**Chapter 12: The Fragment's Wrath**
The chamber trembled under the oppressive presence of the Nytheris fragment, its shadowy form shifting and pulsing as though alive. The crystalline chamber dimmed as dark tendrils snaked outward, probing the space.
its shadowy tendrils spreading out like living smoke. The oppressive energy filled the air, choking the light from Rynna's phoenix and dimming Kaelen's Fenrir's electric glow.
The Seraphic Wyrm trapped within the crystal emitted a faint pulse of golden light, struggling against the growing darkness.
"This thing's not normal," Kaelen muttered, his Fenrir growling low as sparks danced across its fur. "It's not like any beast I've faced.
"Rynna's voice was sharp. "It's not a beast. It's something else entirely."Erythion stepped forward, his mind racing as his Sovereign System flared to life. He kept his expression neutral, ensuring no one noticed the faint glimmer in his eyes as the system overlaid critical information on his vision.
[Warning: Nytheris Fragment Detected.]
Rank: S-Class Shadow Entity.
Threat Level: Extreme.
Weakness: Disruption via Light Energy or Opposing Force Integration.]
He glanced at his companions. "We need to push it back. Rynna, focus your phoenix's flames on its tendrils. Kaelen, your Fenrir can handle its core if it gets exposed.""Just like that?" Kaelen smirked, though his tension was clear. "You sound awfully confident, Erythion."Erythion's lips quirked in a faint smile. "Confidence keeps you alive.
"The Seraphic Wyrm in the crystal remained still, its golden aura a stark contrast to the encroaching darkness.
The fragment lashed out, shadowy spikes slashing through the air. Rynna's phoenix screeched, releasing radiant flames that collided with the shadows, creating bursts of light.
Kaelen's Fenrir darted forward, electricity crackling along its claws as it struck at the fragment's shifting form. The beast howled, its lightning disrupting the fragment enough to momentarily halt its attack.
Erythion silently activated a new system skill:
[Skill Activated: Abyssal Chains (Hidden Use).]
Obsidian lunged forward, its dark energy forming unassuming but potent chains that wrapped around the fragment's tendrils. The shadows writhed, recoiling slightly as the chains disrupted their structure.
"What's happening?" Kaelen shouted, startled by the fragment's sudden pause."It's weakening!" Rynna called out, her cold voice steady as her phoenix released another burst of radiant flames.
Erythion kept his expression neutral, silently directing Obsidian to maintain the pressure. "Let them think it's the phoenix.The fewer questions, the better.
"This isn't an ordinary beast," she said, her tone colder than usual. "It's not even fully here, but its power feels limitless."
The fragment shifted, its mass growing denser as it prepared for another attack.
The system flared in Erythion's mind, directing his attention to the Seraphic Wyrm within the crystal.
[Critical Discovery: Seraphic Wyrm Core Detected.]
Action Required: Infuse Core to Amplify Allied Beasts' Abilities.]
Erythion frowned, keeping his inner thoughts hidden. Infuse the core? How can I do that without drawing suspicion?He called out, "Rynna, can your phoenix link with the wyrm's light? It might amplify its flames!"
Her cold gaze flicked toward the crystal. "It's possible." She commanded her phoenix, which swooped down, its radiant flames connecting with the golden aura surrounding the wyrm.
The chamber pulsed with energy as the light intensified, briefly forcing the fragment to recoil.Kaelen's Fenrir took the chance to charge, slamming into the fragment with a surge of electricity. The shadowy mass rippled, its tendrils retreating momentarily.
---
The Nytheris fragment lunged, its form twisting into a mass of shadowy spikes that shot toward the group. Obsidian reacted instantly, leaping in front of Erythion and releasing a burst of Abyssal energy. The two forces collided, creating a shockwave that knocked everyone back.
"Stick to your roles!" Erythion barked. "Rynna, light energy! Kaelen, keep it distracted!"
Kaelen grinned grimly. "Got it."
His Fenrir charged forward, electricity crackling along its fur. It released a howl, sending arcs of lightning into the fragment. The energy crackled across the shadowy mass, causing parts of it to recoil and distort.
Rynna stepped forward, her Shadow Phoenix circling overhead. "Radiant Flames," she commanded, her voice steady. The phoenix unleashed a wave of dark fire infused with light energy. The flames hit the fragment, creating bursts of light that caused it to writhe and retract momentarily.
Erythion used the distraction to subtly interact with the wyrm's core through the system.
[Synchronizing Core Energy with Abyssal Direwolf.]
New Ability Gained: Radiant Abyss.Effect: Combines Shadow and Light Energy for High-Damage Disruption.]
Obsidian howled, its form briefly flickering as its energy shifted. Erythion quickly masked the change, redirecting attention.
"Kaelen, keep the pressure up! Rynna, more flames!"As the others focused on the battle, Obsidian released a burst of Radiant Abyss energy, concealed within the phoenix's flames. The combined force struck the fragment, tearing through its shadowy form and forcing it to retreat.
Rynna's phoenix screeched triumphantly, its light scattering the fragment's remnants.
Erythion focused on his system.
---
Kaelen's Fenrir released another burst of lightning, drawing the fragment's attention. It turned toward him, its form morphing into a hulking mass of shadow.
Rynna directed her Phoenix to unleash another wave of radiant flames, keeping the fragment occupied. "Go, Erythion!" she called, her voice sharp.
Erythion dashed toward the Seraphic Wyrm Core, Obsidian by his side. As he reached the crystal, the system flared again.
The Seraphic Wyrm stirred within the crystal, its golden eyes opening. The entire chamber filled with a blinding light, forcing the Nytheris fragment to recoil violently.
--
"Obsidian, Radiant Abyss!" Erythion commanded.
The direwolf howled, its form shimmering as dark and light energy converged around it. It lunged at the fragment, releasing a blast of energy that struck the shadowy entity head-on.
The fragment let out an ear-splitting roar as its form began to disintegrate, torn apart by the combined forces of light and shadow.
Kaelen shielded his eyes from the brightness. "What the hell was that?"
Rynna watched silently as the fragment dissolved into nothingness, her Phoenix retreating to her side.
Erythion turned to the others, his breath heavy. "It's gone—for now."
---
As the chamber settled, the crystal in the center began to crack and splinter. A faint voice echoed through the room, ancient and filled with dread.
"The shadow is but a fragment. The true entity stirs, and this world will not withstand its awakening.
Beware the true awakening, for Nytheris will not be bound forever."
The Seraphic Wyrm dissolved into light, leaving behind a small orb that floated toward Erythion. The system activated again.
**[Acquisition: Seraphic Core Fragment.]**
- **Effect: Enhances Contract Beast Abilities. Unlocks New Path in Secret Realms.]**
Kaelen sighed, collapsing against his Fenrir. "That thing was more trouble than it was worth.
Erythion clenched the orb, his expression grim. "This isn't over. We've just made ourselves a bigger target."
Rynna nodded, her cold gaze fixed on the remnants of the fragment. "Whatever this is, it's watching. Waiting."
Rynna's cold eyes lingered on the orb in Erythion's hand.
"What did it leave behind?"
"Just a fragment of its light," Erythion said, tucking the orb away before they could question it further. "It might help us in the labyrinth.
"Her gaze remained sharp, but she didn't press the issue.
Kaelen scoffed, though his bravado was strained. "Good. Let it watch. We'll be ready."
The chamber trembled again, and the path behind them collapsed. A new route opened ahead, its dark, rune-etched walls exuding danger.
Kaelen groaned. "Of course. More ominous paths."Erythion stepped forward, his grip tightening on the orb. "Let's move. This place isn't going to wait for us."Rynna and Kaelen exchanged a glance before following, their beasts close behind.
As they ventured deeper, Erythion's thoughts raced.
If this fragment was only the beginning, how long can I keep my system a secret while facing enemies of this scale?
---
*End of Chapter 12.*