---
š Scene 1: The Temple of Shadows
Location: Ruins of the Ancient Temple Outside London
Deep within the crumbled temple, Umbra stood in the central hall. Broken pillars lay shattered around him, the floor hollowed out and pulsing with dark energy. From the ceiling, black crystals grew like roots, feeding on the air itself.
Umbra's half-destroyed body had mostly regenerated, though remnants of smoke still twisted off his frame. His hand reached toward the massive black crystal in the center.
"At lastā¦" he whispered. "My true power will awaken."
Thick, blood-like black liquid oozed from the crystal, slithering into Umbra's body.
As the corruption sank deeper into him, his eyes flashed redābrighter than ever before.
---
š Scene 2: Astra's Preparation
Location: Astra Headquarters, Weapon Hall ā London Central
Seraphine slammed down an ancient map onto the war table.
"This temple has always been a center of darkness. If Umbra takes it fully⦠he'll gain enough power to swallow all of Europe."
Elliot nodded grimly.
"Then we don't wait. We strike tonight."
Leon stood silently. Deep within, he could feel the dark energy stirring. Every time Umbra grew stronger, that same darkness awakened inside him too.
Seraphine walked up to him, gently placing a hand on his arm.
"We believe in you. Your power balances his. This time⦠we end it."
Leon slowly looked up.
"No. I don't just want to destroy him... I want to understand him."
Elliot's expression darkened.
"Understand him? He's pure evil, Leon!"
Leon took a deep breath.
"Maybe. But he's part of me now. If I keep rejecting him, he'll keep growing inside."
A heavy silence followed.
Finally, Seraphine offered a tired smile.
"You've changed, Leon."
Leon closed his eyes.
"Because I had no choice."
---
š Scene 3: The Wave of Darkness
Location: Outskirts of London ā Small Villages
Before sunrise, a black fog rolled across the outer villages. Trees withered, fences crumbled, and the air filled with dread. Panic spread as villagers fled.
A voice echoed through the mist:
"I have returnedā¦"
It was Umbra.
From the tower, Leon looked toward the distant darkness spreading fast over the horizon. Inside him, something stirred.
"This time⦠I won't hold back."
---
š Scene 4: Leon's Decision
Location: Observation Point, Tower Roof
Seraphine stood beside Leon, staring at the wave of shadow crawling toward London.
"We're ready," she said.
Leon nodded, but he already knewāthe choice in his heart was different.
Umbra wasn't just approaching from the outside. He was calling from within.
"I want to go⦠alone."
Elliot's voice rang out behind them.
"Have you lost your mind?!"
Leon looked away.
"He's inside me too. If I don't stop him with my own strength⦠it will never end."
Seraphine placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"If that's your decision⦠we won't let you face him alone."
Leon looked at her, a rare flicker of gratitude in his eyes.
"This is my war. But⦠with you at my side, maybe it can end."
Below them, Astra warriors began gatheringāone by one, stepping into formation.
They stood behind Leon.
Then, Umbra's voice echoed again.
"You can't destroy me⦠but maybe, you'll destroy yourself."
Leon smiled faintly.
"Even so⦠I will fight."
---
š Chapter End
The black mist thickened above the Temple of Darkness. Red lightning cracked through the skies over London.
Umbra was not coming to retreat.
Leon took one final breath.
He turned away from the tower and walked toward fate.
The final battle⦠had begun.
---