Ash rained like black snow upon the battlefield as Inferna's body collapsed, her burning corpse reduced to cinders that scattered in the wind. The echo of her final screech faded into the air, and for a moment, silence fell across the battlefield.
DING!
[System Notification: Enemy Boss Defeated - Inferna, Emberflame General]
[Reward: +EXP] [Party Bonus Active]
[Lucas Carter has reached Level 25]
[Elira Nightshade has reached Level 25]
[Kaela Stormfang has reached Level 25]
[Beast Companions Umbra, Zephyra, Luna, and Thunderfang have reached Level 25]
Lucas gasped as power surged through his limbs. His connection with Umbra and Zephyra pulsed stronger, golden and violet threads shimmering in his vision. Their bond had evolved beyond mere command—it was synchronicity.
Kaela dropped to one knee, panting, her arms scorched but triumphant. Thunderfang circled beside her, tail lashing the ground with wild energy. Elira landed near Lucas, her breath ragged and skin singed. Luna prowled in front of her like a silent guardian, blood and soot streaking her fur.
DING!
[System Notification: Skill can be used- Aegis of the Heir]
[Description: AOE Healing and Buff skill. All allies in a 30-meter radius recover 40% HP and gain temporary invulnerability for 30 seconds. Cooldown: 12 hours.]
Lucas turned toward the center of the battlefield. What was once a disciplined formation was now chaos. Screams rose from the injured. Militia members struggled to defend the wounded while others tried to hold the line. Stormfang beastkin were bloodied, their numbers thinned, pressed back by the relentless horde.
Reynard, his armor dented and shield cracked, shouted orders, rallying what troops he could.
Lucas didn't hesitate.
He raised his hand. Golden light burst outward from his palm like a radiant sun.
"Aegis of the Heir!"
A wave of shimmering energy expanded across the battlefield, washing over militia and beastkin alike. Wounds sealed. Bleeding stopped. Broken bones snapped back into place. And then came the invulnerability—a glowing dome of light that coated them like armor.
Gasps rippled across the frontline.
"I can move again!" a soldier shouted, lifting his spear. "My leg—it's healed!" cried another.
Lucas stood at the eye of the divine burst, eyes glowing gold.
Reynard looked up from his position near the wall and grinned. "By the gods… we've got our own blessed champion."
Elira's eyes softened. "You've changed everything."
Kaela stood slowly, nodding toward Lucas. "We survive... because of you."
But Lucas wasn't finished.
He turned toward Kaela. She and Thunderfang had held their own against Kong—the Blackclaw General—but they were flagging. Her left arm was bloodied, and Thunderfang's roars were weaker.
"I'll handle Kong with you," Lucas said. "Elira, back up the militia. They need you now."
Elira nodded without hesitation, mounted Luna, and dashed toward the frontlines.
Lucas sprinted toward Kaela, his armor gleaming from residual energy. Zephyra landed on his shoulder, eyes glowing. Umbra flowed beside him like a tidal shadow.
Kong stood tall and grim ahead of them—hulking, jet-black fur matted with the blood of those he'd slain. His yellow eyes locked on Lucas, and a low growl rumbled from his chest.
"So the insect slayed Inferna," Kong said, voice deep as thunder. "Let's see you take me, princelet."
Kaela bared her fangs. "I already took your pride. Ready for your life?"
Lucas stopped beside her. "Together."
Their beasts roared as one.
Kong rushed forward like a mountain crashing down. Thunderfang leapt to intercept while Zephyra launched wind lances at the incoming brute. Lucas and Kaela split left and right, executing a pincer maneuver.
Umbra became twin gauntlets in Lucas's hands—sleek and black with golden runes. Zephyra shimmered, becoming a twin-blades with razor feathers along the arm.
Lucas struck first. He dashed beneath Kong's guard and slashed across his thigh. The general howled but retaliated with a massive hammer fist.
Kaela vaulted off Thunderfang and brought both axes down toward Kong's spine. The beast turned just in time, catching the blow on his arm, but it still cut deep.
Thunderfang circled around, mouth crackling with lightning. He pounced, sinking fangs into Kong's leg.
"Enough!" Kong bellowed, slamming the ground with both fists.
The shockwave launched Lucas and Kaela backward. Lucas landed on his feet, barely skidding. Kaela rolled but recovered quickly.
"Switch tactics," Lucas muttered. "Go for speed."
Kaela nodded. Thunderfang broke off and began zigzagging, harassing Kong with fast strikes. Lucas circled with Zephyra-blades, delivering feints and slashes that kept the enemy turning.
Kong grew slower. Blood loss. Frustration.
Lucas activated a new skill.
"Bladed Echo!"
A spectral image of Lucas darted past Kong, slashing his side. The general turned—wrong move. Kaela threw one axe, spinning through the air.
It sank into Kong's shoulder.
Thunderfang followed up with a lightning-charged leap, biting down hard on Kong's neck.
Kong grabbed Thunderfang and threw him aside with a roar—but Lucas was already on him.
Twin blades drove into Kong's chest.
"Your tide ends here," Lucas growled.
Kaela closed in, retrieved her axe, and buried both weapons into Kong's back.
The ape groaned.
And fell.
DING!
[System Notification: General Defeated – Kong, Blackclaw]
[Reward: +EXP / Item Drop Acquired / Beast Core Obtained]
[Lucas has received Blackclaw Armor]
[Kaela has received Berserker's Fang (Unique Axe)]
Lucas stood over the fallen body, panting. Kaela leaned against her beast, clutching her arm.
"Two generals down," she said with a grin. "Only one left."
Lucas nodded, eyes turning toward the horizon.
Toward the silver giant waiting atop the hill.
Silverback.
The true leader of the Tide.
He stood silent still, massive arms folded, watching.
He hadn't moved at all.
But Lucas could feel it now.
The tide wasn't over yet.