Chapter 35: The Darkness That Took Her
The battlefield trembled.
Dark clouds filled the sky as Arif and the Shadow King clashed violently. Their attacks tore through the air, shaking Black Mountain with each impact.
Lina stood a few steps away, watching the terrifying battle unfold.
She gripped her sword tightly.
"This fight… it's beyond anything I've seen."
Arif rushed forward again.
"Shadow Strike!"
Dark energy exploded from his blade.
The Shadow King blocked calmly.
"You're improving," he said.
"But you're still too slow."
He vanished instantly.
Arif's eyes widened.
"Where—?!"
The Shadow King appeared above him.
BOOM!
A powerful strike slammed Arif into the ground.
The mountain cracked.
Dust filled the air.
"Arif!" Lina shouted.
She rushed forward.
But suddenly—
The ground beneath her trembled.
A strange dark symbol appeared below her feet.
"What…?"
The air grew colder.
Dark mist began forming around Lina.
Arif noticed immediately.
"Lina! Move!"
But it was too late.
Dark chains burst from the ground.
They wrapped around Lina's arms and legs.
Her eyes widened.
"W-What is this?!"
She struggled.
The chains tightened.
Shadow King looked at her calmly.
"It begins."
Arif's heart dropped.
"You planned this…"
The Shadow King didn't deny it.
Suddenly—
The ground cracked open.
A massive dark portal appeared.
Cold wind burst out from inside.
Lina was slowly pulled toward it.
"Arif!"
She tried to resist.
But the force was too strong.
Arif rushed forward.
"Let her go!"
He attacked the chains.
But—
His blade passed through them.
"Intangible…?!"
The Shadow King spoke calmly.
"She's being taken to another realm."
Arif's eyes widened.
"Another realm?"
Lina struggled harder.
"I can't move!"
Dark energy wrapped around her completely.
Her body slowly lifted into the air.
"No… No…!"
Arif ran faster.
"Shadow Step!"
He jumped forward.
Just as he reached her—
A dark barrier blocked him.
BOOM!
He was thrown back.
"Arif!"
Lina screamed.
Her body was slowly dragged toward the portal.
Tears formed in her eyes.
"Don't come… it's dangerous…"
Arif stood up.
"I won't leave you!"
He released full power.
"Shadow Domain!"
Darkness spread.
He broke through the barrier.
He reached Lina.
Their hands almost touched—
Suddenly—
A powerful dark hand emerged from the portal.
It grabbed Lina.
Her eyes widened in fear.
"Arif!"
The hand dragged her inside.
"No!"
Arif jumped forward—
But the portal closed instantly.
Silence.
Everything stopped.
Arif stood frozen.
"Lina…?"
No response.
Only empty air.
She was gone.
The wind blew softly.
Arif slowly lowered his hand.
His eyes trembled.
"Lina…"
The Shadow King stood quietly.
"It's done."
Arif's expression slowly changed.
Anger filled his eyes.
"You…"
Dark energy surrounded him.
"You took her."
The Shadow King looked calm.
"She was chosen."
Arif clenched his fists.
"I'll bring her back."
The Shadow King nodded.
"If you can."
Suddenly—
He began to disappear.
"Wait!"
Arif rushed forward.
But the Shadow King vanished.
The battlefield fell silent.
Arif stood alone.
His chest tightened.
He fell to his knees.
For the first time—
Arif looked broken.
Hours later…
The sun slowly rose.
But Arif hadn't moved.
He sat quietly.
Still staring at the sky.
Suddenly—
The system appeared.
[New Quest Activated]
[Find Lina]
[Objective: Enter Other Realms]
Arif slowly stood up.
"Other realms…"
The system continued.
[First Destination: Naga Realm]
Arif frowned.
"Nag Lok…?"
A map appeared.
Underground world.
Snake kingdom.
Danger level: High.
Arif clenched his fists.
"I'm coming… Lina."
He walked forward.
His journey had begun.
Far away…
In complete darkness—
Lina slowly opened her eyes.
She looked around.
Cold air surrounded her.
Strange shadows moved.
"Where… am I…?"
Suddenly—
A voice echoed.
"Welcome… to the Shadow Abyss."
Lina's eyes widened.
And deep within darkness—
A pair of glowing eyes opened.
"She has arrived…"
To Be Continued…