Chapter 55: The Cultist's Last Stand

Ryuto struggled to his feet, disoriented from the powerful wave of shadow energy that had slammed into him. The cultist stood at the far end of the chamber, his body surrounded by an aura of dark power that pulsed and writhed, casting flickering shadows across the walls. The green torches flared brighter, filling the room with a sickly glow, and the oppressive air made it difficult to breathe. The shadows around them seemed to thicken, gaining substance, as if Xyldrin himself was watching from the void, channeling his power through the cultist.

Celeste was beside Ryuto in an instant, her staff emitting a faint light as she worked to dispel some of the shadow energy clinging to him. "Are you alright?" she asked, her voice tight with concern.

Ryuto nodded, gritting his teeth. "Yeah, but he's getting stronger. We need to end this, fast."