Chapter 7 - Chapter 7: The Crimson King’s Wrath

The battle raged for hours. Elias's Energy Barrier flickered, its violet glow dimming as his strength waned. Wraiths swarmed the warehouses, clawing at the walls and trying to breach the windows. Jax's team fired relentlessly, but ammo was running low—their shotguns clicked empty, and they resorted to knives and fists.Then, the crimson Wraith King struck. It reared back, spitting a stream of acid at the barrier. The shield sizzled, a hole burning through it. Wraiths poured through, and one lunged at Leo. Mia reacted fast, pulling Leo out of the way and slamming her fist into the Wraith's head. She wasn't a fighter, but desperation gave her strength—the Wraith crumpled to the ground."Mia!" Elias shouted, teleporting to her side. He fired an Energy Blast at a nearby Wraith, incinerating it. "Get Leo to the basement!" Mia nodded, grabbing Leo's hand and running toward the warehouse door. Elias turned back to the battle, only to find the crimson King staring at him, its acid claws glowing.The King charged, swinging its claws. Elias teleported out of the way, but the acid grazed his arm, burning through his shirt and searing his skin. He screamed, stumbling back. Lila ran to him, pulling a bottle of antiseptic from her medical kit. "Hold still," she said, pouring the liquid on his wound. Elias gritted his teeth, the pain making his vision blur."Elias! Behind you!" Nova shouted. The black Wraith King was there, its claws raised. Elias rolled out of the way, firing an Energy Blast at its chest. The King stumbled, but didn't fall—it healed itself, its runes glowing brighter. "Its core is protected!" Nova yelled. "We need to break the runes first!"Elias nodded, teleporting behind the black King. He grabbed its spine, feeling the runes etched into the bone. He channeled his Energy Manipulation into his hands, burning the runes away. The King screeched, thrashing wildly. Elias held on, his arm throbbing from the acid burn. Finally, the runes faded, and the King's core was exposed."Now!" Elias shouted. Jax fired a shotgun blast at the core, and the King exploded into dust. The remaining Wraiths hesitated, but the crimson King roared, rallying them. It charged Elias, its claws raised. Elias teleported, but the King was faster—it grabbed his leg, pulling him to the ground. Acid dripped from its claws, inches from his face.Just as the King was about to strike, a rock hit it in the eye. It roared, turning to see Leo standing there, his small hands shaking. "Leave him alone!" Leo shouted, throwing another rock. The King snarled, releasing Elias and charging the boy. Elias teleporting between them, activating his Energy Barrier just in time. The King's claws slammed into the shield, and Elias poured every last ounce of energy into it."Nova! Now!" he yelled. Nova ran forward, her sword glowing with runes. She jumped, slicing through the King's neck. The King's head fell to the ground, its body dissolving into dust. The remaining Wraiths, without their leaders, fled into the ruins. The battle was over.Elias collapsed, his energy completely drained. Lila rushed to him, checking his wound. "You'll be okay," she said, smiling. "Just rest." Mia knelt beside him, brushing his hair back. "You did it," she whispered. "You saved us."[System Notification: Host has defeated Two Wraith Kings. Reward: 500 System Points + Ability Unlocked: Acid Resistance.]Elias smiled weakly, closing his eyes. For the first time in weeks, he felt safe. He drifted off to sleep, surrounded by his family.