Jack didn't answer immediately. A familiar glow lit up the space before him as his system screen flickered to life.
[WARNING: Soul essence has been used up!]
[Host requires more soul essence.]
[Host has grown weak due to depletion of soul essence.]
The words blurred as his vision dimmed. Jack's knees buckled, and he collapsed onto the black sands, his body trembling under an invisible weight.
'Damn it!' Jack's mind screamed as he clawed at the ground for support. 'Why now? Why does this stupid system always fail me when I need it most?'
Alisha stood unmoved, her celestial spear shimmering faintly as it hovered by her side. She stared down at Jack with disdain, her piercing gaze cold and unrelenting.
'Pathetic,' she thought, her lips curving into the faintest sneer. 'This weakness will only make it easier for me.'
