The Dawn of the New World



Dai Zhi and Ensis landed in the far corner away from Henrik's party, hiding behind the maze of illusionary figures that seemed to have no end to them.

They were like ghosts and didn't even react when someone passed through them. And neither Ensis nor Dai Zhi could detect any trace of their presence other than what was visible to the naked eye.

"What are these apparitions?" Dai Zhi squinted trying to find any distinguishing features that might connect them but there was absolutely nothing.

They ranged from young children to the elderly and everything in between. The only thing in common was they were transfixed on the pyramid.

But Ensis could not care less. He was looking for an opportunity to land a lethal blow but that was easier said than done. No matter how friendly Dai Zhi acted he never truly let his guard down.

The only option Ensis had was to keep him as distracted as possible in hopes that he would slip because in a fair fight, he did not have much confidence to come out victorious.

"They must be connected to the pyramid. We should try to stay low and get as close as possible, no reason to spook them."

"You're right, follow me," Dai Zhi cast a spell on them that helped hide their presence as they moved parallel to Henrik's group while pieces of the cavern fell around them.

The ground shook nonstop and with every passing moment the temperature rose higher and higher.

Since Henrik's group wasn't trying to keep a low profile they were the first ones to reach the large staircase that led all the way to the top.

"Come on, everyone run up!" Rhisiat shouted while carrying several individuals in his arms and on his shoulders.

There was a regiment of Dai Zhi's soldiers quickly coming up behind them, unaware that their Lord and Savior was just a stone's throw away watching everything unfold from the shadows.

"Should we help them," Ensis whispered upon seeing the soldiers sprinting towards them.

But Dai Zhi had other plans and quickly shook his head, "No, not yet. I want to see what happens. We will stay hidden unless something changes."

His eyes turned cold as Ensis watched Claudia engage with the soldiers first. He looked around warily trying to find a clue about Hao Xuan's position.

'That one has master's scent on her. He must be close but I can barely feel him anymore. This is the weakest our connection has ever been-'

Ensis was one of the first severs that Hao Xuan got, and probably one of the last that still remained. His undying loyalty had led him straight into the lion's den but if it meant he could be of any assistance then there was no place else he would rather be.

But there was still one other thing that bothered him. His eyes shifted to the stretch of empty space around the pyramid that separated it from the rest of the cavern. It was so deep that the bottom could not be seen but at this moment, Ensis could feel something stirring within its depths.

'-Not to mention the dangerous aura that's coming from down. Such a vile presence, even that Sword Fiend would flee if he was here with his original body.'

He held onto the simple black blade hanging from his waist while getting ready. One swing of the blade with everything behind it, there was not going to be a second chance for either of them.

Meanwhile outside, the storm continued to increase in intensity while tearing up the ground around it, edging closer to the pyramid with every passing moment. It was a matter of minutes until it would breach the walls of the cavern.

**

And within the 'Silent Chamber' things were just as hectic. The hammer strike had set the soul dust ablaze, covering Hao Xuan's entire figure in a blue and white Soul Flame.

It surrounded him from all directions and its effects only increased with every passing second as more and more souls were pulled in and sacrificed at the altar.

The flame was solely contained by the barrier but even through it Mr. Hyde was able to feel its searing presence eating away at him.

'There, that's the final step! His soul is going to be extinguished by that flame if we don't help!' he reminded Jin Wang.

'I know, I'm going as fast as I can!'

Jin Wang's hands were a blur as they created one hand sign after another while chanting the spell under his breath. Sweat gathered on his brow as he repeated the spell over and over again.

"O' Spirits of longing and desire, heed my call, connect these dithering souls with one another so they may end what should never have been!"