Kael gasped for air, the cold bite of exhaustion gnawing at his very soul. His knees trembled beneath him as he struggled to remain standing. His magic, once a roaring flame, now felt like a flickering candle on the verge of being snuffed out.
The dark figure loomed over him, their sinister laughter echoing through the ruined courtyard. "Did you really think you could challenge me with such borrowed power?"
Kael clenched his fists, summoning every last bit of strength. His heart pounded in his chest, and the Arcanum System's energy felt sluggish, unresponsive, as though it was holding back from him. For the first time since he'd awakened the system, Kael felt truly powerless.
"Kael!" Syra's voice cut through the haze, a beacon of light in the surrounding darkness. She rushed to his side, her magic swirling protectively around them both. "We need to fall back! You're in no shape to fight!"
"I... can't," Kael muttered through gritted teeth. "I can't let him win."
The figure raised their hand, preparing another strike. The air around them warped and shimmered with dark energy, the sheer force of it making Kael's knees buckle even further.
"You are nothing without the system," the figure sneered, their voice dripping with disdain. "And now, even it abandons you."
Kael's mind raced. Why was the Arcanum System failing him? It had always been there, reliable, powerful—until now. The cryptic warnings, the growing resistance in the system… Was it all coming true?
As the dark energy hurtled toward them, Syra raised her hands, summoning a protective barrier. The blast collided with her magic, the impact sending tremors through the ground.
"We can't keep this up," she gasped, her face pale with effort. "Kael, you need to let go of the system, just for a moment! Trust your own strength!"
Let go of the system? Kael's instincts rebelled at the thought. The Arcanum System had been his greatest asset. Without it, how could he stand against such overwhelming foes? How could he protect the people he cared about?
But Syra's words rang true. The system had its limits, and it was showing them now. If he didn't act soon, they would both fall.
With a deep breath, Kael released his hold on the system. The familiar weight of its power slipped away, leaving him feeling exposed, vulnerable. For the first time in a long time, he stood with nothing but his own strength.
The dark figure paused, sensing the shift. "Oh? Have you given up already?"
Kael's grip tightened on his sword. He may not have the Arcanum System's immense power backing him, but he had something else—something deeper. His own resolve, his own will. That, no one could take from him.
With a shout, he surged forward, swinging his sword in a wide arc. The figure, caught off guard by Kael's sudden ferocity, stumbled back. Kael pressed the attack, his strikes fueled by raw determination rather than magic.
For a moment, it was enough. The figure retreated under the onslaught, their dark magic faltering as Kael's relentless assault pushed them back.
But it wasn't sustainable. Without the system's enhancements, Kael's body was already reaching its limits. His muscles burned, his breaths coming in ragged gasps.
Just as he prepared for another strike, the figure regained their footing, their dark magic surging once more. With a flick of their wrist, they sent a pulse of energy that knocked Kael off his feet, sending him crashing to the ground.
"Foolish," the figure muttered. "You should have stayed with your precious system. Now you die like the rest."
Kael struggled to stand, but his body wouldn't obey. He could feel his strength slipping away.
Syra stepped forward, her magic flaring to life. "You'll have to go through me first!"
The figure chuckled darkly. "As you wish."
Before the final blow could be delivered, a sudden burst of light erupted from the horizon. It was blinding, brilliant, and filled the entire courtyard with warmth and hope.
The figure recoiled, their dark energy sizzling in the presence of the light. "What… What is this?"
A voice boomed from the sky, powerful and commanding. "Enough of this."
Kael's vision swam as he tried to make sense of what was happening. A figure descended from the light—a figure that radiated power far beyond anything Kael had ever felt before.
"Who... who are you?" Kael managed to whisper.
The figure looked down at him, their eyes filled with compassion and strength. "You've fought bravely, Kael. But this battle is no longer yours to fight."
The dark figure snarled, their confidence shattered. "You… You can't be here! This is forbidden!"
The light figure raised a hand, and the dark one recoiled in pain. "Leave now, before I decide to end this."
With a furious hiss, the dark figure vanished in a swirl of shadows, leaving the courtyard eerily quiet.
Kael, exhausted beyond measure, collapsed to the ground, his vision fading. The last thing he saw was the light figure kneeling beside him, their voice a soothing balm to his battered soul.
"Rest now, Kael. You've done enough."