RISE OF EROS

Despite the uncertainty, Lugia could no longer delay the mission. Not only because, if Dornun were a traitor, he would start to suspect, but also because there was a chance someone else might get ahead of them to claim the remains of the fallen god.

For this reason, the two legendary-level demigods traveled to the swamp where the fallen god's remains were located. Thanks to their immense power, it didn't take long; in less than a day, they were already facing the swamp.

Sensing the force contained within the swamp, Dornun immediately adopted a serious expression and couldn't help but comment, "Such a strong presence," to which Lugia replied, "Well, this is troublesome."

Upon hearing Lugia's comment and seeing her frown, Dornun felt something was wrong and asked, "What's going on?" Lugia didn't respond immediately but extended her aura to sense the surroundings.

Dornun, understanding that Lugia was verifying something, didn't interrupt and waited patiently. Lugia didn't make him wait long, though her expression grew darker. "I'm afraid the seal is weakening. It seems we have unwelcome company," Lugia said gravely. She didn't need to say anything more for Dornun to understand what she meant.

It was simple: someone was weakening the seal, and it didn't seem to be a friend. Thus, Dornun urged Lugia to move quickly. Lugia, still doubting Dornun, had no choice but to accept his suggestion.

It was truly troublesome for Lugia to have a companion she couldn't fully trust, and now the situation had become even more complicated. Nevertheless, the two elders entered the swamp.

Lugia led the way, as she knew where the seal was located. Although Dornun, being a legendary-level demigod, could locate the source of the evil energy emanating from the fallen god's remains, it was more efficient to let Lugia guide him.

She had already visited this place and gathered information, making it much more efficient for her to lead the way to avoid setbacks and distractions.

The swamp, dark and dense with the malignant energy of the fallen god's remains, vibrated under Lugia and Dornun's steps as they advanced in silence. As they approached the seal, the air grew increasingly heavy, almost palpable.

Finally, the center of the decay became visible: a massive stone slab adorned with ancient runes that faintly glowed, resisting the darkness that tried to smother them.

Around the seal, a group of hooded figures in black robes with snake and flame symbols on their sleeves watched intently. They were members of the organization Purgatory, notorious for their devotion to the fallen god and disdain for the laws imposed by demigods and gods.

Beside them, several semi-human figures emerged from the swamp's mist: lamias with serpent bodies and human torsos, and lizardmen with scaly skin and sharp teeth. It seemed that the swamp had been invaded by a horde of dark allies, eagerly awaiting the seal's fall.

Lugia exchanged a look with Dornun, who maintained an impassive face, though his eyes gleamed with an intensity that worried her. However, this was no time for doubt: if the seal fell, the consequences would be devastating.
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Lugia gathered all her energy into her hands, causing a golden light to illuminate the swamp, and lunged forward. Dornun, with his own power gathered in the form of a sinister dark mist, followed closely behind.

The initial confrontation was brutal. The members of Purgatory summoned spheres of fire and shadows that crashed against Lugia and Dornun, while the lamias and lizardmen attacked with poisons and sharp weapons.

Each movement was calculated, a deadly dance in which the legendary-level demigods had to be careful with every step. The combined strength of their attackers seemed overwhelming, but Lugia and Dornun, with centuries of combat experience, defended their position with skill and resilience.

A lamia lunged at Lugia, coiling her tail around her in an attempt to immobilize her. However, Lugia, with a swift movement of her arm, projected a wave of energy that sent the creature flying back.

Dornun, meanwhile, faced a group of lizardmen who attacked him with ferocity. With a gesture of his hand, a spiral of shadows enveloped the enemies, immobilizing them before disintegrating them into a cloud of dark dust.

Finally, after a fierce battle, the attackers began to retreat, unable to match the power of the two demigods. Lugia advanced to the center of the circle where the seal lay, while Dornun stood a step behind, apparently exhausted.

At first glance, it seemed they had achieved their goal, but Lugia felt a growing unease. She turned to Dornun, only to see an expression on his face that chilled her blood.

Dornun was no longer trying to hide his true nature. With a sinister smile, he let his aura transform, abandoning all pretense of control or moderation.

The chaos demon's energy was unleashed fully, and Lugia understood at that moment that her suspicions had been correct. Dornun had fallen under the influence of the fallen god, becoming a traitor to his own kind.

"Dornun... so it's true? You've pledged your loyalty to the fallen god," murmured Lugia, assuming a defensive stance. "It's time for the old structures to fall," Dornun replied, his voice echoing through the swamp as chaotic energy swirled around him.

"The gods no longer hold absolute power. It's time for older, purer forces to return to the world." Before Lugia could reply, Dornun lunged at her, his speed and strength exponentially increased by the fallen god's energy.

Dornun's attacks were unpredictable and violent, forcing Lugia to retreat as she tried to keep her balance and counter the chaos unleashed before her. The seal, weakened by time and Purgatory's efforts, began to fracture. The runes flickered, unable to sustain the accumulated energy load.

Dornun turned his attention to the seal, extending his hand towards it with the intent to break it completely and release the energy contained within the fallen god's remains.

Seeing the gravity of the situation, Lugia made a desperate decision. Without stopping to consider the consequences, she channeled all her remaining power and launched a golden energy barrier around the seal, reinforcing it with her own essence.

The barrier flickered and shook, but managed to halt Dornun's advance for a moment. "I won't allow you to complete this betrayal, Dornun!" Lugia shouted, her voice resonating with strength and determination. "Balance must be maintained, even if it costs me my life," she added fiercely.

Dornun let out a sarcastic laugh. "You still talk of balance, Lugia? Balance is an illusion created by those who fear change. Today will mark the end of your resistance and the beginning of a new era."

With an explosion of dark energy, Dornun shattered the temporary barrier Lugia had raised and lunged at her with a power that surpassed anything she had faced before.

The two demigods exchanged blows in an epic battle, tearing up the ground and creating energy waves that reverberated through the swamp. Every attack from Dornun was aimed at weakening Lugia, while she fought not only to defend herself but also to prevent the seal from breaking.

However, it was clear that she was being overpowered, her energy waning while Dornun's corruption grew with each passing moment. Yet, Lugia did not give up; her conviction was stronger than her fear of death or despair.

Every time Dornun pushed her to the limit, she found a hidden reserve of strength to hold on a bit longer. Finally, just as the seal seemed about to give way completely, a radiant light appeared on the swamp's horizon.

It was a figure approaching quickly, cloaked in celestial energy. The Purgatory members and dark beings recoiled, sensing the presence of a force that eclipsed even the fallen god's corrupted energy.

Dornun turned with a mix of fury and surprise, while Lugia felt a glimmer of hope. The newcomer was Arion, another legendary-level demigod and an old ally of Lugia.

Without hesitation, Arion joined the battle, unleashing a devastating attack that pushed Dornun back. With the combined strength of Lugia and Arion, the fight reached a new intensity, with both demigods fighting side by side against the traitor.

Seeing himself outmatched by the two, Dornun tried to invoke the fallen god's energy for a final advantage. However, his efforts only caused the seal to shake, releasing a wave of destructive energy that threatened to unleash unimaginable chaos in the swamp.

Seizing this moment of distraction, Lugia and Arion synchronized their attacks, channeling their legendary powers into a single strike that pierced Dornun's defenses and brought him to the ground.

Gravely wounded, Dornun attempted to rise one last time, but Arion stopped him, sealing his energy with an ancient rune that contained his chaotic essence. The swamp fell silent, with the seal still wavering but intact.

Exhausted, Lugia surveyed the battle's aftermath and took a deep breath. She knew the threat wasn't over, but, for now, the fallen god would remain contained.

"Thank you, Arion," she finally said, looking at her ally with gratitude. He nodded, his expression serious. "You couldn't face this alone. The gods watch over those who defend balance," Arion replied, his gaze fixed on the seal.