Chapter 28: The Shattered Truth

As the chamber twisted and shifted, the Hollow King’s mocking laughter filled the air. The walls dissolved into an ever-changing storm of shadows, fragments of places and moments flashing by—ruins, battles, faces of the past.

Ithan felt disoriented, his steps faltering as the ground beneath him seemed to shift with each movement. Lyra grabbed his arm, steadying him. “Stay focused. He’s trying to break your resolve,” she urged.

The Hollow King’s voice resonated from every direction, low and taunting. “You think you fight for justice, Ithan. But do you truly understand the forces at play?”

Ithan raised the Sigil, its glow cutting through the shadows. “I understand enough—you’ve manipulated and destroyed lives for your own gain. That ends now.”

“Ah,” the Hollow King replied, his tone almost amused. “You’ve been fed lies, boy. What if the truth isn’t what you believe?”

Before Ithan could respond, the storm of shadows coalesced into a vision. It was his family, standing together in a tranquil garden. His mother’s laugh, his sister’s smile—they were so real, it made his heart ache.

Then the scene twisted. Flames engulfed the garden, screams echoing in his ears. He saw Erza standing over them, her hand outstretched, dark energy swirling around her.

“No!” Ithan shouted, the Sigil’s light flaring as he tried to dispel the vision.

Lyra gripped his shoulder. “It’s not real, Ithan! He’s using your fears against you!”

The Hollow King’s voice cut through the chaos. “Not real? Or is it a glimpse of what could have been? Of who truly betrayed you?”

The vision shifted again, this time showing Erza kneeling before the Hollow King, her expression one of cold determination.

Ithan’s breath caught in his throat. “Erza… worked with you?”

The Hollow King stepped forward, his form towering over them. “Ah, you’re beginning to see. She was never your ally. But tell me, what will you do now, knowing this truth?”

Ithan felt his world unraveling. He had trusted Erza, believed her to be a guiding force in his fight. But now, doubt clouded his every thought.

Lyra stepped in front of him, her blade raised. “Don’t listen to him! He’s twisting the truth to make you falter.”

The Hollow King’s gaze shifted to her, his smile widening. “And what of you, Lyra? The guardian who hides her own secrets. Shall I reveal them as well?”

A flicker of unease crossed Lyra’s face, but she stood her ground. “Ithan, remember why you’re here. Your family, your friends—they’re counting on you. He’s just trying to distract you from the fight.”

Taking a deep breath, Ithan steadied himself. The Sigil’s glow steadied, its warmth grounding him. “You’re right,” he said, his voice firm. “No more games. This ends now.”

The Hollow King raised his hands, the shadows swirling into a massive spear of darkness. “Very well, then. Show me if you’re worthy of wielding the Sigil’s full power.”

With a battle cry, Ithan surged forward, the Sigil blazing like a star. Lyra followed, her weapon slicing through the darkness as they faced the Hollow King head-on.

The chamber exploded in light and shadow, the clash of power shaking the very foundations of the ruin. Each strike from Ithan and Lyra pushed the Hollow King back, but his counterattacks were relentless.

As the battle raged, Ithan felt a strange sensation—a connection forming between the Sigil and the Hollow King’s power. Memories flooded his mind, fragments of a time long past.

He saw two figures wielding the Sigil’s halves, fighting side by side. Their faces were blurred, but their determination was unmistakable. Then he saw the moment of betrayal—one turning on the other, their battle tearing the world apart.

When the vision faded, Ithan was left gasping. The Hollow King staggered, his shadowy form flickering.

“So, you’ve seen it,” the Hollow King said, his voice weaker now. “The truth of the Sigil. Of what it means to bear its burden.”

Ithan tightened his grip on the Sigil. “The past doesn’t matter. What matters is stopping you here and now.”

The Hollow King chuckled, though it was strained. “Then let us see if you have the strength to change the future.”

As their powers collided once more, Ithan realized this battle wasn’t just about defeating the Hollow King. It was about breaking the cycle of betrayal and forging a new path—one where the Sigil’s power could be used to protect, not destroy.