My illusions became so dense they started bleeding into reality. The crowned king roared in fury as I dismantled its domain piece by piece.
After what felt like an eternity of brutal combat, we stood victorious.
The king's massive body crumbled, its crown shattering into black dust. The throne room began collapsing inward, forcing us toward one final descent — a narrow, blood-red tunnel that led straight down into the pulsing heart of the SSS-rank Cursed Gate.
We were bleeding. Exhausted. Covered in wounds and cursed residue.
But we were still together.
Lydia leaned heavily on me, blood seeping through her side. Vale's breathing was labored, one arm hanging limply. I supported both of them as we stood at the edge of the final tunnel.
The true core waited below.
And it was angry.
---
