The chamber was dimly lit, the only source of light being the eerie glow of the cryopods containing Alpha zombies. It was the perfect atmosphere for a Shadowsmith to fight, while the same couldn’t be said for the Eclipse leader.

It seemed like the Leader knew it as well, and that’s why regardless of talking shit before, he didn’t make any moves. It could also have been because of what Shinon said moments ago... To choose a way the Eclipse Leader would like to die.

The Leader’s mask hid his emotions, but Shinon’s face had also turned into a mask. Unlike before, he showed no signs of aggression, nothing. He just stood there before the Leader like a mannequin. However, the silence was about to be destroyed.

In the blink of an eye, Shinon disappeared from the Leader’s vision and, a moment later, appeared behind him, swinging his blade. Thankfully, the Leader managed to dodge the attack from a hair’s breadth. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

But there was no respite for him. Shinon relentlessly kept attacking his target. However, he dodged every attack from his blades. Shinon even went as far as creating weapons from the shadow, but no matter what he did, the Leader somehow managed to escape his blades.

"Why do you resist?" the Leader jeered, a sinister grin on his lips. "You cannot escape your fate; your father couldn’t either. Besides, we have all the power in the world; whatever you desire shall be delivered to you!"

Shinon didn’t bother responding with words; instead, his attacks grew increasingly relentless. However, the Leader still dodged his attacks while showing off his acrobatic skills.

Still avoiding Shinon’s attacks, the Eclipse leader chuckled, "Is that all you’ve got, Shinon? I expected more from the Shadowbearer. But it looks like you’re nothing special. At least you’ll keep me entertained for a few seconds, so that’s a positive."

Perhaps the Leader didn’t notice it, but Shinon was slowly driving him into a corner in an attempt to limit space for the Leader to dodge. While it was a crude and stamina-consuming method, Shinon was positive the plan would work, and in case it didn’t, he had a second plan ready to go.

"You’re too predictable, Shinon," The Leader sighed before rushing towards him.

He closed the distance between them in seconds and delivered a powerful palm strike to Shinon’s chest. The force sent Shinon hurtling across the room, crashing into the cold, white walls.

The impact would have been much more severe if it hadn’t been for his shadows cushioning the blow.

"It’s too early for you to be thinking about defeating me, Shinon," the Leader sneered, savouring the moment.

"Don’t count your chickens before they hatch."’

Shinon, who had been silent the entire fight, spoke, and the Leader instantly knew something was amiss. While the Leader was busy taunting Shinon, a shadow tendril emerged from the darkness, wrapping around the Leader’s legs.

Shinon pulled the tendril towards him, which in turn yanked the Leader towards him. Before the Leader could think or do anything, Shinon grabbed the Leader’s head and slammed it onto the cold, hard floor.

The Leader, momentarily dazed, saw stars as everything around him spun. Before he could regain his bearings, Shinon seized him.

"I knew it would be impossible to get this close to you," Shinon snarled. "That’s why I planned to fight you as pathetically as possible to make you drop your guard.

The result of this battle had been determined even before you decided to act overconfident."

The Eclipse leader felt a cold shiver crawl up his spine as Shinon’s hands closed around his neck. At that moment, the air seemed to crackle with an ominous energy, but it was nothing compared to what was about to happen.

"What are you doing!?" The Leader yelled while trying to break free.

"Shh... it’ll only take a moment," Shinon replied.

A moment later, shadow essence covered Shinon’s arm as he began draining the Leader’s life force and stats, claiming it for himself. The Leader continued to yell as his attempts to break free became increasingly futile as Shinon’s grip tightened.

The Leader’s breath quickened as panic set in. His life force was gradually siphoned away, and he couldn’t do anything about it. Each passing second felt like an eternity.

As Shinon continued draining his HP and stats, the Leader’s physical form began to wither. Wrinkles appeared all over his body. The once mighty Leader was now reduced to a mere ragdoll. Even then, his bravado didn’t disappear.

"You think this will change anything?" The Leader taunted upon realising that resistance was futile. "You can kill me this way, but will you be able to put your own father through the same torment?"

Shinon’s face hardened, and he tightened his grip. But then, without uttering a word, he hurled the Leader toward the cryopods containing Alpha zombies.

"You’re too soft, Shinon," The Leader scoffed, struggling to get to his feet. "You threw me to the place you shouldn’t have; now you’ll pay the price!"

"You moron..." Shinon finally let his mask slip and began laughing like a maniac. "You really think all my attacks missed?"

"What do you-"

The Leader was about to ask Shinon what he meant when he heard a growl, and his question was answered. As he turned around, the Leader realised most of the cryopods had been broken and their contents were empty.

Within moments, he was surrounded by the same creatures he had helped create. The Leader attempted to run away, but Shinon had left him incapable of doing so.

With no way out, the Leader began to crawl on the ground. Desperate to escape the undead. His movements were weak, a stark contrast to the bold taunts he made moments ago.

"Stay back! I said stay back!"

The Alpha zombies, supposed to obey his command, turned on him with a feral hunger. A moment later, all Shinon could hear were his screams as his fingers clawed at the floor, leaving smeared trails of blood.

"No, this can’t be happening! I created you! I command you!"

While the Alpha zombies feasted on the Leader, Shinon retrieved the rocket launcher from his inventory and aimed at the undead. He unleashed the rocket without hesitation, and an explosion rocked the entire facility.

A dome of darkness unfurled, consuming everything in its path. The cryopods shattered, and the Alpha zombies disintegrated into dust along with the Leader.

Exhausted from excessive use of his abilities, Shinon collapsed on his knees. It seemed like it would be a while before he could chase after his father.

The next moment, Shinon sensed a presence behind him. But before he could turn and do something about it, a blunt object struck him in the head. Darkness overtook him as he crumpled to the ground, unconscious.