Chapter 20: The Blade That Refuses
The Hollow trembled with every step of the Verdant Warden, its vast form blotting out what little light seeped through the canopy. Roots tore from the ground, twisting toward Elias like serpents, each strike forcing him back, deeper into the maze of trees.
But he did not run. Not this time.
His blade wavered in his blood-slick grip, but his eyes burned. The tether behind his chest pulsed violently, dragging at his warriors — shadows at the forest's edge, straining but held at bay by the Hollow's grasp.
> [Survive Condition Progress: 72%.]
Warning: Fatigue critical.]
The Warden roared, a thunderous sound that shook the soil loose around his boots. It lunged, massive claws descending like falling boulders. Elias raised his weapon in a desperate parry.
The impact sent him skidding back, the earth cracking beneath his heels. His bones screamed, his arms nearly giving way. But the blade did not break.
The system flared.
> [Critical Threshold Reached.]
Skill Evolution Triggered.]
A burning light erupted along his weapon, purple runes igniting like molten cracks in obsidian. His arms steadied as if unseen chains braced him, and power surged through the tether into his veins.
> [New Skill Acquired: Obsidian Guard.]
Effect: Defensive stance hardens weapon and body. Damage reduced by 50% while active.]
The Warden struck again. This time, Elias met it head-on. The ground buckled beneath him, shockwaves rippling outward — but he stood, the blade gleaming, his body unyielding.
The Hollow shrieked in fury, its illusions lashing at him. Faces — his mother, his father, Seris — flickered at the edge of his vision, screaming accusations. But the runes across his blade flared brighter, severing their whispers before they could take hold.
The girl's voice coiled around his mind, soft but electric. "Ah, now you understand. The system does not only break you… it forges you."
Elias roared, shoving the Warden's claw aside, forcing the giant back a step. His legs trembled, blood poured from his wounds, but he did not falter.
The system chimed again.
> [Survive Condition Progress: 85%.]
Status Effect: Blood Loss — Severe.]
Recommendation: End the Hunt quickly.]
The Warden's ember eyes narrowed, smoke curling from its jagged maw. It bent low, claws carving trenches into the soil. The Hollow itself seemed to hold its breath.
Both hunter and prey had changed. Now they faced each other as equals.
The girl whispered, a smile in her tone. "One more step, Elias. Show the Hollow you cannot be broken."
Moonrise was coming. But could he last that long?