The process of sealing the Core was slow and meticulous, requiring every ounce of focus from Arya. Her hands moved with practiced precision, inscribing glowing runes around the crystalline structure. The whispers had faded to an uneasy silence, but the oppressive energy in the air reminded them that they were far from safe.
Ryan stood guard with Grent, his eyes scanning the plateau for any sign of movement. The weight of the battle lingered on his shoulders, but his grip on his sword remained steady.
"How much longer?" Grent asked, his hammer resting against his shoulder.
Arya didn't look up. "A few more minutes. Just keep watch."
Ryan's HUD flickered, the residual energy from the Core interfering with its normal functions. He felt a pang of unease, the sensation of being watched growing stronger with each passing moment.
"Do you feel that?" Ryan asked, his voice low.
Grent frowned. "Feel what?"
"Like we're not alone," Ryan said, his gaze darting to the swirling mist that encircled the plateau.
Before Grent could respond, the mist shifted. Shadows moved within its depths, their forms indistinct but unmistakably humanoid. Ryan's HUD struggled to lock onto the shapes, error messages flashing across his vision.
"Something's coming," Arya said, her voice calm but tense. She didn't stop her work, her focus unwavering.
Grent stepped forward, his hammer glowing faintly. "Guess they didn't like us taking their toy."
From the mist emerged a figure, its form cloaked in darkness. Its movements were slow and deliberate, and as it stepped into the faint light of the Core, its features became clearer. It was humanoid, but its body seemed to shimmer and shift like liquid shadow. Its eyes glowed a piercing white, and a long, jagged blade rested in its hand.
[Shadow Sentinel] - Level 12
Ryan gripped his sword tightly. "Arya, we've got company!"
"Buy me some time!" she shouted, her hands never stopping.
The Shadow Sentinel moved with unnatural grace, its blade slicing through the air as it charged. Grent met it head-on, his hammer crashing against its weapon with a thunderous clang. The force of the impact sent shockwaves rippling across the plateau.
"Ryan, flank it!" Grent barked, locking the Sentinel in place.
Ryan activated [Quick Strike], darting around the creature's side. His sword flashed as he targeted its back, but the Sentinel twisted unnaturally, deflecting the blow with its blade. It retaliated with a swipe that forced Ryan to leap back.
"This thing's fast!" Ryan called out, circling to find another opening.
Grent grunted, absorbing another blow with his shield. "Then be faster!"
Arya's voice cut through the chaos. "Keep it distracted! I'm almost done!"
Ryan focused, his HUD analyzing the Sentinel's movements. It moved like water, flowing from one attack to the next with an eerie fluidity. He waited for his moment, watching for the slightest opening. When the Sentinel lunged at Grent, Ryan saw his chance.
He activated [Power Slash], his blade glowing brightly as he brought it down on the Sentinel's exposed flank. The strike connected, and the creature let out a distorted wail, its form flickering like static.
"Got it!" Ryan shouted, stepping back as the Sentinel staggered.
Grent capitalized on the opening, his hammer smashing into the creature's chest. The impact sent it sprawling, but it recovered with alarming speed, its blade slashing wildly.
"Keep it up!" Arya shouted, the final rune glowing brightly as she finished the sealing process.
The Sentinel let out a guttural roar, its body dissolving into a cloud of shadow that coalesced around the Core. The glowing runes flared, and the shadows recoiled, unable to penetrate the barrier. With a final surge of energy, the Core's pulsating light dimmed, its power contained.
"It's sealed!" Arya called, stepping back and drawing her bow. "But we're not done yet!"
The Sentinel reformed, its body weaker but still dangerous. Ryan and Grent didn't hesitate, pressing the attack. Grent's hammer landed heavy blows, while Ryan's sword struck with precision, each hit chipping away at the creature's form.
Finally, with a coordinated strike, Ryan and Grent brought the Sentinel to its knees. Arya loosed an arrow that pierced its core, and the creature let out one final, distorted scream before collapsing into mist.
+200 XP.
The plateau fell silent once more. Ryan sheathed his sword, his chest heaving as he looked around for any remaining threats. Arya approached the Core, inspecting the runes for any signs of instability.
"It's holding," she said, her voice weary. "We did it."
Grent let out a deep sigh, resting his hammer on the ground. "That was one hell of a fight."
Ryan nodded, his exhaustion tempered by a sense of accomplishment. "What now?"
Arya straightened, her expression grim. "We take the Core back to Dawnstead. But this was just one. There are more out there, and they won't all go down this easily."
Ryan looked at the sealed Core, its faint glow pulsing like a heartbeat. He knew she was right. The battle might be over, but the war was far from won.
"Then let's get moving," he said, his voice steady. "We've got work to do."