---
The ground trembled beneath their feet as the massive creature emerged from the shadows. Its hulking form towered over the group, muscles rippling beneath its dark, scaly hide.
Red eyes glowed like embers in the creature's skull, locking onto Tyranor and his team with predatory intensity.
This was no ordinary gate beast. Tyranor could feel it in the way the dark mana inside him stirred, reacting to the presence of the creature.
It was as if the beast was connected to the very essence of the gate itself—an embodiment of the destruction that had claimed this world.
The creature let out a deafening roar, shaking the air around them. Its claws, as long as swords, scraped against the ground, leaving deep gouges in the cracked earth.
Ferran raised his shield, his face grim. "This thing is stronger than anything we've faced before. Be careful!"
Tyranor stepped forward, his sword gleaming with dark energy. "I'll handle it."
The team tensed, readying themselves for battle. But this fight wasn't like the others. Tyranor could feel the power of the dark mana surging through him, more potent than ever before. His connection to the gate was deepening, and the beast in front of him was more than just an enemy—it was a test.
---
The Battle Begins
Without warning, the beast lunged. Its massive body moved with terrifying speed, its claws slashing toward Ferran. The impact sent Ferran skidding backward, his shield barely holding against the force.
"Varin!" Tyranor shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Cover him!"
Varin's hands glowed with mana as he unleashed a volley of energy blasts, each one slamming into the creature's side. The beast roared in fury but barely flinched. Its thick hide absorbed the attacks like raindrops on stone.
Lira and Kale moved to flank the creature, their blades flashing as they struck at its legs. But the creature was too fast, twisting away from their attacks with a speed that belied its massive size.
Tyranor could feel the frustration building in his team. They were strong, but this beast was stronger—too strong for them to take down through conventional means.
He knew what had to be done.
"Stay back!" Tyranor shouted, his voice commanding.
Ferran, Lira, Kale, and Varin hesitated, but they obeyed, retreating just as the beast turned its attention to Tyranor.
The dark mana inside him surged, responding to the threat. His body felt lighter, his movements quicker. He stepped forward, his sword glowing with an ominous black light as he activated Dark Slash. The blade arced through the air, leaving a trail of dark energy in its wake.
The creature roared in pain as the attack struck home, the dark mana searing through its thick hide. But it wasn't enough. The beast shook off the blow and charged at Tyranor, its claws aiming for his heart.
Tyranor didn't flinch. He activated Void Step, disappearing into the shadows just as the creature's claws swiped through the space he had occupied. He reappeared behind the beast, his sword raised for another strike.
But this time, something was different.
The dark mana was pushing harder, flooding his senses. His vision blurred as the power surged through him, overwhelming his control. He could feel the corruption rising, the Dark Influence gnawing at his mind.
I have to control it…
With a growl of effort, Tyranor activated Dark Binding, stabilizing the dark mana for a moment. The surge of power subsided, but the danger remained. The corruption was growing, and if he wasn't careful, it would consume him.
But he couldn't stop now.
Tyranor's eyes narrowed, focusing on the beast in front of him. He unleashed another Dark Slash, the blade slicing through the air with even more force this time. The creature let out a pained howl, its movements slowing as the dark energy drained its strength.
Ferran saw the opening and charged in, his shield raised. "Now!"
The team moved as one, their attacks coordinated and precise. Lira's blade slashed across the creature's legs, while Kale struck at its side. Varin's magic bombarded the beast, weakening it further.
Tyranor stepped forward, his sword raised for the final blow. He could feel the dark mana surging again, but this time, he let it flow. The corruption be damned—this fight had to end.
With a single, decisive strike, Tyranor plunged his sword into the creature's heart. Dark energy exploded from the wound, engulfing the beast in a cloud of black mist. The creature let out one final roar before collapsing to the ground, its body dissolving into nothingness.
The battle was over.
---
Aftermath
The team stood in silence, their breath heavy from the exertion of the fight. Tyranor could feel the dark mana receding, though the corruption still lingered in the back of his mind, waiting for its chance to resurface.
"That was… intense," Kale muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow.
Ferran lowered his shield, his eyes scanning the area. "There could be more. We need to move."
Tyranor nodded, though his mind was elsewhere. The fight had revealed something important—his power was growing, but so was the risk. The dark mana was becoming harder to control, and the Dark Influence was creeping higher. If he wasn't careful, he could lose himself to the shadows.
But there was no time to dwell on that now.
"We keep moving," Tyranor said, his voice steady. "The gate isn't done with us yet."
As they prepared to venture deeper into the gate world, Tyranor's status screen flickered into view once more, the words reflecting his growth—and his danger.
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Status Screen
Name: Tyranor Althar, The Tainted
Title: Shadow Reaper
Level: 28
Class: Dark Warrior (Mastered)
Mana Type: Tainted (Dark)
Health: 880/900
Mana: 590/620
Dark Influence: 15%
Skills:
Dark Slash (Level 4): Enhanced strength and range, now capable of dealing heavy damage even to fortified defenses.
Void Step (Level 3): Increased distance and speed, allowing for faster movement through shadows.
Mana Drain (Level 3)
Dark Binding (Level 2): Improved control over dark mana surges.
Nightmare Gaze (Level 2): Stronger mental attack, able to paralyze weaker foes.
Corrupted Aura (Passive)
Gate Sense (Level 1)
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Tyranor dismissed the screen, his eyes narrowing as he glanced toward the distant horizon. There were more dangers ahead, but he was ready. His power was growing, and with it, his path toward godhood.
But with every step he took, the shadows followed closer behind.
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End of Chapter 17
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In this chapter, Tyranor confronts the dark mana within him as he battles a powerful gate beast. His status screen reflects his growing strength, but also the increasing danger of the Dark Influence.
Would you like the next chapter to focus on the exploration of the gate world or on Tyranor's continued struggle with the dark mana as they venture deeper?