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⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅
Sunghoon, driven by anger and grief, launched a fierce strike of scarlett energy at Jinwoo, only to see it consumed by the dark magic that enveloped their enemy. The shock of his power being devoured left Sunghoon reeling, his energy drained and his confidence shaken. Haewon, reacting instinctively, unleashed her own scarlett energy to counter Bloodmae's dark magic, but to her horror, it too was absorbed.
Bloodmae laughed, a deep, sinister sound that echoed through the empty hall. "You foolish children," he mocked. "Do you really think you stand a chance against me?"
Sunghoon turned to Haewon, his voice urgent. "Don't use your powers! He's consuming them and getting stronger!"
Bloodmae's smile widened. "This kid is smart. All this time you were supposed to hide from me, yet here you are, right in front of me, making it all easier for me."
Haewon, bewildered and enraged, demanded, "What the hell do you mean?"
Bloodmae's eyes gleamed with a malevolent light. "Did you really think all I wanted was to kill you? I could have done that long ago. What I desire is your power, to escape this... curse." He looked down at his own hands, twisted and darkened by the curse of being Bloodmae. "The curse of being the Bloodmae."
Haewon's heart sank as the truth dawned on her. All this time, Bloodmae's goal had not been her death, but the consumption of her scarlett powers to rid himself of his own cursed existence. Her eyes widened with horror as she realized the danger they were truly in.
She glanced at Sunghoon, her mind racing. By making him a Scarlett, she had unwittingly put him in grave danger as well. Sunghoon met her gaze, understanding flashing between them. The weight of their situation settled heavily on their shoulders.
"You see," Bloodmae continued, his voice dripping with contempt, "I am dying. And your powers are the key to my salvation."
Haewon's mind whirled. Their enemy's desperation for their powers explained his relentless pursuit. The realization that they had been playing into his hands all along was crushing. She had inadvertently made Sunghoon a target as well, and now they were both in peril.
"We need to get out of here," Haewon whispered to Sunghoon, her voice trembling with urgency.
Before they could react, Bloodmae unleashed a barrage of dark magic at them. They dodged and weaved, relying on their combat skills. But without their powers, they were at a severe disadvantage. The fight was brutal, and they suffered numerous cuts and bruises as they tried to fend off Bloodmae's relentless assault.
As Bloodmae's grin widened, he waved his hand, releasing the voids upon Haewon and Sunghoon. The monstrous beings emerged from the shadows, their eyes glowing with malevolent intent. The two Scarletts found themselves surrounded, a sea of darkness closing in on them from all sides.
