The Shadow Wyvern's roar reverberated through the chamber, a sound so powerful it sent vibrations through the stone floor. Its wings spread wide, shadows swirling around its massive form as dark magic crackled along its scales.
Lucian's heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline flooding his veins. This was no ordinary monster. Its presence was suffocating, ancient magic radiating from its body like a curse. A true beast... this is going to be fun.
"Move!" Xeran's voice rang out, his body already charging towards the creature. His silver hair fluttered as mana surged around him, forming a barrier that deflected the Wyvern's first attack—a blast of shadowy fire that melted the stone where they'd stood moments before.
Yara followed closely behind, her spear aglow with holy light. She dashed in with precise footwork, her weapon aimed at the creature's underbelly. "Now!" she shouted, signaling the mages.
Two mages stood behind the front line, their staffs crackling with elemental power. One unleashed a torrent of flames while the other conjured spears of ice, both aimed at the Wyvern's wings to ground it.
The creature roared in defiance, its dark aura flaring as the attacks struck. It thrashed its tail, the sheer force of the swing creating a shockwave that sent dust and debris flying.
Lucian's eyes gleamed as he watched his teammates move. They were coordinated, fighting with practiced precision. Not bad... but not enough.
The Wyvern's body began to shimmer, its scales reflecting the dim light. Suddenly, it vanished, disappearing into the shadows.
"It's gone!" one of the mages shouted, panic seeping into his voice.
"No, it's not," Lucian muttered, his eyes narrowing. It's hiding in the darkness... He focused his senses, his mana extending outward.
"Above!" he shouted just as the shadows rippled, revealing the Wyvern's form descending from the ceiling, talons gleaming with dark magic.
Yara reacted instantly, her spear spinning upwards to intercept. The holy light clashed against the Wyvern's claws, sparks flying. But the creature was powerful, its strength overwhelming. Yara gritted her teeth as she was pushed back, her feet digging into the stone floor.
Xeran appeared beside her, his hands weaving complex patterns as a barrier formed around them, deflecting the Wyvern's next strike. His serene smile remained intact, his voice calm. "Focus on defense. We need to find an opening."
Lucian's body moved on instinct, his sword gleaming as he charged towards the Wyvern's exposed side. Mana crackled around him, his speed blurring as he closed the distance. I'll end this... now!
His blade sliced through the air, aimed at the creature's neck. But the Wyvern's eyes glowed, its body vanishing once more into shadows. Lucian's sword met only air.
"What—" Lucian's eyes widened as the darkness behind him shifted, the Wyvern's tail materializing. It struck with lightning speed, a whip-like motion that sent him crashing into a pillar, stone crumbling upon impact.
The pain shot through his body, his vision blurring. He gritted his teeth, blood trickling down his forehead. Damn it... it's toying with us.
Xeran's voice echoed in his ears. "It's using the shadows to teleport. We can't hit it until we find a way to dispel the darkness."
The words ignited a spark in Lucian's mind. Dispel the darkness... of course. He struggled to his feet, his fingers curling around his sword. His mana flared, swirling around him in dark, crackling arcs.
"Yara!" he shouted, his voice commanding. "Can your light dispel the shadows?"
Yara's eyes widened, realization dawning on her. "I can try... but I'll need time to charge it."
"I'll buy you that time," Lucian said, his lips curling into a grin. He glanced at Xeran, their eyes locking. "Keep it distracted."
Xeran's serene smile widened. "I was about to say the same to you." Without another word, he moved, his body a blur as he danced around the Wyvern's attacks, his barriers deflecting its deadly claws.
Lucian's mana surged, shadows swirling around him. He could feel the power within him growing, his control tightening. Let's see how you like this...
He dashed forward, his movements erratic, unpredictable. The Wyvern's eyes tracked him, but his speed was too great. He was a blur of shadows, striking at the creature from every angle, his sword leaving trails of dark energy in its wake.
The Wyvern roared in frustration, its body flickering as it tried to teleport again. But Lucian was faster, his blade meeting the shadows before they could reform, dispersing them with each strike.
Meanwhile, Yara stood at the center of the chamber, her spear raised high. Holy light gathered around her, growing brighter with each passing second. Her eyes burned with determination, sweat streaming down her face as she channeled her mana into the weapon.
"Just a little more...!" she grunted, her body trembling under the pressure.
Xeran appeared beside her, his voice calm. "I'll reinforce the barrier. Focus everything on the light." His hands moved swiftly, golden energy forming a dome around them, shielding her from the Wyvern's relentless attacks.
Lucian continued his assault, his movements a blur as he danced around the creature. But he could feel his strength waning, his breaths growing ragged. I can't keep this up much longer...
"Yara! Now!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the chamber.
Yara's eyes snapped open, her spear blazing with divine light. She took a deep breath, her muscles tensing as she aimed at the Wyvern. "Divine Piercer!"
The light exploded from her spear, a beam of pure holy energy that pierced through the darkness, dispelling the shadows in its wake. The Wyvern's body was revealed, its form solid and vulnerable.
"Now's our chance!" Xeran shouted, his voice carrying a rare urgency.
Lucian's eyes gleamed, his body moving on instinct. He dashed forward, his sword crackling with dark energy. It's over...
With one swift motion, his blade sliced through the Wyvern's neck, severing its head from its body. The creature roared one last time before its body crumbled into dust, the shadows dispersing into the air.
Silence filled the chamber, the only sound their labored breaths.
The ring core floated above the creature's remains, its light pulsing softly.
Lucian's knees buckled, exhaustion washing over him. But his eyes never left the ring core. Victory...
Xeran approached, his serene smile returning. "Not bad, Phantom. You're stronger than I expected."
Lucian scoffed, wiping the blood from his face. "You're not so bad yourself... for a pretty boy."
Yara joined them, her spear resting on her shoulder. "Let's get this core and get out of here. I'm done with this place."
They moved towards the ring core, its light growing brighter as they approached. But Lucian's instincts screamed at him, his body freezing.
Something's wrong...
Before he could speak, the chamber trembled, the air growing colder. Shadows gathered once more, forming a shape behind them.
A low growl echoed, filled with malice and fury.
Lucian's blood ran cold. The real boss...
The battle was far from over.