"Come, my puppets," Vex purred as the corrupted Ava and Raven emerged from the shadows to flank him. "The forces of order approach. We must prepare a suitable welcome."

They could hear the sounds of pitched battle drawing near through the chamber walls. That fool Mitch and his allies were cutting a swathe through the base's defenses in a futile bid to thwart Vex's designs. He would teach them their folly.

"Destroy them all," Vex commanded with malicious glee. "Leave no survivors."

Ava and Raven bowed obediently before dissolving into twin cyclones of smoke that streaked off to wreak havoc. Vex reached out with his vast awareness, hungrily soaking in the delicious anguish as his pawns fell upon the helpless soldiers. Such sweet music they made - agony and death knells in a grand symphony.

Soon the remaining forces converged on the central chamber where Vex awaited. Mitch and Clara led the assault, faces set with righteous fury. Vex merely yawned, then grinned wickedly as his puppets descended to meet them.

For a time, neither side could gain an advantage as Vex calmly observed the unfolding carnage. He could cripple their minds and end this tiresome skirmish with but a thought. But he was not one to hurry such exquisite torment.

Mystic blades clashed against Ava's talons while Clara evaded Raven's blistering volleys, countering when openings appeared. Mitch struggled to breach Vex's telekinetic barrier, bellowing useless threats. Like insects battering against a window, never comprehending their fragility.

"We seem to be at an impasse," Vex remarked almost conversationally amidst the chaos. "Shall we negotiate a ceasefire?"

"Never, monster!" Mitch roared, redoubling his efforts. "Not while a breath of hope remains!"

Vex shook his head pityingly. Such determined devotion, even in the face of inevitable defeat. Admirable in its own pathetic way.

Raising his hands, Vex drew more power from the dark realms. "Then let us tip the scales, shall we?"

The pitiful mortals could not comprehend what awaited once Vex ended this tiresome game. But their education would soon begin in earnest. The rivers of light would run red, ushering in an age of boundless shadow.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

> Congratulations, [Astor Bracken]! You have reached Level 6, Psi user. You are awarded a new skill: Mind Bind!

Astor cried out as new power flooded through him amidst the raging battle against Vex. Ancient mental pathways unlocked within his mind as he reached the threshold - Level 6 Psychic.

In the heat of combat, Astor perceived the knowledge granted to all who attained this height of psychic mastery. At last, he could initiate the ultimate mind link skill, Bind Minds. By intertwining his psyche fully with another's, they could instantly share thoughts, energies, and abilities.

Astor's gaze met Mitch's across the war-torn chamber. Once, in madness, Astor had violated Mitch's mind against his will. Since then, a gulf of distrust had remained between them, for all Mitch's reassurances. But now hope flickered - perhaps this freely chosen bond could begin true healing.

"Mitch, Bind Minds with me!" Astor shouted over the din. "If we stand together, Vex falls this day!"

Mitch hesitated only a moment before nodding resolutely. Astor established the link, feeling Mitch's presence join seamlessly with his own until they became of one unbreakable will. Our minds are linked; share in my power! Astor imparted.

He sensed Mitch's awe through the bond as their abilities merged. Together, their combined force multiplied exponentially. Side by side in spirit, they turned as one to face the looming shadow.

"No! This cannot be!" Vex roared, besieging their linked minds with nightmarish visions. But the illusions washed over them, harmless as a breeze. Their union was unassailable.

Onward we march, buddy! Astor conveyed. Let no evil stand against our light so long as we remain united!

As one, they unleashed the full fury of their powers in perfect synchronicity. For a moment, the darkness recoiled, and Astor felt hope surge wildly. But Vex recovered quickly, stabilizing the inky void around him

The air crackled with mystic energy as Mitch and Astor stood united against Vex's swelling dark power. Though weary from intense battle, Mitch knew they had to keep fighting. All would be lost if the demon prevailed.

Beside him, Astor withdrew a glowing gemstone, whispering words of power to summon forth ancient allied beasts - a massive white tiger, winged turtle wreathed in shadow, and flaming salamander. Mitch grinned fiercely at the sight.

"Alright team, let's take this fiend down!" Mitch rallied.

Astor placed a steadying hand on Mitch's shoulder, their mind link thrumming. Together friend. With hope and courage prevail.

Mitch felt his aura flourish at Astor's uplifting Battle Meditation skill. "Now you're speaking my language! Let's end this shadow clown."

Astor nodded, manifesting protective barriers around their familiar reinforcements as Mitch readied his own reckless attacks. Now was the time for decisive action.

"Life Rage!" Mitch shouted, willing to sacrifice vitality for raw power. His body blazed crimson as he assaulted Vex alongside Astor's charmed creatures. Each strike hammered the barrier around their foe, seeking weaknesses.

In return, Vex besieged their minds with nightmares and illusions. But Astor's psychic mastery kept the visions at bay. Back and forth, the tide raged, neither gaining an advantage.

Mitch, getting weak...Astor warned as Mitch's life waned dangerously low. Their foe seemed inexhaustible, constantly replenishing darkness from his home realm.

We must pierce his defenses once and for all! Mitch responded. If one decisive blow could disrupt Vex's focus...

Astor's mind glowed with inspiration. Together then on my signal!

Mitch braced himself as Astor prepared his gambit. Our minds are one partner.

Now! Astor imparted. Their combined might struck as one, joined by the familiars. For an instant, the dark barrier ruptured. But Vex recovered quickly, preventing a mortal blow. Stalemate resumed, but Mitch knew hope endured.