As time passed, Irving felt that the likelihood of sessfully destroying the Obelisk was bing increasingly slim.


    While Irving furrowed his brow, contemting what action to take next, James and Aron quickly returned to stand before him.


    Aron, out of breath, spoke up. "The situation is dire. We''ve searched the entire downtown area of Starling City and haven''t found any exits to the outside world. Furthermore, we''ve discovered that the edge of the urban area borders an unfathomable abyss. It''s possible that the power of the Blood Moon haspletely trapped Starling City in a space from which we cannot escape."


    Aron''s deduction was not far off from Irving''s own thoughts. Unlike Irving, who was able to gather a wealth of information, Aron''s insights further validated Irving''s recognition of his abilities.


    Irving nodded. "You''re right! The entire Starling City ispletely under the control of the Blood Moon''s power; the city is indeed in an anomalous state. We must destroy the Obelisk in the city center as soon as possible. Only then can we find a way to escape."


    As Irving spoke, Aron and James turned their gazes toward the Obelisk not far ahead of Irving. Despite the numerous cracks on the Obelisk, it was evident that these fissures were not the result of Irving''s previous attacks.


    "Your earlier assault clearly did not yield any results, did it? I believe we shouldn''t act recklessly. Shouldn''t we look for alternative methods to destroy the Obelisk?" Aron suggested gently.


    Irving had no objection to this, as he too hoped to discover other ways to bring down the Obelisk. "At the moment, I can''t think of any immediate alternatives to destroy the Obelisk, so I hope you both can assist me. Of course, we need to quicken our thought process, as Sophia will soon be free to target us."


    Irving''s words made Aron and James feel a bit anxious. They nced toward the direction behind Irving. Not far behind him, Jony was still locked in battle with Sophia. Although neither had gained the upper hand, Jony was clearly under increasing pressure.


    Both Aron and James realized that Jony could not hold off Sophia for much longer.


    "I think we should harness the power of darkness! After all, there has been a fierce sh between the Blood Moon''s power and the power of darkness in the past. Perhaps using the dark power could inflict significant damage on the Obelisk created by the Blood Moon''s strength," Aron proposed after a moment of contemtion.


    Irving was indeed inclined to utilize the power of darkness. However, as he attempted to tap into this dark energy, he suddenly found that its potency was severely weakened under the illumination of the Blood Moon.


    If Irving wanted to harness a sufficiently powerful dark energy, he would have to take on a considerable amount of risk. Moreover, while he unleashed this dark power against the Obelisk, Aron and James would need to ensure his safety.


    "I had already thought of this method. However, under the suppression of the Blood Moon''s power, mobilizing enough dark energy wille at a significant cost," Irving expressed his concerns openly.


    Aron and James quickly replied, "We will provide you with protection! We can ensure that you won''t be attacked by Sophia while you summon the dark power!"


    Despite their assurances, Irving still felt a twinge of hesitation. In truth, he didn''t have full confidence in Aron and James''s abilities. "Can you really fend off Sophia''s attacks? Her strength is far greater than you think!" Irving pressed them once more.


    This time, Aron and James didn''t provide a detailed answer. They understood that they needed to demonstrate strength that would earn Irving''s trust.


    Aron pulled out a sword from his pocket that radiated an orange glow. "I haven''t used this sword in the previous battles. You should know its power very well. When Sophia attacks you, I will use this sword at all costs."


    Aron''s words gave Irving some reassurance, and he turned his gaze toward James. James looked slightly awkward. Although he had several weapons at his disposal, none of them were particrly powerful, as they were all Angel Guild weapons. James was not very familiar with them, so he could only respond somewhat sheepishly, "The weapons I have aren''t exceptionally strong. But I promise that when you are attacked by Sophia, I will do my utmost to stop her."


    Even though James''s tonecked confidence, Irving could sense the seriousness behind hismitment. With that, Irving finally felt a sense of relief. "I believe you will both give it your all! So, let''s act immediately."


    After saying this, Irving mmed his staff heavily onto the ground. The earth cracked open, revealing numerous fissures from which dark mist began to surge forth. This mist was, in fact, the manifestation of the dark power materializing.


    Irving closed his eyes, channeling the power of the Taikoo me Pearl within him. Guided by the Taikoo me Pearl, all the dark mist swirled around Irving''s body. At that moment, from Aron and James''s perspective, Irving appeared as a very ethereal presence. It seemed as though he hadpletely merged with the dark power.


    After several minutes of preparation, Irving suddenly opened his eyes. In that instant, the staff that had been mmed into the ground flew back into his hand. Irving pointed the Staff of Cmity toward the two blood-red Obelisks not far ahead. An almost endless stream of dark power rapidly surged forth from the tip of the staff. The dark energy raced towards the crimson Obelisks at an unimaginable speed.


    This time, Irving''s attack was finally sessful! Under the assault of the powerful dark energy, the cracks on the two Obelisks began to multiply rapidly. Seeing this, Aron and James finally broke into smiles. However, they did not let their guard down, as they knew that Sophia would soon turn her attention toward Irving.


    Meanwhile, Sophia, who was engaged in battle with Jony, sensed the attack on the Obelisks. She was furious and let out a chilling roar. This terrifying roar created a massive shockwave. Although Jony tried his best to block the attack, he ultimately failed. Jony, along with the enormous bell beside him, was sent flying by the force of the shockwave.


    Seizing this opportunity, Sophia transformed into a beam of blood-red light and swiftly flew toward Irving. Noticing this, Aron tightened his grip on the sword that radiated an orange glow. "You have to help me! I can''t wield this sword alone! You need to lend me your strength!" Aron quickly urged James.


    James nodded emphatically and ced his hand on Aron''s shoulder. He channeled his own power into Aron. Focusing theirbined strength, Aron fully activated the sword that emitted the orange glow. The light spread rapidly from the sword.


    As the blood-red beam that was Sophia approached Irving, it was met by a barrier formed by the orange glow. A silhouetteposed of pink light emerged, manifesting before them.


    At that moment, Sophia''s expression was extremely grim. She lunged at the barrier where Aron and James were, wing and swiping at it. However, she found it impossible to break through the barrier formed by the orange light quickly. Her mood soured further. She understood all too well that if the Obelisk were destroyed, her mission would be aplete failure.


    Realizing her initial attack had not seeded, Sophia swiftly changed her strategy. She retreated to a spot not far from Aron and James and lifted her head to gaze at the enormous blood-red moon in the sky. "Great Blood Moon, grant me even greater power! I shall fight for you!"


    As Sophiapleted her prayer to the Blood Moon, the blood-red orb in the sky grew evenrger than before. A faint pink light began to cover the barrier made of orange glow. Almost immediately, the pink light pierced through the orange barrier. At that moment, the sword in Aron''s hand, which radiated an orange glow, snapped cleanly in two.


    As the barrier disappeared, Sophia dashed past Aron and James, racing toward Irving. Aron and James were caught off guard, shocked that their defense had been breached so easily. They both turned their gazes to Irving''s position, fully aware that if Irving were attacked by Sophia, he would be unable to summon the powerful dark energy, which would mean theirplete failure.


    Irving, too, sensed the changes happening around him. However, he showed no signs of panic. He continued to manipte the immense dark power to attack the nearby Obelisk. Under the relentless assault of the dark energy, the Obelisk began to copse at an elerating rate.


    Just as Sophia was about to reach Irving, the two massive Obelisks fell simultaneously. With their copse, Starling City returned to the real world. The enormous blood-red moon in the sky suddenly dimmed significantly. Finally, Irving turned to face Sophia''s impending attack.


    He expelled all the dark energy he had summoned, preparing to confront Sophia with the powers of chaos he wielded and the chaotic artifact in his hand. However, Sophia did not give Irving that opportunity. Realizing her n had failed, she transformed into a beam of blood-red light and vanished.


    Irving chose not to pursue her, as he was not in the best condition himself. After wielding such powerful dark energy, he needed to stabilize his state. Only by doing so could he avoid the erosion caused by the dark power.