungs were filled with the subtle smell of old stone and the heavy dust. As if the walls themselves were speaking to her, she could almost hear the echoes of the past.The uncertainty weighed heavily on her chest, even though she had come here to find answers. But what if it was already too late? What if they'd already lost the artefact they were looking for?"Are we certain that this is the location?" As he stepped next to her, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, Nero's voice broke the stillness with doubtful words.Lucia looked at him, frowning. "We have no other option. There's a reason Dante left this behind. This artefact may be our only chance to defeat Kalyndria, Eldrin, and the others.Nero looked at her and said, "I know," his voice growing softer as his worry became apparent. "However, what if it's too risky? "What if this is just another trap?"Lucia bit her lip i
Chapter 182It was difficult for Lucia to breathe because of the oppressive darkness in her head, which felt like a heavy weight against her chest.This was different because she had been through a lot and fought battles that left her emotionally and physically exhausted.This seemed more profound and intimate. She was losing herself— losing control.Then she noticed a flicker, a glimmer of light, as though the world around her were momentarily withdrawing. "Lucia..."The sound was barely audible above the wind. However, it was recognisable. "Valeria?" The name came out incredulously as Lucia's voice broke.She spun around and looked around, but there was something there. In front of her was a figure that glowed dimly, like a moonlit ghost.It was Valeria—her soul, her gentle face— with an indisputable sadness.Valeria's voice echoed, "I'm still here," but this time it was in her head, as distinct as if she were standing next to her. "Lucia, I'll be here forever. when you require my
Chapter 181The once-bright glow that surrounded Lucia now flickered like a dim candle, fighting the cold, and her breath was shallow.Uncomfortably, she felt weak. Like sand through her fingers, the divine energy that had always flowed through her, steady and unwavering, was vanishing. Every step she took felt heavier than the one before it.How much time had passed since Kalyndria was first affected by her enchantment? Days, perhaps weeks, passed. However, time no longer mattered. It was this overwhelming sense of helplessness that consumed her with every breath.Before it was too late, she needed to figure out how to escape and get back on her feet.She stumbled into the old temple, its walls weathered and ancient yet eerily serene. Here, the quiet seemed different, as if it were awaiting an event for her to take action."What's causing my weakness?" With her hand leaning against the chilly stone wall for balance, Lucia pondered."Whatever became of me? Why am I unable to fight thi
Chapter 180Standing in the shadows of the celestial hall, Alessandro's eyes glowed with a darkness so dark that it was like a chill wind on the skin.They were assembling for another session of their never-ending bureaucracy, the gods who ruled supremely, who made the decisions for every realm.However, things weren't going as planned this time. He was determined to destroy everything this time.He was no longer simply Alessandro Stellini. He was no longer the same person who had once been lost, perplexed, and looking for purpose.He was so much more now. He had transformed into a more profound entity. This event has the potential to shake the sky to its core.He realised that now was the time, as he stood there observing the celestial council's gods. He would make his move at this point.The gods were certain that no one could challenge their authority because they were so sure of their own power. However, they were mistaken.The gods sat around the enormous table, one by one. There
Chapter 179With the horizon blazing with the first rays of dawn and the wind ripping at her hair, Lucia stood at the edge of the battle-scarred hill. The crimson-streaked sky appeared to be lamenting the losses of the previous few days.She could still hear Dante's final act of bravery and sacrifice. She could hear his voice, determined and firm, telling her to keep fighting. The thought of him made her heart ache, but she had no time to be sad. She needed to respect his legacy. It couldn't be a pointless sacrifice."Dante..." she murmured to the wind. "I'll ensure that your battle was worthwhile. I promise not to disappoint you.Her allies' well-known faces started to assemble around her as she spoke. Aidan approached with a slow but determined gait, his normally upbeat face tinged with sorrow. A shared pain filled his eyes as they met hers. He spoke softly, his voice bearing the weight of their shared loss, "Lucia, we all feel it." "Dante is no longer there. However, his battle i
Chapter 178Valeria stood in the middle of the darkened room, and the tension in the air was palpable. Outside, the wind howled as its icy fingers slithered through the stone walls' crevices. Lucia was at her side, her eyes wide with terror, but now there was no time for comfort. Valeria could no longer ignore the weight of fate pressing down on her chest. Lucia looked at her, her face whitened, her voice growing panicked. "What's going on, Valeria? Why do you appear so...?"Lucia, I don't have time to explain." Although Valeria spoke steadily, a storm raged within. The prophecy, an old power that had always been just out of her grasp, began to pull her. It had led her to this point— to this decision. She had anticipated it. Wasn't it always supposed to be her?When Lucia reached for Valeria's arm, her hand shook. "I'm afraid of you. "There isn't enough time for an explanation. Could you clarify what you mean? What is going on?Valeria looked directly into the younger woman's eyes an
Chapter 177Lucia stood in the middle of the war room, looking at her trusted allies' faces. The tension in the room was palpable, as if the walls themselves carried the weight of the decision hovering over them.She sensed the familiar unity—until it vanished. The sensation of something shifting or going wrong created a pit of coldness in her stomach.Even though Kalyndria was standing at the big wooden table with her back straight and her eyes focused, there was a slight change in her demeanour today.There was something strange about the way she gazed at Lucia.In an attempt to dispel the nagging doubt, Lucia forced a smile. She tried to sound more assured than she actually was when she said, "We need to move quickly." "The forces of the enemy are near. We must attack while they are still gaining ground.Kalyndria gave a nod but remained silent. Given that she had been one of Lucia's most ardent supporters, her silence was unnerving.Lucia noticed the tension in the room and looked
Chapter 176Eldrin stood on the edge of the world, his body encircled by tendrils of shadow, his form fluttering with dark energy. The earth shuddered beneath him, and the air crackled with raw power,He sensed the blending of his spirit with the evil powers.He became stronger and more dangerous with each connection and dark entity he absorbed. There was clarity amidst the chaos that swirled inside his mind. Every thought, every soul, every glimmer of magic in the realms he could feel it all.This was more power than he could have ever imagined.He let out a quiet laugh, barely audible above the sound of the wind. He whispered to himself, "Soon, all will be mine." With the strength he had acquired, his voice reverberated in a deep, resonant hum that shook the very fabric of reality.He had once been a mere mortal, an ambitious man who aspired to be in charge of his own fate. He was more now, a creature of the dark, a symbol of chaos and devastation.He gained control over forces he ha