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Scene 1: The Marks Left Behind at the Tower
Location: Ruins of the London Tower, Dawn
Hours had passed since the battle had ended, but the scorched walls, the blood-red sky, and the lingering weight in the air had not faded.
Leon knelt beside the ashes where Noctis had been obliterated. He touched the charred stone with one hand, eyes locked in thought.
Seraphine approached quietly.
"Can you still feel it?" she asked, her voice low.
Leon nodded slowly.
"Yes. He wasn't fully destroyed. Just... hidden."
Elliot leaned against the cracked wall nearby, eyes closed but listening.
"Umbra may have retreated," he said, "but this wasn't a true victory."
Leon stood and looked up at the fading stars.
"That's why we need to prepare. He'll return—stronger than before."
As if answering his words, a tendril of shadow curled from between the stones, dissolving into the air.
Umbra's essence still lingered.
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Scene 2: Umbra's Remnants
Location: Ruins of a once-sacred temple outside London
A dome of black mist consumed what was left of the ancient structure. From within, Umbra emerged—his form barely stable, tendrils of corrupted energy trailing behind him.
Half of his body looked as if it were unraveling, melting into shadow.
"Leon..." he rasped. "You chose to share my power… which means… you will become me."
He raised his trembling hands and touched the shattered stones around him.
The ground began to quake.
From deep below, dark crystalline spires pierced through the earth, pulsing with malevolent energy.
"Now… I'll absorb not only my own strength… but yours."
Umbra stepped into the glowing crystal formation, inhaling the darkness.
The rebirth had begun.
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Scene 3: The Astra Council Convenes
Location: Astra Order Headquarters, underground chamber
Inside the makeshift war room, Seraphine, Elliot, and Leon sat around a damaged table. Their armor bore fresh scars, their faces exhaustion.
Seraphine met Leon's eyes.
"Umbra's still alive. Your strike wasn't enough."
Leon didn't speak at first. A cold throb pulsed in his chest—a flicker of darkness beneath the light. He forced a breath and steadied himself.
"I know," he said at last. "And I won't stop until he's ended."
Before anyone could respond, a scout burst through the iron doors.
"Message from the northern watch! Umbra has been sighted—he's gathering energy in the ruins beyond the city. Nearby villages are evacuating."
Seraphine stood, her voice like iron.
"Then he's not at full strength yet. We end this… now."
Leon rose, eyes burning with dual energy—radiance and shade dancing in perfect sync.
"This time," he said, "there will be no escape."
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Scene 4: Leon and the Voice Within
Location: Leon's private quarters
Alone, Leon stood by the shattered window, looking down at his hands.
He had survived only because of the power gifted—no, cursed—upon him. A power not entirely his own. Something else lived within it.
A whisper crept into his mind.
"You're becoming like me."
Leon clenched his fists.
"No. I've chosen another path."
"How long will you resist? One day… you'll stop choosing. You'll become me."
His heart pounded. The voice was familiar—his own, but twisted, corrupted.
Leon's gaze sharpened.
"Then I'd rather die than become you."
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Chapter End
Above the city, the sky turned black—not a natural night, but a suffocating dome of darkness. Umbra's presence returned, heavier than before.
Astra warriors readied their weapons. Seraphine donned her armor once more.
Leon closed his eyes, drawing the light and darkness together.
A new battle was beginning.
This time, there would be no turning back.
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