He learned quickly.
The Shades moved like echoes—repeating patterns if watched closely. He counted their steps, learned their rhythm, timed his swings.
But they learned too.
After six minutes, his arm bled freely, and his breathing was ragged.
> [Soul Sync Threshold Reached. Sync Available.]
[Warning: Sync May Alter Neural Pathways. Proceed?]
Liam gritted his teeth.
"I don't have a choice."
> [Sync Accepted. Uploading Protocol: ECHO CORE.]
Pain unlike anything he'd known stabbed into his spine. A circle of glowing script etched itself into his chest beneath his skin.
His blade pulsed. His vision sharpened. Time slowed.
He moved—no longer dodging, but predicting. Pre-empting.
He danced.
More Shades fell.
> [System Path Chosen: Reclaimer — Tier Zero. Unlocking Soul Anchor.]
A new orb hovered before him, crackling with black flame.
He grabbed it.
And the Realm roared in anger.
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