Crystal Bond [Jikook] ✅

| Chapter - 42 |

Chapter: The Revelation of Shadows

The journey into the Dark Seas had stretched into hours, the inky darkness thickening as they descended further, until even the bioluminescent glow of the surrounding sea life faded to a faint glimmer. It was as if they were swimming through the night itself, the light of the surface a distant memory. At the head of the group, Jungkook held Jimin's hand, his presence a steadying force in the thick darkness.

Behind them, the Demon King moved in near silence, his hooded figure an unsettling shadow in the watery gloom. The Vampire King kept pace beside him, his pale skin glowing faintly as he navigated the ocean depths with an ease that belied his origins on land.

The tension among them was palpable, each ruler hyper-aware of the power within their reach but wary of the delicate balance their temporary alliance hung upon. They were close now, the faint hum of ancient wards beginning to vibrate in the water around them.

Jimin sensed it too, a distant thrumming that echoed through his chest like the beat of an ancient heart. He looked over at Jungkook, who nodded slightly, his jaw set with the quiet resolve of a leader who knew they were venturing into the unknown.

"It's near," the Demon King said, his voice a low murmur that carried through the water, reverberating around them. He moved closer, his hooded form still concealing his face. "The wards protecting the crystal are weakening, as I predicted."

Jungkook's grip on Jimin's hand tightened, his gaze sharp. "Then we should proceed with caution. The closer we get, the more unstable the energy becomes."

They pressed forward, and as they reached the edge of a rocky underwater cliff, the crystal's glow became visible—soft at first, then growing steadily brighter as they approached. Its light illuminated the cavern walls, casting eerie shadows that danced with the movement of the water. The sight of it took Jimin's breath away; it was beautiful, but there was an intensity to its glow, a power that seemed to pulse with the weight of eternity.

The Vampire King moved forward, his eyes fixed on the crystal, barely able to contain his hunger for its power. "So this is it—the Holy Crystal," he murmured, his voice filled with awe. "Imagine the worlds we could shape with such a force."

Jungkook stepped forward, his tone firm as he addressed both kings. "This is a power not to be tampered with. We agreed to protect the crystal, not exploit it."

A quiet chuckle filled the cavern, its sinister tone raising the hairs on the back of Jimin's neck. It was the Demon King, his head tilted slightly as he watched Jungkook with a calculating expression. "Protect it? Is that what you truly believe, water Emperor?"

Jungkook narrowed his eyes, his voice wary. "That was the agreement."

The Demon King let out a low laugh, a sound that sent chills through everyone present. Slowly, he reached up, and with a deliberate motion, he lowered his hood.