Chapter 71: The Showdown [I]

The barrier shimmered, revealing a hidden pathway leading into the depths of the forest. The air grew colder, and an eerie silence fell over them. The trees seemed to close in, their twisted branches forming a tunnel of darkness.

As they all passed through it, they emerged into a desolate clearing where the trees were withered and the branches were blackened. Dark clouds loomed overhead, casting a sinister shadow over everything.

In the middle of it all stood an old, ill-maintained mansion, shrouded in a foreboding black aura.

"We've reached our destination, but the real challenge starts now," Lucien said, his hands shimmering with wind energy, his eyes narrowing as he assessed their surroundings.

Ewaan's eyes scanned the surroundings, his senses heightened. He extended his hand, summoning a well-designed hilt of a katana.