In the face of this newfound power, I couldn't help but widen my eyes in surprise. It's true that knowledge of this power was in my mind, and I had an idea of what it was capable of, but imagining and seeing it in action are two completely different things.

"This is... incredible"

I murmured in amazement as I looked around with a bewildered expression on my face. All the skeletons that would have given me some trouble before due to their numbers were now melted on the ground.

"I'm glad my powers are proving useful to you, my king"

Shade whispered in my ear with satisfaction in her voice, her arms wrapping around my neck. Meanwhile, I remained stunned, staring at my hand. Although this power didn't come from me but from Shade, I felt it happened because of my will.

Not only that, Shade's mana continued to flow into me. The more I received, the stronger I became. Her mana seemed infinite, and this feeling of omnipotence made a smile bloom on my face. I didn't know why, but I was really enjoying the sensation of being so powerful.

"Ohhhhhh, this is truly impressive, young one. To think you've acquired so much power..."

As these thoughts permeated my mind, the Lich's voice resonated, with a tone of admiration and curiosity, all the while an aura of madness and fanaticism surrounded him.

"...But you know, if this is your limit, I'm afraid you won't be able to defeat me"

Hearing the Lich's words, my gaze turned to him. The Lich was still in the same place, surrounded by a blue dome. Furthermore, I noticed he remained unharmed even after my attack. Well, it wasn't surprising, considering that my previous attack, despite being flashy, was one of the weakest Shade had.

"Well, let's see if you can defeat this one the same way you defeated the others"

The Lich taunted with a sinister smile on his skeletal face. Saying these words, the Lich's eyes glowed with intense red. Then the ground began to shake, several cracks appeared, all converging at the same point. When all the cracks met at a single point, a fully metallic hand emerged.

Shortly afterward, another arm emerged, and when both leaned on the ground, a massive metallic head emerged from the ground. The creature rose, revealing its full size.

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"This thing must be nearly seven meters tall"

I murmured in the midst of my thoughts. The Lich's voice echoed in response.

"This is one of my creations, its armor is made of the finest metal one can find, I'm sure this one will give you some trouble"

The Lich said, his tone clearly revealing that he was enjoying the situation, although I didn't know why.

"Oh, I almost forgot to mention the most important aspect of this Golem"

The Lich suddenly spoke as I prepared to attack, catching my attention. Though I didn't know how, I could swear the Lich was smiling as he watched me.

"The core of this Golem is rather special; it's powered by ethereal life energy"

The Lich explained, keeping his penetrating gaze on me. As his words echoed, my mind emptied, my breath grew heavier, and my eyes began to narrow. Slowly, I directed my gaze toward the Golem, and at that moment, my hand trembled, and my legs felt shaky.

"Please, help us"

As soon as this whisper echoed in my mind, my legs gave way, and I collapsed to the ground. I didn't want to believe the Lich's words, but I could feel he was telling the truth. My heart was pounding like crazy; I didn't even know what I was doing anymore.

"Hahahaha, I didn't know it would shock you this much... It reminds me of the last fragment I took to complete the Golem. It came from a little girl who arrived here looking for her parents. Although I didn't realize it at the time, she was probably the daughter of the first couple who came here. If I'm not mistaken, both of them were adventurers"

Anger was the feeling consuming me at that moment; my blood boiled with indignation.

(I no longer care about what happens to me)

I thought as I directed my gaze at the Lich, who was laughing like a lunatic.

(I just want to wipe that smug smile off this bastard's face)

Slowly, I stood up, my eyes fixed in a blurry manner on the Lich.

"Shade"

I whispered her name.

"Yes, my king"

Shade whispered in my ear, her tone as melancholic as mine. Perhaps Shade also shared my feelings, although it was just a theory. There was no way to be sure, but I felt that she was also sad.

"Let's give it our all this time"

I declared. After my words, Shade's voice echoed a few seconds later.

"As you wish, my king. I, Shade, promise to stand by your side to the end"

Shade responded. After her words, I slowly closed my eyes. At that moment, I couldn't hear, feel, see, or touch anything; all my senses were completely shut off. Although it was frightening, the feeling was also incredibly pleasurable. Seconds later, a male and female voice sang out, blending both my voice and Shade's.

"Abyssal Singularity"

After these words, I slowly opened my eyes, and as I imagined, everything around me was darkness. Looking up at the sky, a vast infinity of stars surrounded me. That sight was simply so beautiful it could make me cry.

"My king..."

Beside me, Shade held my hand, her face adorned with a beautiful yet sad smile.

"What is this? Where are we... YOU, WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO?"

On the other side, further away, the Lich stared at me with a look of anger on his skeletal face. His red eyes danced violently, seeming to reflect his emotions. Besides anger, I could also sense another mixed feeling: fear of the unknown.