Chapter 26: Chapter ²⁶ The Abyss Beckons and Why Curiosity Is Overrated
Chapter 26: The Abyss Beckons and Why Curiosity Is Overrated
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Narration Mode Activated
"Let's sum up my day so far: I got ambushed by a shadow monster, almost passed out using magic I barely understand, and now I'm being told it's all just a warm-up for something worse. Oh, and I still haven't done my math homework. Priorities."
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Back at school, I'm slumped over my desk, trying to make sense of the notes Reina lent me.
"Akira, are you even paying attention?" she asks, leaning over my shoulder.
"Totally," I say, doodling a very convincing stick figure of Blobby fighting a dragon.
Reina snatches the paper, her face a mix of exasperation and resignation. "What is this supposed to be?"
"Art," I reply solemnly.
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Before Reina can launch into another lecture, Kira walks into the classroom.
This, of course, causes a stir.
"Why is she here?" Reina whispers.
"I have no idea," I lie.
Kira ignores the murmurs and walks straight to my desk.
"We need to talk," she says, her tone leaving no room for argument.
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Narration Mode Activated
"There's nothing more awkward than being publicly summoned by your stalker while your best friend watches. Except maybe the fact that my 'stalker' is actually trying to save my life. Details."
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We head to the stairwell, away from prying eyes.
Kira crosses her arms, her expression serious. "The Abyss Beast wasn't random. Someone sent it to test you."
"Yeah, you mentioned that. Care to elaborate?"
She hesitates. "I think they're trying to force your awakening."
"My awakening as a dragon god of destruction, right?"
"Exactly," she says grimly. "And if that happens, it won't just be you who suffers—it'll be everyone around you."
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I lean against the wall, trying to process this.
"So, what? I'm just supposed to sit around and wait for the next monster to show up?"
"No," she says. "We're going to find them before they find you."
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Blobby pops out of my bag, chirping excitedly. "Ooh! Are we going on a hunt? I love hunts!"
Kira eyes it warily. "Does it ever stop talking?"
"No," I say. "Trust me, I've tried."
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Narration Mode Activated
"Fun fact: when your life becomes a mix of supernatural battles and teenage drama, the only thing you can rely on is a sentient blob with questionable intelligence. Pray for me."
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After school, Kira drags me to a nearby park, claiming it's a "safe spot" to talk strategy.
Reina, of course, follows us.
"Why am I here again?" she asks, looking between me and Kira.
"Support," I say, mostly because I don't know how to explain the truth.
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Kira lays out her plan.
"There are five potential locations where the shadow council might strike next," she says, pointing to a map.
"All of them are high-mana zones," Blobby adds helpfully.
Reina frowns. "How does it know that?"
"It's a blob of mystery," I say.
Reina looks unimpressed.
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The first location on the list is an abandoned library on the edge of town.
"This place used to be a hotspot for mages," Kira explains as we approach. "But it's been sealed off for years."
"Sounds like the perfect place for a trap," I mutter.
"Exactly," Kira says, drawing her blade.
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Inside, the air is thick with mana.
Blobby flutters ahead, its glow casting eerie shadows on the dusty walls.
"This place feels…off," Reina says, sticking close to me.
"You're telling me," I reply, trying to ignore the chills running down my spine.
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Suddenly, the ground shakes.
Books fly off the shelves, and a low growl echoes through the room.
"Not again," I groan.
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A figure steps out of the shadows, cloaked in black and holding a staff crackling with dark energy.
"Well, well," they say, their voice dripping with malice. "The prodigal dragon returns."
"Do I know you?" I ask, genuinely confused.
The figure laughs. "Not yet. But you will."
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Narration Mode Activated
"I'd like to say I handled this situation with grace and bravery. But that would be a lie."
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"RUN!" I shout, grabbing Reina's hand and bolting for the exit.
Kira groans. "Coward!"
She charges at the figure, her blade glowing with mana.
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Blobby, meanwhile, decides to play hero.
"Don't worry, Boss! I've got this!"
It launches itself at the figure, aiming for their face.
The figure swats it away like a fly.
"Nice try," I mutter, pulling Reina behind a bookshelf.
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Kira's clash with the figure is intense, the room filled with the sounds of magic and steel.
Reina looks at me, panic in her eyes. "What are we supposed to do?"
"I'm thinking!" I say, which is a lie. I have no idea what to do.
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Blobby flutters back to me, looking slightly deflated.
"Boss, I think we need a new plan."
"No kidding," I mutter.
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The figure suddenly turns their attention to me.
"You can't hide, dragon," they sneer, raising their staff.
"Oh, great," I say, bracing for the worst.
But before they can attack, Kira leaps in front of me, her blade slicing through their staff.
"You'll have to go through me first," she says, her voice cold.
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The figure snarls, retreating into the shadows.
"This isn't over," they hiss before disappearing completely.
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For a moment, the room is silent.
Then Kira turns to me, her expression a mix of anger and exhaustion.
"Next time, try fighting instead of running," she snaps.
"I'll keep that in mind," I say weakly.
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As we leave the library, Blobby pipes up.
"Well, that was exciting! When's the next adventure?"
"Hopefully never," I mutter.
But deep down, I know this is just the beginning.
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Meanwhile…
In a dark chamber, the cloaked figure kneels before a massive, glowing sigil.
"I failed," they admit, their voice trembling.
The sigil pulses with light, and a voice booms through the chamber.
"Then you are of no use to me."
The figure screams as the light engulfs them, leaving nothing behind.
The voice chuckles, cold and menacing.
"The dragon will awaken. And when he does, the world will burn."
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End of Chapter 26