Chereads / The Legend of Lord / Chapter 14 - Desperation's Edge

Chapter 14 - Desperation's Edge

Kale squared his shoulders, determination igniting a fire within him. The Abyssal Guardian loomed overhead, a monstrous titan of dark energy and ferocious intent. The very air thrummed with its power, making it difficult to breathe. But he felt the surge of his own abilities rising to meet the challenge.

"Let's see how strong you really are!" he shouted, charging forward as the Guardian's massive claw descended. He activated Nandaki, the legendary weapon shimmering with ancient energy as he prepared to meet the beast head-on.

The moment he dodged to the side, the claw slammed into the ground, sending shockwaves that rattled the very stones of the dungeon. Kale used the momentum to spring up, slashing at the Guardian's arm, but his blade barely left a scratch. The monster roared in fury, its fiery eyes locking onto him with lethal focus.

Kale felt the weight of despair creeping in, but he brushed it aside. He activated Heaven's Dominion, drawing on the divine energies surrounding him. For ten brief seconds, he commanded the very laws of the realm, his power amplifying to extreme levels.

He launched himself into the air, a glowing figure against the shadows, and struck at the Guardian's shoulder. The blade connected, and this time, the Guardian staggered, its roar echoing through the cavern as it reeled back. Kale felt a rush of triumph. But it was short-lived. The beast quickly recovered, rage radiating from its massive frame.

The Guardian swung its other claw, and Kale barely managed to roll out of the way, the impact sending debris flying. He was on the ground, scrambling to regain his footing, when the creature unleashed a wave of dark energy from its mouth. The energy crackled and pulsed, threatening to engulf him.

Kale activated Infernal Command, summoning infernal flames that coiled around him, forming a protective barrier. The wave of darkness collided with the flames, creating an explosive clash that lit up the dungeon, momentarily illuminating the horrifying faces of the mutated monsters lurking in the shadows.

"Not today!" Kale shouted, pushing through the pain that threatened to overwhelm him. With renewed vigor, he focused his Omniscient Eyes on the Guardian, studying its movements, its weak spots. He could see the pulse of energy running through its body, a core of power that seemed to be the source of its strength.

Time slowed as he formulated his plan. He darted to the side, avoiding another swing of the Guardian's claw, and then leaped onto its massive arm, scrambling up its sinewy muscles. The creature roared in surprise, trying to shake him off, but Kale was determined.

With a fierce yell, he plunged Nandaki deep into the creature's shoulder, aiming for the core he had spotted. The blade pierced flesh, and a jolt of energy surged through him. He felt the connection between them—a moment of clarity as he tapped into the Guardian's very essence.

But the Guardian was not done yet. It let out a piercing screech that sent waves of darkness swirling around the cavern. Kale's vision blurred as the shadows clawed at his mind, threatening to pull him into despair. He shook his head, focusing on the surge of power within him.

"Limit Break!" he yelled, activating the skill once more. The world exploded with energy, his body surging as he pushed beyond his limits. Strength surged through his muscles, his senses heightened. The shadows recoiled, and Kale felt unstoppable.

With a mighty roar, he drove his blade deeper, tapping into the full power of Nandaki. The Guardian writhed, trying to throw him off, but Kale held on, pushing every ounce of strength into his attack.

Suddenly, he felt the presence of his cursed talent again, the oppressive weight of the Greater Risk, Greater Reward amplifying the threat around him. The Guardian's body twisted, dark tendrils of energy lashing out in desperation.

"Just a little more!" Kale shouted, adrenaline pumping through his veins. He could see the Guardian's energy wavering, its attacks growing more erratic. He had to finish this now.

With one final, desperate push, he summoned all the powers he had at his disposal. The flames of Infernal Command, the divine energy of Heaven's Dominion, and the deadly precision of his Omniscient Eyes converged into a single, devastating strike.

"Now, let's end this!" Kale yelled, and with a blinding flash, he brought his blade down onto the Guardian's core.

The cavern erupted in light as the clash of energies reached a crescendo. The Guardian let out a final, earth-shattering roar, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze. Kale felt the shockwave of power ripple through him, pushing him back as the darkness exploded outward.

The dust settled, and silence enveloped the cavern. Kale lay on the ground, panting, the echoes of battle fading away. His heart raced in the stillness, and he slowly pushed himself up, trembling.

The Abyssal Guardian was gone, reduced to a shimmering mist of dark energy. He had done it.

But even as relief washed over him, the oppressive weight of the dungeon remained. He could feel the shadows still swirling around him, waiting for the next wave of enemies to emerge.

Kale knew he couldn't let his guard down. Not yet. He had won this battle, but the war in the Tower was far from over.