The shriek from the Nightmare Core was a physical blow, vibrating through Andrew's bones, rattling his teeth. It wasn't just sound; it was concentrated agony and raw fury, a direct response to his reckless attack on its lifeline.
He staggered back, clutching his arm, the cold, raw Nightmare energy coursing through him, feeling less like a wound and more like an invasive parasite siphoning his very soul. His determination felt brittle, his willpower fraying at the edges.
[WARNING: Direct Contact with Nightmare Core Essence! Willpower Draining!]
[Stamina Drained to Critical!]
[Status: Despair (Moderate)]
The room spun. The Specters, no longer stunned by their core's pain, were reforming with terrifying speed, their blue eyes now burning with a focused, almost predatory malevolence.
Their forms solidified, becoming denser, darker. They descended upon Andrew with a singular, murderous intent, a coordinated assault against the human who had dared to wound their heart.
