The fortress trembled as the Herald's shadow-wings stretched across the chamber, his roar shaking every stone. The crimson runes on the walls pulsed violently, feeding his monstrous ascension.
Rihan's System screamed with alerts:
[Critical Threat: Eclipse Herald – Ascending Form 20%]
[Adaptive Evolution available]
[Temporary Unlock: Soul Link Strike]
Rihan's breath came ragged. "Soul Link Strike… kya hai yeh?"
Elira blocked another swipe from the Herald, her blades sparking against his obsidian claws. "Whatever it is, Rihan—use it!"
Kael slammed his axe into the ground, fire erupting upward to distract the Herald. "We can't hold him forever!"
Sirena staggered up, clutching her staff, golden light barely flickering at its tip. "If your System gave it… then it's the only chance we have."
The Herald's wings beat once, releasing a wave of dark force. Elira was hurled back against the wall, Kael barely keeping his footing. Sirena's barrier shattered instantly.
The Herald laughed, voice layered with unholy echoes. "Children of fate… your resistance is amusing. But futile."
Rihan's mind raced. Soul Link Strike… maybe it means… linking with them?
He shouted, "Elira! Kael! Sirena! Trust me for one strike!"
They exchanged a glance but nodded—because they had no other choice.
The System flared again:
[Activation possible: Soul Link Strike]
[Warning: Ability requires ally mana and willpower]
[Proceed? Y/N]
Rihan roared, "YES!"
Instantly, threads of silver light shot from his body, latching onto Elira, Kael, and Sirena. Their eyes widened as they felt their mana drain—not painfully, but harmoniously, as if their strength was flowing into Rihan.
Elira gasped, her blades glowing faintly through the link. "He's… syncing with us?"
Kael laughed, even through exhaustion. "Then smash that monster, boy!"
Sirena pressed her palms together, whispering a prayer. "Eternal Light, guide him."
Rihan's sword flared brilliantly, spectral fire wrapping its edge. It wasn't just his weapon anymore—it carried Elira's precision, Kael's brute force, and Sirena's divine blessing.
The Herald paused, sensing the surge. His grin widened. "So… the System adapts. Show me, boy, how much you've grown before I tear you apart."
With a battle cry, Rihan dashed forward, faster than ever. The ground cracked beneath his feet, the glowing threads pulling tighter as his allies lent everything they could.
The Herald swung his massive claw to intercept.
Rihan didn't dodge. He met the strike head-on.
"SOUL LINK STRIKE!"
The sword collided with the claw. For a heartbeat, it was silent—then an explosion of radiant and shadow energy ripped through the chamber. The Herald snarled in shock as his obsidian flesh cracked, a searing wound slashing across his arm. Black ichor sprayed onto the ground, sizzling like acid.
Elira, Kael, and Sirena fell to their knees, drained but alive.
Rihan stood firm, sword trembling in his grip. "You're not unstoppable."
The Herald looked at the wound in disbelief. Then, slowly… he smiled. "Interesting. Very… interesting."
The Mistress's laughter echoed again from the shadows. "So the System reveals yet another secret. No matter. You've only delayed the inevitable."
But in that moment, for the first time, the Herald had bled. And Rihan knew—they had a chance.