The heavy silence that followed the Nightmare Core's dissipation was a stark contrast to the deafening shriek that had just filled the chamber. Andrew remained on one knee, gasping for breath, the obsidian key still clutched in his trembling hand.
Every muscle screamed in protest, a dull, pervasive ache settling deep in his bones. He felt utterly hollowed out, like a carved-out pumpkin after Halloween, his energy reserves completely spent.
Yet, beneath the crippling fatigue, a strange, quiet hum resonated within him – the echo of his defiance, the lingering energy of his recent level-up.
Marrow approached, his form moving with a quiet grace that belied the immense power he'd just unleashed. He hadn't bothered to fully sheathe his sword, its dark, almost hungry blade still protruding slightly from its scabbard.
