NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Mirror of Darkness
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Chapter 1: An Unanswered Search
Siora stood before a large mirror made of dark energy. It reflected not only her image but also a deeper shadow—one that seemed to be trying to pull her inside.
Siora (speaking to herself): "What is really happening here? Why do I feel... like something is constantly watching my every step?"
Heze stood behind her, his glowing red eyes reflecting indifference toward Siora's emotions.
Heze: "Darkness needs no reason. That is why we are here. Searching for answers will only hasten your destruction."
Yet, Siora felt that something much greater was waiting beyond their reach, something she could not yet comprehend.
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Chapter 2: Fragments of Memory
The longer Siora remained in this dimension, the more she felt connected to a forgotten past. Images of the Black Mist and Kael's wounded face began to fill her mind. The weight of loss tightened in her chest.
Siora: "Kael... I want to know why you had to leave. I want to know who is truly responsible for all of this."
Heze (emotionless): "Ask the darkness. The darkness does not lie. That is what makes it more honest than the world of humans."
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Chapter 3: When Darkness Speaks
Suddenly, the mirror began to tremble. From within, an unfamiliar voice echoed—a whisper that felt like it was rising from the depths of the soul.
Voice from the mirror: "Siora... Kael... No one can save you from the path you have chosen."
Siora clutched her head as a sharp dizziness overtook her, as if those words had seeped into her mind, stirring buried memories in the abyss.
Siora (shaking): "What is this? What is happening to me?"
Heze remained silent, showing no interest.
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Chapter 4: Facing Emptiness
Siora turned to Heze, countless unanswered questions flooding her mind. But before she could voice them, the mirror shattered, tearing apart the space around them.
From within the destruction, a massive shadow emerged, approaching them. It took the form of a human, yet its body was composed of fragments of darkness and fire.
Heze (in a monotone voice): "That is a mirror of yourself. Perhaps, it is also a mirror of your future."
Siora remained silent, a storm of emotions raging inside her. The shadow drew closer, and she knew this was one of the trials she had to face to uncover the truth.
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Chapter 5: Battle Within the Darkness
The shadow attacked with an overwhelming force, distorting the space around them with every strike. Without hesitation, Siora drew her weapon and fought back. But the shadow's power far exceeded hers.
Siora (shouting): "I have to fight! I have to defeat it!"
Heze (standing still): "Strength will not solve everything. Darkness only yields to emptiness. But that is not something you can overcome with mere force."
Yet, the shadow kept advancing. Siora felt cornered, but deep inside her, there was an unyielding resolve to survive.
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Chapter 6: Power Defined
At last, Heze moved, raising his hand toward the shadow. Instantly, the entity froze, trapped by an inexplicable force of darkness. Along with it, Heze began to manipulate the reality around them, creating a tension that twisted space and time.
Heze (without emotion): "You cannot defeat something that has no limits. Just as you cannot surpass yourself."
The shadow finally shattered, yet it did not completely vanish. Fragments of darkness and fire scattered into the air, disappearing into the void.
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Chapter 7: Traces of Darkness That Leave Scars
After the battle, Siora felt drained, as if all the energy in her body had been exhausted. She trembled, nearly collapsing. But Heze remained unchanged.
Siora (breathing heavily): "Why... why do I have to go through all of this?"
Heze: "Because you chose this path. No one can escape fate. Not even you."
Siora looked at Heze with rising anger. Even though she knew he didn't care, she felt the need to express her pain.
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Chapter 8: The Journey That Must Continue
Slowly, Siora got back on her feet, gripping her weapon. She knew she had to keep going. There were still too many things she didn't understand, but one thing was certain—there was no turning back.
Siora (with determination): "I will continue. I will find the answers. Even if it means facing everything alone."
Heze: "Answers are only found in emptiness. If you can endure, perhaps you will know."
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Chapter 9: A Burning Vengeance
Siora walked forward with newfound resolve. Though wounded, there was a fire within her that could not be extinguished. The loss of Kael, the pain, and the desire for revenge had become an unstoppable force within her.
Siora (in her mind): "I will find Xalthea. I will stop her. No matter what it takes."
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Chapter 10: The Gate to Deeper Darkness
Heze led Siora toward a gateway that opened into an even deeper darkness. It did not resemble an ordinary door, but rather a passage between worlds, capable of reshaping everything inside it.
Heze: "This is a place known to very few. A world darker than you can imagine. If you can survive here, you might find your answers."
Siora gazed at the gateway, a rising unease swelling inside her. But she knew—this was the only path to the truth.