Dark Moon: The Blood Altar Episode 10: Waning Moon: Mortal Combat in Autonal

In a stark prison cell, an Elderly Man reveals to Jakan his lineage as the Lycanthrope, a chosen werewolf with a destiny to lead. Jakan, initially confused, grapples with this revelation, which the Elderly Man suggests explains his unique nature among his kin. The wise elder warns Jakan that this very destiny makes him a target for a malevolent force. The revelation is cut short by the ominous appearance of Daldan behind the bars, his glowing red eyes promising future menace. Jakan steels himself, sensing the weight of his new-found purpose.

Elsewhere in Daldan's grim fortress, an Elderly Woman, imprisoned, bravely confronts Daldan's Henchman. She condemns his actions, stating that true power comes not from royalty but from 'quality,' a trait she insists Daldan lacks due to his blood-soaked methods. The Henchman, growing impatient, chokes her into unconsciousness, a brutal display of his authority and cruelty. Her warnings echo, asserting that sacrifice for power leads to its ultimate denial. This short scene shows the stakes for those already under Daldan's heel.

The seven protagonists, Jakan, Jino, Tahel, Noa, Shion, Solon, and Ruslan, arrive in a quiet, unsettling city, quickly realizing every inhabitant is a vampire. The eerie calm unnerves them, as Jakan notes the strange emptiness despite the populated streets. Jino and Tahel caution against making eye contact, recognizing the hostile nature of their surroundings. They deduce the entire city is under Daldan's control, confirming their status as infiltrators in enemy territory. Despite the danger, Jakan remains focused on their primary mission: finding the ancient sword.

The boys enter a grand museum, greeted by Trisha, the smiling curator. Her welcoming demeanor masks a sinister intent, noted by Jino's immediate suspicion and Jakan's caution. They split up to search the ancient artifact room, where Jakan soon discovers the legendary Lycanthrope blade, guarded by wolf statues. As Jakan reaches for it, Trisha's facade drops, her eyes glowing red, declaring her true allegiance. She boasts that they will all meet their end here, revealing the museum as a carefully laid trap.

Jino's attempt to attack Trisha is effortlessly deflected, confirming her superior power. He urges Jakan to seize the sword, which Jakan manages to grasp, but an unseen force takes hold, making his hand move independently. The sword glows with an intense light, and Jakan screams in agony as he is compelled to strike Tahel. Blood splatters as Tahel clutches his chest in shock and pain, his own body moving beyond his control, forcing him to choke himself into unconsciousness. Jakan watches in horror, tears streaming down his face.

Trisha watches with a chilling smile, her eyes glowing red, confirming her sadistic delight in the unfolding tragedy. Jakan, still under her control, is forced to turn the sword on Ruslan, who collapses, whispering Jakan's name in a final, heartbreaking plea. The manipulation continues as Noa is also struck down, adding to the pile of unconscious friends. Jakan's anguish grows with each forced attack, his desperate cries echoing in the dimly lit hall as his companions fall one by one. The floor becomes littered with the bodies of his defeated allies.

Jakan, his face a mask of hatred and tears, finds a flicker of defiance and raises the sword against Trisha, battling her control. He screams his refusal, momentarily redirecting the sword towards his tormentor. Trisha, momentarily shocked by this unexpected resistance, suffers a bleeding shoulder. Her anger quickly replaces surprise, and she reasserts her power over Jakan, forcing him to his knees in agonizing defeat. He collapses, defeated and unconscious, the sword clattering uselessly beside him.

With Jakan and his friends defeated, Daldan's Henchman enters, surveying the scene with cold satisfaction. He approaches the unconscious Suha, who lies peacefully on a stone slab, and with glowing blue eyes, begins to drain her energy. Suha's face shows a tear, a silent testament to her unseen suffering. The Henchman completes his dark ritual, his eyes alight with newfound power, then picks up the Lycanthrope blade from the floor. He declares the sword's power is now his, reveling in his triumph before teleporting away, leaving the vanquished heroes and Trisha behind.

As Trisha departs, her sinister smile confirming her victory, Jakan's eyes flicker open, his amber gaze now tinged with red. Despite his defeat, despite his injuries and the pain of witnessing his friends' fall, he struggles to rise. His body is weak, but his resolve burns fiercely, his eyes glowing with renewed determination. He stands, battered but unbroken, and vows to rescue Suha and his friends, proclaiming he will fight until the very end, even if it costs him his life.