Watching the demon fade into a final breath of fine, black dust, only among the wreckage that remained, something gleamed: a red gem, pulsing like a cursed heart.
But there was no time to celebrate.
The price of power came immediately.
My muscles turned to lead, my vision blurred. The world spun, and I felt the cold ground approaching. Before the darkness consumed me, I caught a glimpse of a figure running toward me, its screams distorted as if coming from the depths of the sea.
*Ally... or enemy?*
I couldn't tell.
My eyes closed.
And this time... I surrendered immediately...
***
Ninth Hell.
Castle of Pride.
