Chapter 33: The Phantom Onslaught

The tremors shook the ground as spectral guardians emerged from the chasm. Unlike the passive spirits, these were solid, their forms made of dark crystalline matter that radiated malice.

“They’re protecting the spire,” the green-eyed figure said, readying their weapon.

“No, they’re protecting what’s inside,” the leader corrected, his blade already slicing through the first guardian.

The battle erupted in a chaotic frenzy. The crystalline phantoms moved in coordinated waves, their attacks precise and unrelenting. Zeryn’s shadows lashed out, smashing one into fragments, but the effort left her drained.

“We can’t keep this up!” she yelled.

The green-eyed figure spun around, narrowly dodging a strike. “Then we finish it fast!”

Zeryn focused her energy, her shadows coiling tightly around her like armor. She pushed forward, weaving through the fray until she reached the base of the spire. The structure thrummed with energy, and the shadows within her resonated with its pulse.

“Zeryn!” the leader called. “You have to destroy it!”

But she hesitated. The spirits’ warning echoed in her mind. Destroying the spire might unleash something far worse than the guardians.

“Do it!” the green-eyed figure yelled, fending off another wave of attackers.

Gritting her teeth, Zeryn thrust her hand forward, her shadows piercing the spire. The blue light flared brightly, consuming everything in its glow.