Chapter 13: Savior or Sacrifice
The shadow lunged, its claws dripping black smoke. Elias's bound warriors strained against the tether, eager to crush it. But Seris's eyes burned into him, a warning: if he let them loose, Ashwood would see him as a monster.
His teeth ground together. Then I'll fight.
"Stay back!" he barked, forcing his warriors to still. The tether seared his chest like molten iron, punishing restraint.
The shadow struck. Elias twisted, stone blade flashing. The edge carved through smoke-flesh, scattering violet sparks. Pain lashed his arm as the creature's claw raked him, shallow but burning like fire.
Guards stumbled, spears useless against incorporeal foes. Fear choked the room.
Seris shouted, "Hold your ground!" but her voice faltered when Elias staggered, blood seeping from his side.
The girl's whisper slithered close. "How noble. How foolish."
Elias ignored her, planting his feet. Another shadow surged at a guard. Elias dove between them, taking the strike across his shoulder. Agony flared white, but he rammed his blade into its core. With a shriek, the creature imploded, dissolving into ash.
The last shadow shrieked, rushing for the doorway. Elias hurled himself forward, tackling it. His blade plunged down, again and again, until the thing shivered apart in sparks.
Silence fell.
Elias collapsed to one knee, chest heaving, his wounds blazing fire across his body. The tether pulled savagely, his bound warriors twitching as though furious they hadn't been unleashed. He clenched his teeth, forcing them still.
Seris stepped forward, sword still drawn but her gaze locked on him. She saw the blood. The shaking arms. The way he'd chosen pain over unleashing his power.
Her lips tightened. "You… fought for Ashwood. Bled for us."
The system chimed.
> [Echo IV Complete.]
Reward: +1 Attribute: Willpower.]
Condition Met: Trust of Captain Seris established.]
Seris sheathed her sword slowly. "Perhaps you are not the curse they whispered." She extended a hand, steady and deliberate. "You have my trust, Elias. For tonight."
The guards lowered their spears uncertainly, eyes wide. Murmurs rippled through the hall: "He saved us." "He fought like a man, not a demon."
The girl leaned against the wall, her smile faint but sharp. "You've earned their faith… and their fear. A delicate balance. How long before it tips?"
Elias accepted Seris's hand, rising unsteadily. Every breath felt like knives, but relief washed through him. For the first time since awakening in this world, he wasn't entirely alone.
But the system whispered one last line before fading:
> [Next Echo Imminent: Trigger Condition Unknown.]
Elias's stomach tightened. He might have won tonight, but the system was already watching for its next game.