CHAPTER 81 : THE REMATCH“This crystal is mine.” Kael declared triumphantly, his voice echoing across the empty grass plains as he stood before the fourth crystal. His fingers brushed its shimmering surface, causing it to pulse with brilliant, dazzling light. The radiance illuminated his twisted smile, the lust for power evident in his expression.“Yes… be mine. HAHAHAHA!” Kael’s laughter rang out, victorious and filled with arrogance. To him, this was more than just a step toward power, it was the final push toward his long-awaited ascension.“The fourth crystal has been claimed.” the announcement system broadcasted in a calm, mechanical voice that echoed through the surrounding plains.Kael’s fingers tightened around the crystal, its energy pulsing faintly in response to his grip. He marveled at its warmth, feeling the latent power surging through it. “Two crystals in my possession already. Who would have thought it would be this easy?” he mused aloud, his wicked grin widening. He g

CHAPTER 83 : TEMERISHoward’s footsteps echoed through the vast, empty corridors of the labyrinth. His breathing was steady, but his eyes flickered with frustration. The maze was unlike anything he had ever encountered, its walls shimmered faintly, as if reality itself warped slightly within this place. Time seemed to stretch, with seconds feeling like minutes, and each corner he turned only led to more confusion. He pressed on, his staff glowing faintly in his hand, its magical energy guiding his way through the dimly lit corridors."I have to find a way out of here soon. I need to meet up with Loren and Anne again." Howard muttered to himself, gripping his weapon tightly. As he walked deeper into the labyrinth, the walls began to change. The usual grey stone gave way to smooth, glowing surfaces with an eerie bluish hue. The air felt heavier, as if the space itself was resisting his presence.Finally, he entered a vast, circular chamber bathed in an ethereal blue light. The ceiling

CHAPTER 85 : HOWARD’S ARRIVALThe prismatic light from the Sword Prism Ultimate slowly dimmed, fading into shimmering motes of energy that scattered into the air like fragments of a broken rainbow. The ethereal entity that had fought alongside Howard vanished completely, leaving behind an eerie calm in the aftermath of the fierce battle. Howard stood tall, his staff planted firmly on the ground, still glowing faintly with residual energy from his restored mana circuit.He closed his eyes for a moment, taking in a deep breath. He could still feel the warmth of magic coursing steadily through his body, no longer chaotic, no longer painful. It was a sensation he hadn’t felt in years, pure, controlled power. He opened his eyes, his expression softening as he glanced down at his hands, faint traces of the prismatic energy still sparking around his fingertips.“It’s been a long time since I used it… it feels so good." Howard said aloud, his voice echoing faintly in the now-empty chamber.He

CHAPTER 87 : D-91Deep within the cursed wasteland, Zharok’s lair loomed ominously, a fortress carved into a jagged mountain, shrouded in perpetual twilight. The air was thick with the stench of decay, and the ground trembled faintly as dark magic coursed through the veins of the earth. The sky above was forever clouded, casting an eternal shadow over the dark citadel. Winds howled mournfully through the craggy spires, carrying with them whispers of ancient curses and lost souls.Inside the fortress, within the heart of a vast chamber lined with cold stone, Zharok, the dark necromancer, stood atop a high platform, surveying the ritual space below. The chamber was dim, lit only by flickering braziers whose flames danced like hungry shadows. The crackling of the fire sounded like the murmurs of the damned. Zharok’s skeletal face was hidden beneath a tattered black hood, his body draped in robes of shadow, their edges forever shifting, as if they were alive. In his hands, he clutched a s

CHAPTER 89 : THE SHADOW’S ASSAULTThe shadowy figures moved in groups of three or four, their forms blending seamlessly into the darkness of Gearfolk’s lower rank. Like living nightmares, they glided across the cobblestone streets, their inky tendrils snaking out to ensnare anything, or anyone in their path. From his hidden position behind a broken-down automaton, Milo watched in growing horror.The shadows dragged their prey, unconscious men, women, and even children toward the depths of the alleyways. Their limp bodies scraped along the ground, the harsh sound grating against Milo’s ears. His stomach churned at the sight, and an unbidden thought pierced his mind:This can’t be happening.“What are they?” Milo whispered to himself, his voice barely audible.“Constructs gone rogue? No... no, this is something else. Something worse.” He continue.He tightened his grip on the flashbang device in his hand, its smooth metal surface cold against his clammy palm. Panic and anger warred with