The false Sera's hand hovered inches from Wong's own, the faint shimmer of silver magic clinging to her fingertips.
The skeletal hands clawed their way higher, their rattling echoing like dry rain in the dark.
Through the Soul Link, the Blood Hound's growl became a warning rumble in Wong's chest.
He could feel its fear… and its readiness to leap.
---
[System Alert]
⚠ Interference Detected – Foreign Entity attempting to access Soul Link.
> Accepting contact may result in:
– Forced Memory Integration
– Partial Soul Corruption
– UNKNOWN effects
Choices Available:
1. Accept Contact
2. Reject & Purge Entity
3. Bind Entity as Temporary Familiar (High Risk)
---
Wong's gaze shifted between the system's floating text and the silver-eyed figure.
She tilted her head, smile sharpening.
"They'll tear through that gate in moments. With me, you'll reach her before they do."
He didn't trust her — but the word her still dug deep into him.
The real Sera. His sister.
---
The black cracks in the ground widened, spilling tendrils of cold mist into the air.
Somewhere beyond the void, he could hear faint chanting — the same guttural language the Veil of Purity's priests used.
They were close.
[System Timer] – Decision Time Remaining: 12… 11… 10…
---
The Blood Hound suddenly lunged forward, placing itself between Wong and the false Sera, snarling with enough force to shake the ripples in the air.
Through the link, Wong felt a sudden surge of defiance from it, like it was screaming:
This isn't her.
[Soul Link Response] – Bound Summon attempting Override Decision.
Override Success Chance: 42%
---
Wong's grip on his staff tightened.
The seconds were bleeding away.
Every instinct screamed this was a trap — but if there was any chance the real Sera was in reach… could he walk away?
The silver-eyed figure extended her hand closer, her smile widening.
"Choose, Child of Bone."
[System Timer] – 3… 2… 1…
---