บท 133: Failure

Alex's heart pounded in his chest as he watched the remaining townspeople dissolve into puddles of blood, their screams echoing in his ears. Count Desmond's sinister laughter filled the square, a haunting reminder of the carnage that had just unfolded.

"You'll pay for this," Alex growled, his voice laced with fury. His fiery sword blazed with renewed intensity as he prepared to strike again.

Desmond smirked, his eyes gleaming with malicious glee. "You're too late, Alex. The ritual is complete."

With a flourish, the Count drew a complex vigil in the air. Dark energy crackled and surged, coalescing into a vortex of shadows at the centre of the square. The air grew thick with the scent of blood and decay, and the ground trembled beneath their feet.

Alex lunged forward, his sword aimed for Desmond's heart. But the Count was ready. He parried the blow with ease, the force of their clash sending shockwaves through the square once more.