The air trembled with divine energy, thick and oppressive.
I could feel it pulsing, a warning from above — higher gods were aware now, watching, calculating, preparing.
[SYSTEM ALERT: High-Ranking God Intervention Probable — Prepare for Battle]
[Recommended Action: Evaluate Threat, Maximize Shadow Utilization]
Shadows swirled around me, heavier, denser, as if sensing the coming storm. I adjusted my grip on the spear, every muscle primed for movement.
From the sky, a golden figure descended — wings of light unfurling, aura blinding and pure. This was no ordinary scout. This was a lieutenant of the gods, a guardian of divine order.
[TARGET IDENTIFIED: High-Ranking God "Altherion"]
[POWER RANK: Extremely High | Threat Level: Severe]
I crouched, letting shadows flow outward, forming tendrils and decoys. The silver-haired woman appeared beside me without a sound, her blade drawn.
— Ready? she asked, eyes glimmering with anticipation.
[HINT: Combat Coordination Maximum Efficiency — Ally Bond Active]
Altherion's voice thundered across the plains:
— Mortal… you dare defy the will of the gods?
I smirked, stepping forward. The shadows twisted, extending like arms of pure darkness.
[DARKNESS AUTHORITY — STAGE 5 UNLOCK INITIATED: Shadow Domination Expanded]
[New Effect: Full battlefield control, independent shadow entities now capable of complex strategy]
The battle began. Light and shadow collided, throwing waves of energy across the plains. I moved with deadly precision, every strike calculated, every shadow responsive. The lieutenant's attacks were fierce, yet predictable under the system's analysis.
She stayed at my side, her movements seamless, covering blind spots, striking when openings appeared. A faint smile touched her lips as we moved in tandem — a silent acknowledgment of mutual trust and growing connection.
[REWARD: Shadow Assimilation Enhanced — Abilities of defeated divine units can be temporarily replicated]
Altherion faltered under the combined assault. Shadows enveloped him, siphoning power, restricting movement. I stepped closer, spear poised, crimson eyes burning with hunger and focus.
[SYSTEM ALERT: First Major God Confronted — Probability of Victory 64%]
The first storm had begun. The hunter in the shadows was no longer unnoticed.
And in the distance, I sensed whispers — watchers, allies, enemies — all drawn by the tremor of a rising predator.
The battle would define the path forward. One step closer to the gods' throne… one step closer to ultimate darkness.