Chapter 11: The Herald's Wrath
The corridor seemed to shrink as the Herald's presence grew. His red eyes glowed brighter, casting eerie shadows on the walls. Haru's pulse quickened as an oppressive weight pressed down on his chest.
"Stay close," Lysander commanded, his golden armor shimmering with energy.
Aya tightened her grip on her daggers, her stance low and ready. "What's the plan, oh wise one?" she asked, her tone laced with sarcasm, though her focus never wavered.
"The Herald is a fragment of an ancient force," Lysander replied. "We don't need to defeat him—just hold him off long enough to reach the Sanctuary's core."
The Herald chuckled, his voice resonating like a thunderclap. "Run if you like, little mortals. It won't save you."
With a flick of his wrist, the shadows around him surged, forming tendrils that lashed out toward the group.
"Move!" Lysander shouted, raising a barrier of golden light that intercepted the attack. The tendrils struck the barrier with a deafening crack, sending shards of energy flying in all directions.
Haru dove to the side, narrowly avoiding a stray tendril that left a deep gouge in the stone floor. Aya darted forward, her blades glinting as she slashed through the shadows with precision.
"You're a talkative one," she muttered, weaving through the attacks with practiced ease. "Let's see how you handle this!"
She leaped into the air, spinning her daggers in a whirlwind of wind-infused strikes aimed at the Herald.
But he didn't flinch. Instead, he raised a hand, and a wall of shadows erupted in front of him, absorbing Aya's assault effortlessly.
"You'll need more than parlor tricks to harm me," the Herald taunted.
Aya landed gracefully, her eyes narrowing. "Guess I'll have to get creative."
Meanwhile, Haru struggled to summon his energy. The oppressive aura of the Herald seemed to stifle his power, making it harder to focus. He clenched his fists, trying to steady his breathing.
Come on, Haru. You've faced worse. You can do this.
Lysander stepped forward, his golden armor glowing brighter. "Haru, Aya, buy me some time. I'll open a path to the core."
Aya didn't hesitate. "On it!" she shouted, launching herself back into the fray.
Haru took a deep breath, forcing himself to concentrate. He reached deep within, pulling at the spark of energy that had carried him this far. Slowly, it responded, flickering to life in his palms.
"Hey, over here!" Haru shouted, firing a blast of energy at the Herald.
The attack wasn't powerful, but it got the Herald's attention. He turned toward Haru, his red eyes narrowing.
"So, the fledgling dares to fight," the Herald sneered. "Let's see how long you last."
Haru gritted his teeth as the Herald unleashed a torrent of shadows in his direction. He dodged the first wave, barely staying ahead of the attacks, but the second wave was faster, clipping his shoulder and sending him sprawling.
"Haru!" Aya shouted, breaking away from her skirmish. She darted toward him, slashing at the tendrils that threatened to overwhelm him.
"Get up!" she barked, hauling him to his feet. "I can't babysit you forever."
Haru winced, clutching his shoulder. "Thanks... I think."
Their banter was cut short as the Herald advanced, his steps slow but deliberate. The shadows around him writhed, growing more aggressive with each passing moment.
Lysander's voice cut through the chaos. "Just a little longer!"
Haru and Aya exchanged a quick glance.
"We've got this," Haru said, summoning his energy again. This time, it burned brighter, fueled by sheer determination.
Aya smirked. "About time."
Together, they launched a coordinated attack. Aya moved like a whirlwind, her blades slicing through the shadows with pinpoint precision, while Haru unleashed bursts of energy that disrupted the Herald's defenses.
For a moment, it seemed like they were gaining ground.
But the Herald wasn't done. With a guttural roar, he unleashed a wave of power that sent both of them flying. Haru hit the ground hard, his vision blurring.
As the Herald prepared to strike again, a blinding golden light filled the corridor. Lysander stood at the center, his armor glowing with an intensity that rivaled the sun.
"The path is open!" Lysander shouted. "Go, now!"
Aya hesitated, looking back at Haru. "Can you move?"
Haru struggled to his feet, his legs shaky but steady. "Yeah. Let's go."
The two of them bolted toward the newly revealed passage, the golden light shielding them from the Herald's attacks.
"You think you can escape me?" the Herald roared, his voice echoing through the corridor. "This isn't over!"
As they crossed the threshold, the golden light intensified, sealing the passage behind them. The oppressive aura of the Herald faded, replaced by an almost deafening silence.
Haru collapsed against the wall, his chest heaving. Aya leaned against her knees, her daggers still in hand.
"That… was insane," Haru panted.
Aya let out a dry laugh. "Welcome to my life, kid."
Lysander appeared beside them, his golden glow dimmed but still present. "You've done well to make it this far. But the true challenge lies ahead."
Haru groaned. "Of course it does."
Aya straightened, her expression hardening. "Bring it on. Whatever it is, we'll deal with it."
Lysander nodded, his tone grave. "Then prepare yourselves. The Sanctuary's core will test not just your strength, but your very souls."
As they ventured deeper into the Sanctuary, Haru couldn't shake the feeling that the Herald's words were more than just a threat.
This isn't over