244: Spirit Power

"So, you plan to use us as sacrifices for some kind of advancement?" Caleb asked, his voice tinged with bitterness.

The king nodded, his expression unapologetic. "Yes, that's correct. The path to power often requires sacrifices, and you happen to be a crucial part of the plan. Your energy, combined with the others, will propel me to the next realm of power."

Caleb's mind raced with thoughts of resistance and escape, but the king seemed to anticipate them. The oppressive aura surrounding the king hinted at powers beyond Caleb's comprehension.

"You may think it's unfair, but in the grand scheme of things, individual lives are insignificant compared to the greater good of the kingdom," the king continued, almost as if he was trying to justify his actions.

Caleb glared at the king. "Greater good? Is that what you call it? Sacrificing lives for your own ambitions? You're no different from the monsters in the stories."