The Shadowfang Commander's growl cut through the battlefield like a blade forged from darkness itself.
Towering over four meters tall, the humanoid wolf warrior stood clad in jagged black armor that seemed to drink in the light. Its massive blade pulsed with swirling shadow energy, and its glowing red eyes locked onto Elias and his two echoes with unsettling intelligence.
"…Echoes… interesting," it rumbled, voice low and ancient. "The dead walk again. How bold."
Panic spread like wildfire among the other summoners. Some beast owners tried to recall their chaotic summons, others simply froze. A girl with a direwolf pack whispered shakily, "That's not a normal boss… it's speaking…"
Elias felt no fear. Only cold calculation. A Mid-tier Rift Boss with intelligence. Interesting indeed. If I can use this fight to test my echoes further and grow my Legion… then this is an opportunity, not a threat.
'Thorne. Kaelen. Formation Shield and Blade. Do not die unnecessarily. I still need you.'
Captain Thorne planted his shield firmly. "As you command, my Lord."
Kaelen spun his dual blades once, voice sharp. "Flanking ready."
The Shadowfang Commander took one heavy step forward. Dark energy erupted from its blade as it swung in a wide arc. A crescent of shadow energy shot toward the group.
Thorne stepped in front, shield raised. BOOM! The impact pushed him back several meters, but he held the line. Golden light flared along his shield as the Unyielding Vanguard prefix absorbed most of the damage.
[Damage reduced by 64%.]
Kaelen blurred to the side, using the new Synergy to move with unnatural speed. His Swift Blade prefix activated as he slashed at the boss's exposed flank. Sparks flew as the blades met dark armor, drawing a thin line of black ichor.
The Commander laughed — a low, grating sound. "Pathetic echoes. You fight like puppets."
Elias watched coldly from behind. It's testing us. Good. Let it underestimate.
He felt the Spirit Legion Experience rising with every coordinated strike. Thorne tanked the heavy blows while Kaelen danced around, striking weak points. The "Shield and Blade" formation worked better than expected.
But the boss was far stronger than the Alpha.
With a sudden burst of speed, the Shadowfang Commander swung its blade downward. Thorne blocked, but the force cracked the ground beneath him. Kaelen tried to flank again, but the boss anticipated it, releasing a wave of shadow that slammed into the squire and sent him flying.
[Ding! Squire Kaelen has been heavily damaged.]
[Undying Resurrection available. Cost will increase if used immediately.]
Elias's jaw tightened. Not yet. I won't waste Essence so early.
He stepped forward slightly, voice calm but carrying across the battlefield.
"Thorne. Hold. Kaelen. Regroup."
The Fire Dragon boy, still recovering from the Alpha fight, shouted from the side, "What the hell are you waiting for?! Do something!"
Elias didn't even glance at him. Do something? I am doing something. I'm learning how much my echoes can endure before I have to pay the price.
The Shadowfang Commander turned its gaze fully on Elias. "You… the summoner of echoes. You command the dead, yet you hide behind them. Pathetic."
It raised its blade again, shadow energy gathering for a stronger attack.
At that moment, Elias felt something stir inside the Spirit Legion System.
[Ding! Echo Synergy reaching critical point.]
[New Formation partially unlocked: "Echo Ward" – Temporary defensive barrier using combined Spirit energy.]
Elias's eyes narrowed. Perfect timing.
"Thorne, Kaelen — Echo Ward!"
Golden light erupted from both spirits. Thorne planted his shield while Kaelen crossed his blades. A translucent golden barrier formed in front of Elias, absorbing the incoming shadow wave with a resounding clash.
The barrier held… but it flickered dangerously.
Elias felt the strain. This costs more than I expected. The tribute is already beginning.
The Shadowfang Commander paused, tilting its head. "Interesting… the dead protect the living. How long can you sustain this, little summoner?"
Elias didn't answer. Instead, he thought coldly:
Long enough to learn your weaknesses. Long enough to make my Legion stronger. And if I have to sacrifice one echo to win… so be it.
The boss took another step forward, raising its blade for a final, devastating strike.
Elias's lips curved into a cold, barely visible smile.
Come then. Let's see how much my echoes can grow today.