The narrow stone corridor suddenly widened into a vast, dark chamber. An oppressive silence filled the air, the only sound being the faint echo of their footsteps on the cold stone floor.
Veil (whispering, eyes scanning the void): "I can't see a thing…"
Alynia (moving cautiously, ears sharp and alert): "Don't move too much, Cub. This is the perfect spot for an ambush."
CLICK
Small violet lights flickered to life on the ceiling, like distant stars. Their dim glow barely illuminated the chamber, just enough to reveal its eerie details. The walls were covered in ancient runes—circular symbols that pulsed faintly, like they were alive.
Veil (breathless, awed): "Beautiful…"
SHAAAAK!
A massive shadowy arm burst from the ground beneath Alynia. Before she could react, its clawed fingers coiled around her waist and yanked her up at terrifying speed.
Veil (shouting in panic): "Alynia!"
He reached for her, but it was too late.
Alynia was lifted several meters into the air, her body dangling helplessly. The dark hand squeezed, its grip unyielding. She snarled and thrashed violently, but the spectral force wouldn't let go.
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THUNK!
Without warning, the hand disappeared, dropping her into the void. She twisted mid-air, desperately trying to grab onto something. The impact was brutal. She hit the ground hard, the force of the landing echoing throughout the chamber.
Veil (screaming): "Alynia!"
He rushed toward her, but something stirred at his feet. The shadows slithered unnaturally. The glowing symbols on the floor pulsed, and ghostly shapes began to rise from the darkness. Two violet eyes flared in the abyss, locked onto him.
SWOOSH!
Veil barely dodged a spectral claw that slashed through the air, leaving a trail of shimmering purple energy in its wake.
Veil (panting): "Damn… It's fast…"
The wraith hovered just above the ground, its entire form composed of writhing shadows. Twin twisted horns protruded from its head, and its elongated arms ended in claws crackling with dark energy.
Veil (yelling): "You wanna play? Bring it!"
He summoned his mana, feeling its familiar pulse in his veins. The air grew damp, the humidity thickening as water coalesced around him. He thrust his hands forward, conjuring a whip of water that lashed toward the wraith.
But in an instant, the creature vanished. It reappeared to his side, untouched.
Veil (gritting his teeth): "Too fast!"
SWISH!
A shadowy claw lashed out again. This time, Veil wasn't quick enough. A searing pain sliced across his side as he staggered backward, clutching his ribs.
Veil (wincing, voice strained): "Not good… Not good at all…"
He exhaled sharply, forcing himself to focus. Panic wouldn't save him. Pain was real, but he could push through it. He steadied his breathing, channeling his mana more efficiently.
A shift in the air. Wind coiled around him, forming a spiraling current. He raised a hand, calling upon water once more. This time, the elements fused—cold, sharp, deadly.
CRACK!
Veil launched a blade of ice straight at the wraith. The attack sliced through the air at blinding speed. The creature dodged—almost. The tip of the ice blade nicked its form, instantly freezing part of its body into a jagged mass of frost.
The wraith let out a ghostly, piercing shriek.
Veil (grinning fiercely): "It works…"
The specter retaliated. Dark limbs erupted from the ground, reaching for him in a deadly embrace. Three of them surged forward, but this time, Veil was ready. He propelled himself sideways using a gust of wind at his feet, narrowly evading the attack.
Rolling to a stop, he pushed himself up and locked eyes with the creature.
Veil (steadfast, unwavering): "Not this time… Now, you move at my pace!"