The Shadowlands stretched out before Chen, an expanse of lifeless terrain veiled in eternal twilight. The horizon was shrouded in swirling black mist, and the air was suffused with a coldness that seemed to gnaw at the soul.
"Host, welcome to the Shadowlands," the System announced grimly. "From this point forward, your elemental powers will face interference. The void feeds on chaos, and the balance you've achieved will be tested at every turn."
Chen adjusted his grip on his spear and scanned the desolate landscape. "I didn't expect it to be easy," he muttered. But the oppressive energy pressing down on him was stronger than he had imagined. Each step felt heavier, as though unseen chains sought to anchor him to the ground.
The first few hours of his trek were uneventful, save for the eerie silence that pervaded the land. But as the dark mist thickened, he felt an unsettling presence closing in. The System confirmed his suspicions.
"Shades are watching you, Host. They're biding their time, waiting for the right moment to strike."
Chen stopped and focused, summoning a flicker of fire to his palm. The flame wavered weakly, as though struggling to survive in the void-tainted air. He frowned. "So even my elements are affected here."
Suddenly, a guttural growl echoed through the mist. Chen spun around, his eyes narrowing. A pack of shadowbeasts emerged from the darkness, their bodies low to the ground, claws scraping against the rocky terrain. Their glowing red eyes locked onto him, and they advanced with predatory intent.
"Shadowbeasts are void creatures born from corrupted spirits. Be wary—they are fast and can absorb elemental energy directly," the System warned.
Chen tightened his stance, his mind racing. "If they absorb elemental attacks, I'll have to fight them differently."
The first beast lunged, and Chen sidestepped, driving his spear into its side. The weapon met resistance as though striking dense smoke, but the beast let out a screech of pain before dissolving into shadows. The others didn't hesitate—they charged simultaneously.
Chen spun his spear in a defensive arc, using wind to enhance his speed. He struck two more beasts, but the remaining three were quicker. One clawed at his back, while another knocked him to the ground.
He gritted his teeth, rolling to avoid the killing blow. Summoning shards of earth, he launched them upward, forcing the beasts to retreat. The System's voice cut through the chaos. "Use synergy. Create something they cannot absorb."
Chen growled. "Easier said than done!"
But he tried, summoning fire and water together. The elements resisted each other at first, but he willed them to merge, creating a burst of scalding steam. The shadowbeasts recoiled, their forms flickering as the intense heat pierced their void essence.
Seizing the opportunity, Chen charged, delivering precise strikes to each beast. When the last one dissolved, he dropped to his knees, panting.
"Impressive, Host. You've adapted quickly. But this was only the beginning. The void's true horrors lie ahead."
Chen nodded grimly and rose to his feet. "Then I'd better keep moving."
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