The Deadly Charm

Part 66 : Judgment of Shadows

The will to protect can shatter even the deepest darkness.

Even after the destruction of his dark powers, Yong San remained standing—his body alone holding him up, burning with hatred and rage. Though the dark magic that once consumed him had been purged, the years of brutal physical training still made him dangerously strong.

Kritin raised his sword, prepared to end this once and for all. But Yong San had no intention of surrendering. He charged forward, relying now on pure physical might. His fist collided with Kritin's blade with a thunderous crack, forcing Kritin to take a step back from the sheer force.

They stood face-to-face in the clearing, surrounded by an oppressive silence. Even nature seemed to hold its breath, awaiting the final verdict of this brutal duel.

Kritin, master of multiple martial arts—Aikido, Taekwondo, and more—adjusted his stance. Though the sorcerer's magic had vanished, Yong San's raw physical power still made him a formidable threat.

Without warning, Yong San lunged again, his fist aimed directly at Kritin's midsection. But Kritin was ready. He twisted his body, redirecting the force, and countered with a sweeping strike of his blade. Yong San dodged, fast as ever.

Another flurry of attacks followed—Yong San kicked high, Kritin blocked and backstepped. They exchanged blows in a blur of motion, each reading the other like seasoned warriors. Yong San's punch came straight for Kritin's face, but Kritin weaved aside and caught his arm. He twisted it using an Aikido lock and threw the sorcerer toward the ground.

Yong San reversed with a brutal elbow to Kritin's chest, sending him stumbling. Yong San pressed the advantage, sweeping low with a kick. Kritin deflected it with his blade and retaliated with a strike to the torso. The blade sliced into Yong San's chest, drawing blood—but he still didn't stop.

Yong San countered with a powerful punch to Kritin's abdomen, forcing the breath out of him. Kritin gritted his teeth, remembering his training. He focused, steadied himself, and redirected another punch. With a sideways arc of his blade, he cut across Yong San's arm. Blood flowed freely now.

Still, Yong San came on, relentless. An elbow slammed into Kritin's ribs, pain shooting through his body. He staggered, feeling something crack. But he didn't fall. He wouldn't.

Then came a kick—fast and vicious—striking Kritin's leg and knocking him to the ground. The pain in his ribs and the accumulating injuries slowed him. Yong San didn't waste a second. He landed a brutal punch to Kritin's face. Blood spilled from Kritin's lips, metallic and bitter.

Kritin's breath came heavy. Pain screamed from every nerve in his body. But he wouldn't give in. He remembered his promise to Akira: I will return to you, no matter what.

He forced himself up. His gaze locked on Yong San—eyes full of defiance, even through the blood and pain.

"It's not over," Yong San sneered, smirking with twisted amusement.

Kritin wiped the blood from his mouth. His blade shimmered faintly. He knew—this was his last chance. If he didn't end this now, he might never see Akira again.

With a sudden burst of speed, Kritin launched forward. His sword cut through the air, aimed with deadly precision. Yong San raised his arm in defense, but he was too slow—too weakened.

The strike landed—clean, deep, final.

Kritin's blade slashed across Yong San's torso. Blood exploded into the air. The sorcerer dropped to his knees, then collapsed in a spreading pool of crimson. His scream echoed once, then faded into silence. His eyes widened as the last flicker of life drained away.

"Go to hell, you son of a bitch," Kritin spat, raising his middle finger toward the fallen corpse and spitting blood on the ground.

He stood over Yong San's body for a moment longer, sword still stained with red.

It was over.

His body screamed in agony, but his soul stood tall. He had done it.

He had protected what mattered most.

✨ Next Chapter: "The Path Back to Light"
What is left after the shadows fall?