Chapter 468: Chapter 465 – Qilin
Sylvia, Stacia, and Alicia stood at the entrance of the new tunnel, which was dark and sloped steeply downward, ready to venture deeper into the mysterious darkness. The oppressive dark aura grew stronger, as if something ancient, primordial, and immensely powerful was waiting patiently in the depths with a threatening presence. The air here felt heavier, damper, and colder, carrying a sharp mineral scent mixed with the smell of long-untouched damp soil. Sylvia’s Abyss chains vibrated gently in the shadows around her feet, as if thirsty for battle and ready to strike at any moment with the power of her newly reached Level 100. Stacia gripped her grimoire tightly, the dark runes on her pitch-black wings flickering, prepared to unleash deadly spatial magic. Alicia held her magic staff firmly, faint white light beginning to stack debuffs at her fingertips, ready to weaken any enemy that appeared.
But before they could take even a single step forward, Sol, who was perched comfortably on Sylvia’s shoulder, suddenly leaped down with agile movements. The golden cat ran forward with uncharacteristic enthusiasm, its tail wagging rapidly from side to side, and its golden eyes shining brightly like a child about to reunite with an old friend after many years apart. Its small body trembled with anticipation, its golden fur slightly standing on end, as if it felt a soul-deep calling an ancient bond reawakening.
"Sol?" Sylvia frowned in confusion, raising an eyebrow. "What’s wrong? Why are you acting like this all of a sudden?"
Stacia and Alicia exchanged glances, clearly surprised. Sol was usually very obedient, cautious, and rarely acted without his master’s orders. But this time, he ran faster into the tunnel without waiting, his small claws tapping lightly yet determinedly against the stone floor.
"Let’s just follow him," Sylvia said after a brief pause, her voice firm despite the hint of worry. "Sol wouldn’t act recklessly without a very good reason. He must have sensed something important."
The three of them followed the increasingly excited Sol. Their pace quickened as they descended the steep tunnel. The air grew colder and damper, and the stone walls were covered in deeper and wider ancient claw marks, as if a giant creature had once scratched them itself. The sound of dripping water became clearer, echoing like the dungeon’s own heartbeat tuk... tuk... tuk... making the atmosphere even more tense and mysterious. Alicia’s staff light illuminated the narrow path, casting long dancing shadows on the walls.
Not long after, they arrived at a massive gate that completely blocked the way. The gate was made of dense black stone, engraved with faint ancient runes that glowed dimly on its surface. It stood ten meters tall, with heavy doors sealed tightly and covered in unreadable ancient symbols. A powerful aura of holiness mixed with dark corruption radiated from behind the gate, sending chills down their spines.
Sol stopped right in front of the gate. His small body trembled violently, then began to grow rapidly and dramatically. Golden fur transformed into beautiful shimmering scales, horns elongated elegantly, golden wings spread wide with glittering veins, and in an instant, he returned to his full dragon form. His body was now much larger than before, nearly twenty meters long, full of power and a dazzling holy aura in the middle of the tunnel’s darkness. The golden dragon exhaled a warm breath filled with determination.
Without the slightest hesitation, Sol raised his large, powerful front claw. His golden scales gleamed under the light of Alicia’s staff. KRRRRAAAAANGGGG!!! A single devastating strike shattered the stone gate into pieces in an instant. Large chunks of rock flew in all directions, thick dust billowed like fog, and the ancient gate collapsed with a thunderous roar that shook the entire tunnel. The strong vibration could be felt all the way to the soles of their feet, as if the whole dungeon was trembling.
Behind the destroyed gate lay a vast chamber resembling a magnificent ancient altar. The high ceiling was adorned with faintly glowing crystals, and the stone floor was intricately carved with patterns depicting ancient sacred creatures. In the center of the room stood a strange yet incredibly majestic sacred beast. Its head resembled a dragon with antler-like branched horns, a thick lion-like mane flowed beautifully down its neck, its body was slender like a deer but covered in shimmering dragon scales, its front and hind legs were sturdy like warhorses, and its tail was long and bushy like a lion’s. It was a Qilin, the legendary sacred creature that symbolized luck, justice, and the balance of the world.
The Qilin gazed at the newcomers with gentle eyes filled with deep pain. Its body, which should have been pure gold, was now covered in dark patches that spread like corrupting poison. Its scales were dull and cracked in several places, and its holy aura was tainted by a deep, painful darkness. Its breathing sounded heavy, as if every breath was a struggle.
Sol immediately telepathically spoke to Sylvia and her two sisters, his voice full of rare emotion. Before us is my old friend... Qilin. We once guarded the balance of the world together in a very distant era. His situation is almost the same as mine back then... corruption has taken part of him, but he is still holding on.
Qilin looked at Sol with wide eyes full of astonishment. There was a strong flash of recognition. Golden Dragon... you... you are already free? Its voice sounded weak but deeply moved in their minds through the temporary link Sol had opened.
Sol approached slowly. Despite his intimidating size, his large dragon body moved gently and full of affection. He urgently yet softly asked Alicia through telepathy: Alicia, please help my friend the same way you helped me before. This corruption... he has managed to retain his consciousness, unlike me who nearly lost everything.
Alicia nodded without hesitation. She stepped forward gracefully, her white spirit body glowing softly and sacredly. The Qilin did not resist; it even lowered its head obediently and full of hope. Alicia brought out her original magic staff, the one with a lantern at the tip that burned with a gentle, pure blue holy flame. Its light was like living holy water.
When the lantern gently touched the Qilin’s forehead, the blue light spread like ripples of healing holy water. The Qilin closed its eyes, its body trembling slightly without roaring in pain. The dark corruption on its scales began to evaporate slowly, the black patches disappearing one by one like smoke blown away by sacred wind. The oppressive dark aura in the room started to fade, replaced by an increasingly bright golden light.
After the main corruption was removed, the Qilin opened its eyes and spoke to Alicia in a gentle yet firm voice: Little girl... step back. I will handle the rest myself. This is my final battle against the darkness within me.
Alicia obediently retreated to Sylvia’s side, still gripping her staff tightly. The Qilin’s beautiful horns began to emit bright golden electricity that sparkled like the sun. Suddenly KRRRAAAAKKKK!!! golden lightning struck its own body with tremendous force. The lightning cleansed the deepest remnants of corruption, burning away the darkness until nothing remained with blinding holy light. The chamber was filled with golden flashes, the roar of thunder echoed, and a sharp ozone scent filled the air.
The golden lightning also targeted Sylvia, Stacia, and Alicia due to their "impure" natures Sylvia as the Queen of Death, Stacia as a Fallen Angel, and Alicia as a spirit. Sol reacted instantly. His body enlarged further as he shielded all three with his broad, sturdy golden wings. KRRRAAAAKKKK!!! Lightning struck Sol repeatedly, but he endured it all steadfastly. His golden scales shone as they absorbed and neutralized most of the energy. His dragon body trembled violently, but he did not retreat even an inch, protecting his master and friends with all his heart.
After what felt like a long and tense moment, the golden lightning gradually subsided. The Qilin stood with a perfect, pure golden body. Its holy aura was fully restored and strong, shining like a legendary creature reborn. It bowed its body respectfully toward the three sisters and Sol, its head nearly touching the floor.
I apologize... I almost attacked my own saviors because of the remaining corruption that was nearly gone. Thank you for your help.
Sylvia smiled relaxedly while stroking Sol, who had returned to medium size. Her hand touched the warm scales with affection. "It’s no problem. We understand. Corruption is indeed painful and difficult to fight alone. We’re glad we could help."
Stacia and Alicia also nodded, showing no resentment on their faces. Stacia even chuckled softly. "We’re already used to things like this."
The Qilin approached Alicia with gentle, respectful steps, feeling an invisible special bond with her. Little girl... I feel a compatibility with you. The Avatar of the World told me beforehand. I will join you, if you will allow it. My power will become part of your journey.
Sylvia, Stacia, and Alicia glanced at each other briefly, then nodded together with smiles. "Welcome to our group," Sylvia said on their behalf, her voice warm. "We will be stronger together."
With the Qilin now joining them as a new ally, they left the altar area and headed back toward the tunnel Stacia had discovered on the eastern side.
