Shadow slave:The Forgotten Spawn

Volume 2: Shards of Unity

Chapter 34: The Gauntlet

The group moved forward with cautious urgency, leaving the trial chamber behind. The relic's activation had changed the atmosphere of the ruins. Low, resonant vibrations pulsed through the stone walls, as though the structure itself had awakened. Dust cascaded from above with every tremor, and the once-stagnant air was now alive with tension.

Eryth kept pace with the others, his hand brushing against the relic hanging from his neck. He could feel its warmth, pulsing in rhythm with his heartbeat. Beside him, Nyx moved silently, its glowing eyes fixed on the dark path ahead. There was a heightened awareness in the bond between them, as if both sensed what lay ahead.

"This place won't let us leave unscathed," the armored woman said, her voice low but steady. Her grip tightened around her sword.

"We've come too far to turn back now," Eryth replied, his voice firmer than he felt.

The corridor opened into a cavernous chamber, its sheer scale forcing them all to stop in their tracks. The ceiling was lost in darkness, and the walls were lined with massive statues of ancient warriors. At the center of the room stood a circular platform, its surface marked with intricate, glowing runes.

Before anyone could speak, the air shifted. The ground beneath them rumbled violently, and the platform flared to life.

The Gauntlet Unleashed

From the glowing platform, figures began to emerge—shadowy, humanoid shapes, their bodies rippling with dark energy. Unlike the foes they had faced before, these creatures exuded a palpable malice. Their forms were unnervingly human, yet their eyes burned with unnatural light, and their movements were predatory.

"We've got company," the younger fighter muttered, his voice trembling as he gripped his weapon.

The creatures didn't wait. They charged as one, their movements swift and coordinated.

Nyx was the first to react, lunging forward with a feral roar. Its claws met the first wave of enemies, tearing through shadowy flesh with brutal efficiency. But for every creature it struck down, another seemed to take its place.

Eryth darted to the side, narrowly avoiding a blade aimed at his chest. The armored woman stepped in to intercept, her sword clashing with the creature's weapon. Sparks flew, and she shoved it back with a growl.

"These things don't die easily!" she shouted.

Eryth's eyes flicked to the glowing runes on the platform. "It's the platform—it's summoning them! We need to shut it down!"

A Relentless Onslaught

The group fought furiously, but the creatures kept coming. Their teamwork was pushed to the limit as they tried to fend off the unending waves.

The younger fighter, emboldened by fear, charged recklessly into the fray. "I'll hold them off! Just figure out how to stop it!"

"Wait—don't!" Eryth shouted, but it was too late.

The fighter struck down one of the creatures with a desperate cry, but two more closed in on him. One of them drove a shadowy blade through his chest before he could react. His cry of triumph turned into a gurgled gasp as he fell to his knees, blood staining the stone floor.

"No!" Eryth's voice rang out, but there was no time to grieve. The creatures pressed forward, their assault unrelenting.

The armored woman grabbed Eryth by the shoulder, forcing him to focus. "Stay sharp, or we're all going to end up like him!"

Eryth nodded, swallowing his grief. "Nyx!" he called. "Cover me!"

Nyx responded instantly, leaping over Eryth to intercept another wave of enemies. Its form shimmered faintly, as though the bond between them was drawing on something deeper.

A Desperate Plan

Eryth sprinted toward the platform, dodging attacks and sliding under a creature's swing. He reached the runes, their glow almost blinding up close. Placing his hands on the platform, he tried to will the relic to respond.

"Come on… work!" he muttered, feeling the relic's warmth intensify.

The runes pulsed in response, and the creatures faltered for a split second. It was enough for the others to gain some ground, but the victory was short-lived.

The platform retaliated. A surge of energy erupted from it, throwing Eryth backward. He hit the ground hard, his vision swimming.

"Eryth!" Nyx's growl echoed in his mind as the creature leapt to his side, shielding him from an incoming attack.

"I'm fine," he managed, struggling to his feet. "But this thing isn't going to shut down easily."

The armored woman fought her way to him, blood streaking her armor. "We don't have time to figure it out! If we stay here, we're dead!"

Eryth's mind raced. The relic had responded, but he hadn't been able to control it. What was he missing?

Sacrifice and Resolve

Another fighter fell, their scream cutting through the chaos. Eryth's chest tightened. He couldn't let this continue.

The platform flared again, and Eryth suddenly understood. It wasn't just a summoning device—it was feeding on their fear, their pain.

"I have to stop it!" he shouted, stepping toward the platform again.

"You'll get yourself killed!" the armored woman yelled, grabbing his arm.

Eryth met her gaze, determination burning in his eyes. "We don't have a choice. This is what I have to do."

She hesitated, then released him. "Just… don't die."

Eryth turned back to the platform, the relic glowing brighter than ever. Nyx stood at his side, its presence a steadying force. Together, they faced the pulsing runes.

Eryth took a deep breath, reaching out to the platform once more. This time, he didn't resist the pull of the relic. Instead, he embraced it, letting its power flow through him.

The runes flared violently, and the chamber was consumed in blinding light.

To Be Continued…