The mercenaries charged, weapons drawn, and the chamber erupted into chaos. Vera felt a rush of adrenaline as she engaged the nearest enemy, her energy blade crackling with power. She swung fiercely, her movements fluid and precise, empowered by her new skills.
Kaelin fought beside her, expertly dodging attacks and retaliating with her own strikes. The two of them moved in sync, an unspoken understanding guiding their actions.
Vera could feel the energy pulsing through her, bolstering her strength. With each fallen mercenary, she felt more confident, more alive.
Enemy Defeated: Mercenary (Level 10). Experience Gained: +300 EXP.
But just as they began to gain the upper hand, the leader of the mercenaries unleashed a flurry of energy blasts from a gauntlet on his arm. Vera barely managed to dodge, feeling the heat of the blast singe her hair.
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“Get the artifact!” he shouted to his remaining men, forcing Vera to divide her attention.
“No!” she shouted, racing toward the pedestal. She had to protect it at all costs.
With her heart pounding, she reached the orb just as one of the mercenaries lunged for it. She grasped the artifact, feeling its energy flow through her, granting her clarity and strength.
“Kaelin, cover me!” she yelled, focusing on the orb.
The energy pulsed, and she felt a connection forming between her and the artifact. It was as if the orb was unlocking something deep within her, merging with the power of the Core.
Kaelin fought off the last of the mercenaries, her blades dancing through the air. “I’ve got your back!”
The leader snarled in frustration, his eyes fixed on Vera. “You’ll regret this!” he bellowed, charging toward her.
But it was too late.
The artifact responded to Vera’s will, sending out a shockwave of energy that knocked the leader back. The power of the Core and the artifact combined, creating a force that left the remaining mercenaries stunned.
The battle was over.
As the dust settled, Vera stood holding the orb, its energy glowing brighter now, pulsing in harmony with the Core’s power.