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Read this prologue first or read the previous chapter.
The magical boundary shatters.
Darkness spills into the Pond like opaque smoke. Shadowy fingers, like in Gen’s garden, reach forth and drain the greenery and life from the Pond’s flora. Drained, the plants wilt and slump, their energies stolen. A chill blankets over you too, and the courage you held onto gives way to despair and hopelessness. Is this the darkness’s doing? How can there be hope now…? What hope do you have against such power?
“Friends!” calls Xiaolong, as the darkness looms closer. With a stamp of her wooden staff, you feel warmth and hope swell in your chest, your mind clearing. “Believe in your friends, because they will protect you! Believe in yourself, because you are strong!”
Corporeal shadows emerge from the darkness. They have no face, no expression, but they have legs that carry them closer and hands that wield weapons as deep as the moonless night.
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