Full truth of the immortal river

Chapter 24

Ruby and Mitsuri, having reunited within the castle, continue their journey together. As they traverse the winding corridors, they suddenly find themselves face to face with Salem, who now stands before them in her true form. A malevolent aura surrounds her, emanating darkness and power.

Ruby's eyes widen with a mixture of shock and rage as she gazes upon Salem. The sight of the woman who has caused so much pain and destruction fills her with an overwhelming surge of anger. Determination burns in her eyes as she clenches her fists.

Mitsuri, sensing the danger, steps forward and takes a defensive stance. She raises her sword, her grip firm and steady. Despite the trembling in her heart, her resolve remains unshakable. She knows the gravity of the situation and is determined to protect Ruby at all costs.

Salem, towering over them, reveals her true power. Ten spiked tendrils sprout from her back, thrashing through the air with deadly precision. The tendrils lunge toward Ruby and Mitsuri, aiming to strike them down.

Mitsuri's instincts kick in, and she swiftly moves to intercept the attack. With her incredible agility, she deflects the tendrils using her swift and precise movements, employing the Dance of the Water: Dead Calm technique. However, panic flickers in her eyes as she realizes the immense power and relentless nature of Salem's assault.

"Ruby, stay back! She's too dangerous!"

Mitsuri's voice is filled with concern and urgency as she tries to protect her companion from harm. She knows the risks they face and fears for Ruby's safety.

Ruby gasps in shock as her right eye is crushed. She stumbles backward, her body colliding with the hard surface of a nearby wall. Pain shoots through her, but she fights to stay conscious, unwilling to let Salem have the satisfaction of her defeat.

As Salem prepares for another onslaught, ready to deliver a fatal blow, a surprising figure bursts onto the scene. It's Harumi, who appears with unwavering determination. With a flourish of her weapon, she unleashes her own attack, using the Lustrous Love: Cat-Legged Winds of Love technique.

Harumi's attack is launched with great force, aimed at incapacitating Salem and turning the tide in their favor. However, to everyone's shock, Salem remains unharmed. The attack seems to pass through her as if she were nothing more than an illusion.

Salem smirks, her dark eyes glinting with malice. "You really think such feeble attacks can harm me? How amusing."

Ruby, her injured eye throbbing with pain, forces herself to stand tall, her voice filled with defiance. "We won't let you get away with this! We'll defeat you, no matter what!"

As Harumi cries and expresses her fear of Salem, the wicked entity smirks in amusement. Her dark laughter fills the air, echoing through the crumbling castle. The very foundations tremble under her malevolent presence, as if the castle itself quivers in fear.

Salem's eyes gleam with a twisted satisfaction as she surveys the chaos around her. With a commanding presence, she raises her hand, and the castle continues to shake violently. Dust and debris fill the air as walls crumble and the ground cracks beneath their feet.

"Ruby: We can't let her destroy everything! We have to fight back!"

Ruby's voice rings out with determination, her resolve unyielding. Despite the dire circumstances, she refuses to back down. Mitsuri and Harumi, their eyes filled with both fear and determination, nod in agreement. They know that the fate of countless lives hangs in the balance, and they must stand their ground.

Together, the trio takes a step forward, braving the collapsing environment. Each step they take sends tremors through the crumbling structure, but they push forward, undeterred by the imminent danger. Their combined strength, fueled by the bonds they've formed, empowers them to face Salem head-on.