The school grounds were eerily quiet as Dante and Leah crept through the shadows. It was late, the kind of late where even the wind seemed hesitant to stir. Despite the silence, Dante's heart pounded, his senses heightened by the presence of the Bloodline Chronicle in his mind.
The system had provided a crude map of the barrier nodes, highlighting their locations across the campus. Most were tucked away in obscure, hidden corners—places no one would think to look.
The first node was in the library's restricted archives.
"Why does it always have to be creepy places?" Leah muttered as they stepped through the heavy oak doors of the library.
"Because nothing good ever happens in well-lit, open spaces," Dante replied dryly, scanning their surroundings.
The system chimed in his mind.
"Node location: Sublevel 1. Estimated distance: 30 meters south. Warning: Barrier integrity below optimal threshold."
Dante glanced at Leah. "It's in the basement. And apparently, the barrier around it is weak."
"Fantastic," she said, drawing her dagger. "Lead the way."
The stairs leading to the sublevel were narrow and steep, the air growing colder with each step. Their footsteps echoed faintly, amplifying the oppressive silence. When they reached the bottom, Dante's breath caught.
The node was a glowing orb, suspended in midair within a ring of ancient glyphs etched into the stone floor. But the glyphs were cracked, their light flickering erratically. Dark tendrils of energy pulsed along the fractures, feeding into the orb like veins.
"What is that?" Leah whispered, her eyes wide.
Dante shook his head, stepping closer. The system's voice returned, sharper this time.
"Node compromised. Foreign energy detected. Analyzing... Analysis complete: Residual Wraith magic present. Sabotage confirmed."
"Wraith magic," Dante muttered. "They didn't just slip past the barrier. They corrupted it."
Leah's grip on her dagger tightened. "Can it be fixed?"
The system hummed thoughtfully before answering.
"Temporary stabilization possible. Requires activation of Bloodline abilities and Host's mana reserves. Warning: High energy consumption may leave Host vulnerable."
Dante hesitated. "It says I can stabilize it, but it'll take a lot out of me."
Leah frowned. "And if you don't?"
The system's response was immediate.
"Barrier failure imminent. Node collapse will compromise entire school perimeter."
"We don't have a choice," Dante said, stepping into the circle. He reached out toward the glowing orb, feeling its warmth pulsing beneath his fingertips.
The system guided him, its instructions precise.
"Channel mana. Focus on the Bloodline core. Synchronize energies."
Dante closed his eyes, drawing on the power within him. The Bloodline Chronicle pulsed in rhythm with the orb, their energies intertwining. The cracks in the glyphs began to mend, the flickering light growing steady.
Just as he thought he'd succeeded, a low growl echoed through the chamber.
Leah spun, her eyes scanning the darkness. "We're not alone."
From the shadows emerged a hulking figure, its form twisted and grotesque. Its eyes glowed with the same dark energy that had corrupted the node.
"A Guardian," Dante muttered, his voice laced with dread.
Leah stepped in front of him, her dagger glinting in the dim light. "Fix the node. I'll hold it off."
The battle was chaos. Leah danced around the Guardian, her movements fluid and precise as she struck at its weak points. But it was strong—too strong. Each of its blows sent shockwaves through the chamber, threatening to collapse the space around them.
Dante poured his remaining energy into the node, ignoring the strain on his body. The system's voice urged him on.
"Synchronization at 90%. Stabilization imminent. Do not stop."
"I wasn't planning on it," Dante hissed through gritted teeth.
With a final surge of energy, the node blazed to life, the glyphs glowing with renewed strength. The dark tendrils of energy evaporated, leaving the orb pristine once more.
"Leah, it's done!" he shouted.
But Leah was pinned beneath the Guardian's massive claw, struggling to free herself.
Dante didn't think. He charged forward, the Bloodline Chronicle pulsing in his veins. The Guardian roared, turning its attention to him.
"Host's energy reserves critically low. Suggestion: Retreat immediately."
Dante ignored the system, his focus solely on Leah. With a burst of strength, he plunged his blade into the Guardian's eye, causing it to howl in pain. It thrashed wildly, giving Leah enough time to escape its grasp.
"We need to go!" she yelled, grabbing his arm.
The chamber began to shake, the Guardian's enraged movements destabilizing the structure.
"Run!" Dante shouted, and they bolted up the stairs just as the chamber collapsed behind them.
Back on the surface, they leaned against the library's walls, gasping for breath.
"That was... intense," Leah panted.
Dante nodded, his mind still reeling. The system chimed softly, almost apologetically.
"Node stabilized. Barrier integrity restored. However, remaining nodes require inspection. Immediate action recommended."
Leah groaned. "Of course there are more."
Dante straightened, determination hardening his features. "We'll get through them. One at a time."
The system pulsed in agreement, its presence now a steady, unwavering guide. Together, they prepared for the challenges ahead, knowing that the school's safety—and perhaps much more—depended on their success.