Chapter 67 (Part 19)
The Core Chamber glowed faintly now no storms, no roaring energies, no god-level collision shaking the walls.
Just ruins.
Ruins… and silence.
Extera's body had faded almost completely, drifting upward like evaporating shadow, leaving only a trace of violet dust.
But the pendant on Alok's chest burned brighter than ever.
Half gold.
Half violet.
Alive.
The Pendant Awakens
Alok held the fused pendant tightly.
Immediately, the crystal heart inside responded beating in sync with his own pulse.
THUMP.
THUMP.
THUMP.
Warmth spread up his arm.
His scars glowed.
His chains hummed softly, like they were relieved.
Then
The pendant spoke again, clearer than ever:
"Alok… channel your energy into me.
I will shape it.
I will heal him."
He nodded.
There was no hesitation.
He placed the pendant over Rihan's chest.
Golden and violet light burst out, spiraling together like twin comets. They wrapped around Rihan's body, melting into his wounds, knitting muscle and bone back together.
Rihan's breath steadied.
His fingers twitched.
His eyes opened slowly, blinking at the bright glow above him.
Rihan: "Bro… w-what… happened?"
Alok's voice cracked with relief.
Alok: "You're alive. That's all that matters."
Rihan managed a weak smile.
Rihan: "You did it… you finally beat that monster."
Alok laughed softly even though pain still tore through his body and tapped the fused pendant.
Alok: "Not me… we did."
For a moment…
Just a moment…
They allowed themselves to be happy.
Two friends.
Bloodied.
Exhausted.
Still breathing.
The Labyrinth Begins to Die
A deep groan echoed through the chamber.
The walls vibrated.
Cracks split across the floor, glowing like magma.
The Sigiriya Labyrinth the legendary ancient structure tied to the Devourer's core was collapsing.
Rihan staggered to his feet.
Rihan: "The labyrinth's losing its power! We need to run. Now."
Alok tried to stand
but his legs gave out instantly.
He fell forward, coughing.
Rihan grabbed him.
Rihan: "Alok?!"
Alok's vision blurred. His knees trembled. His skin flickered between gold and pale.
Using that much lightning…
Using divine perception…
Tearing out Extera's core…
It all crushed him at once.
Alok: "I… I can't move. My body… it's shutting down."
Rihan didn't hesitate for a heartbeat.
He lifted Alok onto his back.
Alok: "Rihan… you're injured, don't "
Rihan (grinning painfully): "You healed me, idiot. Now shut up and let me carry you."
Alok laughed weakly.
Alok: "Fine… just don't drop me."
The labyrinth ceiling collapsed behind them.
Stones exploded outward.
Flames erupted from the shattered core chamber.
Rihan sprinted through the twisting corridors, dodging falling debris, holding Alok's limp body tightly against his back.
Alok (fading): "Rihan… don't stop…"
Rihan: "I WON'T!"
Escape from the Sigiriya Labyrinth
The exit finally appeared a towering stone archway cracking from the collapse.
Rihan forced his tired legs to go faster.
Light blinded them as they burst outside.
Fresh air.
Open sky.
Freedom.
And there standing anxiously outside the entrance
Alok's friends.
Their faces were pale from waiting. Dust covered their clothes from the shockwaves earlier.
One ran forward immediately.
Ceya : "RIHAN! ALOK!! You're alive!"
Rihan nearly fell to his knees from exhaustion but stayed standing long enough to speak.
He lowered Alok gently to the ground.
Then he looked up at the group with a tired smile.
Rihan: "Honestly…
I thought you all would've left without us."
A few laughed.
Ceya cried.
All of them rushed closer.
Rihan: "Thanks… for waiting."
The labyrinth behind them finally gave its last breath
collapsing into a thunderous cloud of dust and shattered ancient stone.
But they were safe.
Together.
And the fused pendant on Alok's chest…
glowed with a heartbeat that did not belong to him alone.