Chapter 15: Clash with the Sentinel
The Sentinel loomed over Leon, its body radiating a fiery heat that distorted the air around it. Its molten core pulsed like a living heart, and its jagged stone limbs moved with surprising speed for something so massive.
Leon's steps faltered as the creature swung its massive arm toward him. He barely rolled out of the way, the ground splitting where the Sentinel's fist landed. The force sent a shockwave through the clearing, knocking Leon off balance.
"Keep moving!" Kaelina's voice cut through the chaos, but she didn't intervene. This was his fight.
Leon scrambled to his feet, the mark on his chest burning like a brand. The fire within him surged, but he hesitated, the memory of his flames failing against the Wraith hounds fresh in his mind.
Adapt. Think.
Summoning his courage, Leon stretched out his hand and conjured another crystalline spear. The Sentinel turned its glowing eyes toward him, and he hurled the weapon with all his might. The spear struck its molten chest, shattering into shards that embedded themselves in the creature.
The Sentinel roared, staggering back as molten lava dripped from the wound. It wasn't enough to stop it, but it gave Leon hope.
"It's vulnerable!" Kaelina shouted. "Aim for the core!"
The Sentinel recovered quickly, swiping at Leon with its other arm. He ducked, narrowly avoiding the attack, and summoned another spear. This time, he didn't throw it. Instead, he charged forward, his movements fueled by adrenaline.
As the Sentinel raised both arms to crush him, Leon slid beneath it, plunging the spear into its molten core. The creature let out an ear-splitting roar, lava spewing from the wound as it staggered back.
Leon scrambled to his feet, panting. His hands trembled from the exertion, but the Sentinel wasn't done. It slammed its fists into the ground, sending a shockwave that knocked him flat.
"Leon!" Kaelina called, her voice tinged with urgency.
Leon struggled to rise, the heat from the Sentinel searing his skin. He couldn't win this with brute force. He needed something more.
The mark on his chest pulsed again, brighter this time, and he felt a new energy coursing through him. He closed his eyes, focusing on the sensation.
When he opened them, he stretched out both hands. Instead of a single spear, a series of crystalline shards materialized in the air around him, glowing with a cold, otherworldly light.
The Sentinel roared and charged, its movements unrelenting. Leon didn't wait. With a sweep of his arm, he sent the shards flying toward the creature.
Each shard struck true, embedding themselves in the Sentinel's molten core. The creature froze, its fiery glow dimming as cracks spread across its body.
Leon clenched his fists, summoning the last of his strength. The shards in the Sentinel's core began to glow brighter, their energy building to a crescendo.
"Now!" Kaelina shouted.
With a final surge of will, Leon detonated the shards. The Sentinel let out a guttural roar as its body shattered, the explosion sending molten rock and fire in all directions.
When the dust settled, Leon stood in the clearing, battered but victorious. The pedestal and the glowing orb remained untouched, bathed in an ethereal light.
Kaelina approached, her expression one of cautious pride. "You did it."
Leon didn't respond immediately. His gaze was fixed on the orb, its light resonating with the mark on his chest.
"What now?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
Kaelina gestured toward the orb. "Take it. It's yours."
Leon hesitated, then stepped forward. As he placed his hand on the orb, a surge of energy shot through him. Images flashed in his mind—fragments of the System, visions of power, and glimpses of a destiny he couldn't yet comprehend.
When he released the orb, it disintegrated into light, which flowed into his mark. He stumbled back, overwhelmed by the sensation.
Kaelina caught his arm, steadying him. "That's the first of many trials, Leon. The System won't stop testing you, but this is a step forward."
Leon nodded, his determination renewed. The System's path was brutal, but he wasn't alone. With Kaelina by his side and his newfound abilities, he would face whatever came next.
As they left the clearing, the forest seemed to shift again, the oppressive energy fading. But Leon knew this was only the beginning. The System was far from finished with him.