The spiraling corridor of golden threads stretched above them, pulsating with energy. Malik could feel the Loom itself humming, as if whispering instructions only he could hear. Kesi's golden eyes glowed brighter, shadow blending seamlessly with the threads, syncing with Malik's own energy.
Naomi scanned ahead. "We don't know what lies beyond this corridor, but whatever it is… we need to bond carefully. These legendary threads aren't toys."
Aubrey stepped forward, fingers tracing the threads. "It's like… reading the past and present at the same time. I think the creatures here respond to intent, not just power."
Isaiah nodded, adjusting his gauntlets. "So they'll test our hearts as well as our strength. Let's focus."
Ahead, the air shimmered. Threads twisted into a serpentine shape, scales glinting with starlight. The Arazhul Serpent coiled, eyes glowing like twin moons.
Malik's Codex pulsed. [Legendary Bond Opportunity Detected – Arazhul Serpent]
Kesi growled low, the shadows along its fur bristling. Malik whispered, "Easy, buddy… we're not here to fight. We want to… connect."
The serpent hissed, weaving through the threads with mesmerizing speed. Its voice resonated in their minds:"Why do you seek my threads, little mortal?"
Malik swallowed. "We need power… not just to fight, but to protect our people. And to survive."
The serpent's coils shimmered, forming a spiral around Malik and Kesi. "Intent… genuine. Strength… yet incomplete. Prove your synchronization with your threads, and I may lend mine."
Naomi stepped forward, linking her silver-gold threads to Malik's golden threads through the Codex interface. Aubrey's shadow threads and Isaiah's silver threads followed, intertwining with the pattern. The Loom itself pulsed in response, golden light cascading across the chamber.
Malik focused, spinning his yo-yo with Phantom Spin II and activating Thread Resonance, allowing Kesi and himself to sync their energy with the Loom's rhythm.
The serpent's coils glimmered as it accepted the synchronization. Threads of starlight wrapped around Malik and Kesi, bonding.
[Legendary Bond Established – Arazhul Serpent, Level 1]Ability: Celestial Coil – manipulate gravity and threads for both offense and mobility
Malik grinned, spinning his yo-yo in awe. "This… this is insane."
Naomi nodded, impressed. "Good. But stay focused. We're not done."
From the far side of the Loom, shadows shifted violently. The familiar silver-thread sigil of the Spindle Court appeared, this time multiplied.
"Finally…" a voice hissed. "We've found you. The Loom's gifts will be ours, and you… will be cut from your threads."
Malik spun his yo-yo. "Not today. Shadows, gold, and all that jazz—meet your match."
The team formed a defensive line. Kesi melded into the shadows while the Arazhul Serpent's coils radiated gravity-bending energy. Naomi weaved precise strikes, Aubrey's shadows snaked forward, and Isaiah's silver-thread barriers flared.
The Spindle Court ambush was coordinated, forcing the group to work as one, relying on their bonded legendary creature, Codex synchronization, and newly acquired Thread Resonance.
By the end of the clash, the ambush was repelled, but the team knew the Spindle Court would only grow stronger.
Malik looked around at his friends, legendary creature, and shadow panther. "We survived, yeah… but the fun's only starting."
Naomi's eyes glimmered with determination. "Then we'll be ready. Every thread, every bond, every skill… we'll master them before they catch up."