Chapter 34: The Black King's Challenge
Cirth's form loomed like a shadow carved from the night itself, his High Soulborne aura swirling with dark power that seemed to distort the very air around him. His voice was low but carried undeniable authority.
"You brought a child's squad to my domain," he sneered, eyes flickering briefly to Karen. "And your precious Master Soulborne is nowhere to be seen."
Before Joshua could answer, the Soul Reapers stepped forward, their ethereal blades igniting with fierce energy. The battle erupted in an instant.
Karen's Shadow Bloom petals unfolded, a mesmerizing yet deadly display of swirling darkness, as she conjured sharp energy constructs to shield her friends and counter the Veil operatives' strikes. Marie and Leslie fought beside her, their combined aura weaving defensive barriers and precise attacks.
Jim moved to flank the enemies, using quick, calculated strikes, but even with their coordinated effort, the Veil's operatives fought with ruthless skill.
Suddenly, Joshua appeared, his presence like a tempest. His Soul Energy blazed brilliantly, clashing fiercely against Cirth's overwhelming darkness. The two forces collided with a shockwave that sent ripples through the harbor.
Joshua gritted his teeth. "You won't take her."
Cirth laughed darkly, summoning his Soul Domain — an abyssal void where shadows twisted and screamed, threatening to consume everything. The environment around them warped as the domain expanded, forcing Karen and the others to struggle just to breathe.
Karen tightened her grip on the hilt of The Abyss — her soul-bound weapon — feeling its deep resonance grow stronger as the dark petals of Shadow Bloom pulsed in tandem with her will.
The battle was far from over. But for the first time, Karen felt the stirrings of true power rise within her — a power that might just turn the tide.