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The air inside the fortress was suffocating. Every wall pulsed with crimson runes, each beat syncing with the low hum of the ritual. It felt less like stone and more like a living, breathing creature that wanted them crushed.
Elira tightened her grip on her twin blades, whispering, "Mana flow unstable hai… the ritual is at its peak."
Sirena's eyes darted across the hall, shimmering faintly with her priestess aura. "I can sense it… ek aur entity awaken ho rahi hai… stronger than before."
And then—
The assassin's twisted body snapped into full form. His skin cracked like burning charcoal, and beneath it, a luminous black essence poured out. Horns jutted from his skull, eyes glowing with void-fire. His voice rumbled like ten thousand screams layered together.
"I… am the Herald of the Eclipse. The first true harbinger of Draemir's reign."
The shockwave of his aura ripped across the chamber. Stone tiles shattered, the crimson sigils flared brighter, and even Elira staggered back.
Rihan's chest tightened. Damn it… this presence… it's heavier than the serpent beast. His System flickered before his eyes:
[Warning: Proximity to Eclipse Herald detected. Power scaling abnormal.]
[New ability recommended: Eclipse Resistance Lv.1]
[Do you wish to unlock? Y/N]
Rihan clenched his fists. No choice. Yes!
A rush of energy surged into his veins, like cold fire. His vision steadied even as the Herald's killing intent pressed against him.
The Mistress appeared from the shadows behind the Herald, her smile serene and cruel. "So you came, children of fate. But tell me—what hope do you carry? The eclipse cannot be stopped."
Aric growled, his axe bursting with runic fire. "Hope enough to cut your cult down, witch!"
Without another word, the Herald lunged forward. His claw sliced the air, a black arc of void-energy tearing toward the group.
"Barrier!" Sirena cried, slamming her staff into the ground. A shimmering dome of golden light flared up, intercepting the strike—but the barrier cracked instantly, spiderwebs spreading across its surface.
Elira flashed forward, her blades glowing azure. She slashed at the Herald's arm, sparks erupting as steel met obsidian flesh. He didn't flinch. Instead, his other claw swiped at her, forcing her to flip backward mid-air.
"Rihan, now!" she shouted.
His pulse raced. He summoned his spectral sword, the System enhancing its edge. "Let's test this power." He dashed in, striking low at the Herald's leg.
CLANG!
The blade met his target, but it barely cut through the surface. The Herald's grin widened. "Pathetic. Even your System cannot carve through what Draemir has blessed."
Before Rihan could pull back, the Herald's tail—yes, a writhing tail of shadow had sprouted—whipped across, slamming him into the wall.
"RIHAN!" Elira screamed.
Dust filled his lungs. Pain flared in his ribs, but the System flashed another notification:
[Damage sustained: Moderate]
[Skill unlocked: Pain Suppression Lv.1]
He spat blood and forced himself up. I'm not going down like this.
Meanwhile, Aric roared, swinging his axe overhead. The weapon burst into flames as it clashed against the Herald's chest, the impact echoing like thunder. For the first time, the Herald flinched back a step.
Sirena seized the opening, her voice rising in an incantation. "Light of the Eternal! Bind this abomination!" Chains of radiant energy shot forward, wrapping around the Herald's limbs.
The Herald growled, thrashing against the bindings. The runes on the walls flared, feeding him strength. "Fools. You think chains can hold me?" With a roar, he shattered them like glass.
The backlash knocked Sirena to the ground, coughing blood.
Elira landed beside her, covering her. We can't overpower him head-on… Her eyes flicked toward Rihan, who was once again staggering back to his feet. He's the key…
"Rihan!" Elira called. "Your System—it adapts, right? Then adapt faster! We'll cover you!"
His heart pounded. She's right… I can't just fight like them. I need to push the System harder.
The Mistress's laughter echoed. "It matters not. This is only the Herald's first form. Shall I show you his true power?"
The Herald's body convulsed. Darker energy surged, horns elongating, wings of shadow tearing out of his back. The fortress itself shook, stones crumbling as the ritual circle blazed.
Rihan's System went haywire:
[Critical Threat Detected!]
[Eclipse Herald Ascending Form: 20%]
[Adaptive Evolution available. Temporary unlock: Soul Link Strike]
His eyes widened. Soul Link Strike?
Before he could decide, the Herald's roar erupted, rattling the entire chamber. Shadows exploded outward, engulfing the group.
The chapter closed with Rihan tightening his grip on his sword, his System interface glowing violently. This is it… If I fail now, we're all finished.