The winds moved through Shadow Valley, carrying faint, eerie whispers. The sky was overcast, adding an ominous tension to the already grim setting.
Ryo led his small group carefully through the rocky cliffs and ridges. Every step was calculated, and his system sent him constant alerts and predictions about the surrounding environment:
"Caution. Enemy forces are expecting your presence. Avoid making any noise."
Ryo muttered sarcastically to himself:
"As if I needed that reminder."
Elsewhere, Jin led the main force openly toward the valley's entrance. His sharp eyes scanned every corner, every stone, while he gave his commands with precision and authority.
"Maintain a defensive formation. If this is an ambush, we'll be ready."
Elin, walking beside him, spoke in a low voice:
"Jin, you don't seem at ease. Do you suspect something?"
Jin replied coolly:
"Everything. Valas isn't like Karlin. If he's waiting for us here, it means he's planned for every move we might make."
Inside Shadow Valley
Ryo and his group reached a high vantage point overlooking the valley's main clearing. From there, Ryo spotted small groups of Valas' soldiers moving with precision, as if preparing to intercept Jin's forces.
The system sent another message:
"Valas knows your location. Beware of snipers."
Ryo, unfazed, turned to one of his commanders and said calmly:
"Keep an eye on the opposite ridge. If there are snipers, they won't miss this opportunity."
But before he could finish, arrows suddenly flew from the other side, heading directly toward the group. Ryo reacted swiftly, issuing a sharp command:
"Take cover behind the rocks! Don't leave yourselves exposed!"
Meanwhile, Jin's forces encountered unexpected resistance at the valley's entrance. A wave of shadow soldiers charged at them, wielding unconventional weapons and demonstrating unorthodox combat techniques.
Jin, at the forefront, drew his massive sword with practiced ease, shouting:
"Hold your formation! Do not retreat!"
Every strike from Jin hit the ground like a small earthquake, his skill and precision unmatched. A shadow soldier attempted to attack him from behind, but Jin turned swiftly and dispatched him with a single blow.
Elin, fighting beside him, remarked with admiration:
"Have you always been this relentless?"
Jin replied seriously:
"When Ryo is somewhere in danger, I can't afford to hesitate."
On the other side of the valley, Ryo decided to confront the snipers himself. Using his speed and sharp instincts, he darted between the rocks with blinding agility, making it nearly impossible for the snipers to target him.
The system issued another warning:
"One sniper is preparing a poisoned arrow. Location: 20 meters to your left."
Without hesitation, Ryo leaped toward the indicated sniper, delivering a decisive strike with his blade before the arrow could be loosed. Turning back to his group, he ordered:
"Keep moving. We don't want to stay here any longer than necessary."
Deep within the valley, Valas finally appeared. He stood atop a stone platform, clad in gleaming black armor that radiated power and authority. His deep voice echoed across the battlefield:
"Ryo… Jin… I've been expecting you. Unfortunately, this will be the end for both of you."
Ryo, now moving toward the platform, glanced at Jin from afar and gave a subtle nod. There was an unspoken understanding between them, as if they were planning something without words.
Jin, still amidst the battle, shouted:
"Ryo, don't rush in! We need a plan!"
But Ryo had already made up his mind. He spoke quietly, but his tone was resolute:
"Valas is my problem. I'll make him pay."
Ryo advanced steadily toward Valas, who observed him calmly from atop the platform. Ryo's light steps made no sound, but his eyes glowed with unwavering determination.
System:
"Beware, his combat power surpasses any foe you've faced before. Do not underestimate him."
Ryo muttered confidently:
"Danger has always been my companion. Tell me something new."
Meanwhile, Jin was struggling to maintain control of the ongoing battle. His forces were slowly advancing, but the shadow soldiers were no ordinary warriors. Their unique skills and ability to vanish and reappear made them incredibly challenging opponents.
Elin, fighting by his side, remarked:
"This battle is unlike anything else. These soldiers… it's as if they're ready to sacrifice themselves at any moment."
Jin, deflecting a sudden attack, replied firmly:
"Because they're loyal to Valas. If we don't take him down, this chaos will never end."
Ryo vs. Valas
Valas smirked as he watched Ryo approach. Then, in a resonant voice, he said:
"You know, I always wondered what the heir of the prophecy would look like. And now that I see you… a disappointment."
Ryo stopped a few meters away and retorted coldly:
"You talk too much. Should I end this quickly?"
Valas raised his hand, and dark energy began to gather around him, forming a massive swirling vortex.
"Your overconfidence will be your downfall."
The First Clash
The battle erupted with a deafening explosion. Ryo charged toward Valas, wielding his blade with unparalleled speed to evade the initial attacks. But Valas was no easy opponent. Each of his strikes carried enough force to shatter the surrounding rocks.
The system issued an urgent warning:
"His energy is escalating. Avoid direct confrontation until it weakens."
Ryo took a deep breath and responded with a sarcastic smile:
"Easy for you to say, sitting comfortably as a system."
Taking advantage of Ryo's momentary distraction, Valas launched a sudden strike. It barely grazed him, scattering dust everywhere. As the dust settled, Ryo reappeared unscathed and swung his blade toward Valas, who blocked it with his bare hand, stunning everyone.
Valas laughed and said:
"Is this all you've got?"
Elsewhere in the Valley
Jin, having just defeated one of the shadow leaders, noticed Valas' energy growing unstable. He shouted:
"Ryo can't beat him alone. Elin, take command of the troops. I'm going to back him up!"
Elin tried to stop him:
"If you leave now, we'll lose control of the battlefield!"
Jin replied sternly:
"If we lose Ryo, there won't be a battlefield to control."
Back to Ryo and Valas
Ryo was beginning to feel the weight of the battle. His body was fatigued, but his resolve remained unshaken. The system tried to assist him with new guidance:
"Exploit the weaknesses in his armor. There are small gaps in the lower sections."
Focusing his efforts, Ryo aimed precisely at those points. Each strike brought him closer to his target, but Valas stood firm, his strength seemingly endless.
Suddenly, Jin entered the battlefield, heading straight toward the fight. He yelled:
"Ryo, step back! I'm here now."
Panting, Ryo smirked slightly and replied:
"You're late as usual."
Jin stood beside him, his sword glowing with extraordinary energy. With a calm yet resolute tone, he said:
"Let's face him together. This ends here."