Silas planted his feet firmly on the tower's apex, his muscles coiled with tension. With a final, powerful kick, he struck the obsidian spike.
The structure, already weakened by his relentless assault, gave way with a resounding crack. The massive spike teetered precariously for a moment before toppling over the edge, plummeting towards the ground far below.
As the spike fell, Silas felt a surge of triumph. However, his victory was short-lived as he became acutely aware of the foreign energy coursing through his veins. The soul essence, while granting him immense power, was taking its toll on his body.
"System," Silas thought urgently, "how much time do I have left before this soul essence kills me?"
The system's response was immediate and chilling.
[20 seconds remaining before critical failure.]
