The cavern shook as a guttural growl reverberated through the stone walls. Andy instinctively stepped forward, dual blades drawn, their faint blue and crimson glow the only light in the suffocating dark.
From the shadows, a massive silhouette emerged—fur darker than midnight, its body rippling with cursed mana. Crimson eyes burned with hunger, and with every step, its claws screeched across the floor.
[Warning: Guardian Detected. Ancient Curse Entity – Shadow Beast.]
[Danger Level: High.]
Andy steadied his breathing. This is it… the real trial.
Nia clutched her staff tightly, her knuckles pale. Her voice trembled, but she didn't falter. "That thing… it's more than just a monster. Its aura feels like it's crushing my lungs."
Andy glanced back at her—sweat trickled down his brow, yet he still managed a half-smile. "Then I guess it's my job to make sure you keep breathing."
Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she lifted her chin in defiance. "Don't joke around at a time like this."
Before Andy could reply, the Shadow Beast lunged. He raised his swords in an instant—CLANG! The impact sent vibrations up his arms and knocked him backward, boots grinding against the rocky ground.
"Nia, shield—!" he shouted.
The beast's tail lashed. A radiant barrier formed in front of her, the glow of Nia's mana barely holding—before shattering into sparks with a deafening crack.
She staggered, breath uneven. "It broke through so easily…"
Andy grimaced. "Then we can't let it hit you at all." He rolled his shoulders, ignoring the sting of strained muscles. "Stay behind me."
The Shadow Beast snarled—and its body flickered. Suddenly, three more silhouettes emerged, identical in form and presence. Now four crimson-eyed predators surrounded them.
Andy cursed under his breath. "Great. As if one wasn't enough."
Nia stepped closer to him, almost pressing against his back. "We'll get through this… together."
Her words sent a strange warmth through Andy's chest despite the fear clawing at his gut. He didn't dare look at her, afraid she'd see the faint smile tugging at his lips.
The first clone lunged. Andy spun, blades sparking as he parried, but another rushed from the flank. Nia's staff glowed, a flash of light exploding outward—forcing it to stumble back. But the third struck from behind.
"Andy—!" Nia cried out.
He twisted, but claws raked across his shoulder. Pain flared, hot and sharp. He slashed instinctively, scattering the clone into mist. Blood soaked his sleeve, but he gritted his teeth and stayed upright.
"I'm fine!" Andy lied, forcing a grin.
"You're bleeding—"
"I said I'm fine. We don't have time to argue."
Nia bit her lip, eyes glistening, but she swallowed her fear and raised her staff again.
Around them, the four shadows reformed, pacing slowly, red eyes glowing with malice. Andy felt his grip falter from the wound, but he steadied himself.
Then—
[Bond Progression Detected: 35%.]
[Survival Probability: Low.]
The cold, mechanical voice rang in their heads. Andy's heart pounded. Low probability? Don't screw with us now.
The beast crouched low, preparing to pounce. Andy and Nia instinctively pressed back-to-back, each watching a different side. He could hear her shaky breathing, almost in sync with his own.
"Nia," Andy muttered without turning.
"…Yes?"
"No matter what happens—don't let go."
For a moment, silence. Then, a faint touch—her hand brushed against his arm, hesitant but certain.
"...Okay."
The Shadow Beast roared. All four clones lunged at once, fangs and claws rushing from every direction. The cave drowned in darkness as death closed in—
—
To Be Continued…