Shadow of the Fallen

Chapter 18: The Sacred Summit

The final leg of the journey brought the group to the base of a towering peak, its summit shrouded in golden mist. The air here felt different—charged with energy that resonated with Jin Soo's tether.

"This is it," Hye Rin said. "The Sacred Summit. The light here is pure and untainted. It's where I trained before I severed my tether."

Eun Ha looked around warily. "If this place is so sacred, why does it feel like we're being watched?"

Seo Jin scanned the surroundings, his energy flaring. "Because the shadows won't let us reach the summit without a fight."

As they began the ascent, the shadows struck with renewed ferocity. The creatures were unlike any they had faced before—larger, faster, and more intelligent. They seemed drawn to Jin Soo, their attacks focusing on him relentlessly.

Min Jae and Eun Ha fought valiantly, their coordination flawless. Seo Jin unleashed blinding bursts of light, holding back the tide. But it was Jin Soo who bore the brunt of the assault, his tether glowing fiercely as he pushed himself to the limit.

Hye Rin stayed close, guiding him. "The light isn't just a weapon," she reminded him. "It's a shield. Let it protect you."

Her advice proved invaluable as Jin Soo began to use his light defensively, creating barriers that repelled the shadows. The group pressed on, their determination unwavering.

When they finally reached the summit, they were greeted by a breathtaking sight: a circle of ancient stones bathed in golden light. In the center, a pedestal held a crystal that pulsed with a rhythmic glow.

"This is the Heart of the Light," Hye Rin explained. "It's connected to the tether. Touch it, and it will show you what you need to see."

Jin Soo hesitated, then stepped forward. As his hand met the crystal, a surge of energy coursed through him, and the world around him shifted.

He found himself standing in a vast expanse of light and shadow, the two forces locked in a delicate balance. A voice echoed in his mind.

"The tether is not just your burden—it is your destiny. To master it, you must understand both its light and its darkness."

When the vision faded, Jin Soo staggered back, his expression unreadable. "I saw… everything," he murmured. "The past, the future… and the choice I'll have to make."

Hye Rin's eyes narrowed. "What choice?"

Jin Soo met her gaze, determination burning in his eyes. "To either save the world—or destroy it."

TO BE CONTINUED...