"Leizor, don't worry. We will definitely fulfill your last wish," Dean Bruce said softly, his voice filled with determination.
Prolo Hawthorne and Krupp nodded in agreement, showing their respect and commitment to Leizor.
Just then, Chikx Thomas spoke up: "Stop wallowing in sadness. Time is tight, and we need to move quickly."
Dean Bruce turned to look at him, a flicker of complex emotion passing through his eyes. He hadn't fully trusted Chikx Thomas yet, but they were in desperate need of his help.
"Do you know the real location of the core of the Black Hole headquarters?" Dean Bruce asked.
Chikx Thomas nodded. "I've been with the Black Hole organization before. Although I never went to the actual core, I've heard rumors. Plus, I'm very familiar with their layouts and traps, so I can be of help."
Dean Bruce fell silent for a moment before finally nodding. "Alright, we'll trust you this time. But remember, if you betray us, I won't show mercy."
Chikx Thomas quickly reassured him: "Don't worry, I'm serious this time. I want to turn over a new leaf and help fight the dark forces."
Dean Bruce didn't say anything more. He handed Chikx Thomas the map that Leizor had left behind. "Take a look at this map. Can you find the secret passage to the true core of the Black Hole headquarters?"
Chikx Thomas took the map and studied it carefully. After a while, he looked up and said, "This map is indeed very old, but I can make out a few clues. The secret passage should be deep in these mountains. We'll need to pass through a dense forest and then find a hidden cave entrance."
"Then let's get moving," Dean Bruce said.
They set out again, following Chikx Thomas' guidance deeper into the mountains. Along the way, they navigated through thick forests, avoiding various traps and mechanisms. Chikx Thomas' experience proved invaluable, helping them out of several tight spots.
After several days of travel, they finally arrived at a hidden cave entrance. The opening was obscured by vines and rocks, and it would have been nearly impossible to spot without careful searching.
"This is it," Chikx Thomas said, pointing to the entrance. "The secret passage should be inside, but there may be more dangers. Everyone, be cautious."
They carefully entered the cave, only to find it riddled with complex traps and mechanisms. Thanks to Chikx Thomas' expertise, they managed to disarm each trap one by one and safely passed through the cave.
At the end of the cave was a vast underground chamber, at the center of which floated a massive black crystal ball, exuding an aura of evil. That was the true core of the Black Hole headquarters.
"We've found it," Dean Bruce said, his voice low. "Everyone, be careful. This core may have powerful defense mechanisms."
They began to approach the black crystal ball cautiously. However, just then, a chilling laugh suddenly echoed out from the darkness.
"Welcome to the true core of the Black Hole headquarters. But do you think it will be so easy to destroy it?" A mysterious voice reverberated throughout the cave.
Dean Bruce and the others froze, quickly scanning their surroundings, but they couldn't see where the voice was coming from.
"Who are you?" Dean Bruce asked warily.
Dean Bruce nodded and placed a hand on Prolo Hawthorne's shoulder. "Alright, then. Be careful. Once you trigger the mechanism, retreat immediately. We'll cover you."
Prolo Hawthorne gave a firm nod and, following Chikx Thomas' instructions, made his way to a specific spot deeper in the cave. Dean Bruce, Krupp, and Chikx Thomas anxiously watched him, ready to respond at a moment's notice.
Prolo Hawthorne reached the designated spot and found an ancient rune device. Taking a deep breath, he carefully activated the rune on the device, following Chikx Thomas' guidance.
Suddenly, a low rumbling sound echoed through the cave, followed by a strange surge of energy emanating from the device. Prolo Hawthorne felt the space around him begin to twist, and a vivid illusion gradually took shape before his eyes.
"Alright!" Chikx Thomas whispered. "Shasbia should be drawn in by this illusion. Everyone, get ready to fight!"
Sure enough, it wasn't long before a cold, sinister laugh echoed through the cave. "Hmph, you think such tricks can fool me?" Shasbia Lomatovich's voice came from the darkness.
But then, his voice seemed tinged with confusion. "Wait... this illusion... why does it feel so real?"
Seeing this, Prolo Hawthorne immediately began to fall back according to the plan. However, just as he was turning to retreat, Shasbia suddenly appeared in front of him, a cruel smile on his face.
"Trying to escape? Not that easy!" Shasbia sneered, raising his dark staff. A black beam of magical energy shot toward Prolo Hawthorne.
"Prolo, be careful!" Dean Bruce shouted, swinging his artifact. A burst of light shot out, colliding with the black magical beam with a loud bang.
Taking advantage of the moment, Prolo Hawthorne performed a quick roll, dodging Shasbia's follow-up attack. He then swiftly ran toward Dean Bruce and the others.
"Everyone, attack together!"
Dean Bruce shouted, charging toward Shasbia alongside Krupp and Chikx Thomas.
Shasbia's expression shifted slightly, but he didn't retreat. Instead, he swung his staff, summoning more dark forces to counter their attacks.
Shasbia's shadow and illusion attacks came at them relentlessly, but Dean Bruce and his team, guided by Chikx Thomas' expertise and their coordinated teamwork, gradually gained the upper hand.
"Light's Judgment!" Dean Bruce seized the moment, casting a powerful magical incantation. The artifact in his hand blazed with dazzling light as it shot toward Shasbia.
Shasbia's face paled in shock. He hadn't expected Dean Bruce to have such a powerful trump card. He tried desperately to block it, but in the end, the light struck him, causing his body to stagger, clearly injured.
"Now's your chance!" Chikx Thomas shouted, rushing forward with Krupp to flank Shasbia alongside Dean Bruce.
Shasbia, realizing the battle was lost, flashed a look of desperation in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by madness.
"Think you can capture me? Not so easy!" Shasbia suddenly detonated the dark energy within his body, causing the entire cave to tremble violently.
"Watch out!" Dean Bruce yelled, quickly casting a protective spell along with the others to shield themselves from the shockwave of the explosion.