Chapter 45: Light of Hope
I infused my katana with the dark, pulsating energy of [Dark Magic: Shadow Katana]. The weapon hummed with power, an extension of my resolve to protect Lyra and the captured students.
With it, I could slash through the shadows and even the mighty Dark Knight of the Abyss. Without divine or light magic in my arsenal, this dark energy would be my sole means of defeating them—absorbing their essence into my blade.
Using my ultimate attack from the battle with Canis crossed my mind, but it wasn’t an option here. That technique consumed an immense amount of energy, and its destructive force was far too risky in this enclosed space. The building could collapse, burying everyone here. No, I needed a more measured approach.
Gripping my katana tighter, I rushed forward with enhanced speed using my trait [Shadow Conquers], 50% multiplied my agility. As I neared the Dark Knight’s striking range, I weaved through its massive, clumsy swings, dodging each strike by mere inches.
Once within my ideal range, I launched [Blackmore Katana Style: Tsurugi no Mai]. This intricate, chaotic dance of slashes encircled my opponent, leaving the towering knight reeling as its armor cracked and its movements faltered.
The moment its balance shifted, I seized the opportunity. With precision honed through countless battles, I activated [Blackmore Katana Style: Inazuma], my lightning-quick iai strike.
The blade flashed in an instant, slicing clean through the Dark Knight’s towering form. Its body fell, split cleanly in two, and though it began to regenerate, my [Shadow Katana] absorbed its essence before the process could complete. The monstrosity dissolved into nothingness, leaving only silence.
The hooded figure, now glaring at me with undisguised rage, clenched the crystal elixir in his hand. "You wield dark magic as well," he spat. "No matter—I haven’t lost yet."
Raising the crystal, he let out a guttural scream as dark mana surged from his body, flooding the chamber and feeding into the artifact. A ripple of energy exploded outward, and the summoning circles appeared—ten of them this time.
One by one, ten more Dark Knights of the Abyss emerged from the glowing circles, their presence plunging the already grim atmosphere into despair. The students huddled behind Lyra, their hope fading as their cries filled the room.
"Stay behind the barrier, Lyra!" I shouted, turning my focus to the oncoming knights.