A deep chill swept through the ruins as the Wraithlord of Thal'Zir advanced, its massive, jagged greatsword dragging along the ground, leaving behind trails of eerie blue fire.
Leon's grip tightened around his sword. His heart pounded—not in fear, but in anticipation. This was exactly the kind of battle he needed to push past his limits.
Nyx hissed beside him, its shadowy form shifting as it prepared to strike. Umbra, ever the opportunist, remained hidden, waiting for the right moment to strike.
[Wraithlord of Thal'Zir (Divine Grade) - Level 260]
Leon's lips curled into a smirk. Stronger than me, huh? Let's see how strong.
---
The Battle Begins
The Wraithlord moved unnaturally fast for its size, appearing in front of Leon in an instant. Its sword came down like a falling comet, splitting the very ground beneath them.
Leon barely had time to react. He sidestepped, the heat of the spectral fire grazing his skin as he swung his sword in retaliation. The blade cut through the wraith's form, but it simply reformed, as if his attack had meant nothing.
"Tch."
Before he could reassess, the Wraithlord raised its left hand, summoning a wave of ghostly chains that shot toward him.
Leon jumped back, but a few chains wrapped around his arm, burning into his flesh with a coldness so intense it felt like fire. His HP ticked down rapidly.
[-10,500 HP]
[Warning! You have been afflicted with 'Soul Drain' (Reduces HP Regen by 70%)]
Damn. This thing is tricky.
Leon activated Battle Instincts, his body moving before his mind could fully process. He twisted his wrist, severing the chains with a precise slash before leaping backward.
Nyx launched a Dark Pulse, the waves of shadow slamming into the Wraithlord's form. The divine entity staggered for the first time, its form flickering.
Leon took the opening.
"Umbra—NOW!"
From the darkness, Umbra struck like a phantom, its claws glowing with necrotic energy as it carved into the Wraithlord's spectral form. The beast's attack wasn't physical—it was devouring its very essence.
The Wraithlord let out an ear-piercing wail, its body destabilizing as dark energy surged through it.
Leon didn't hesitate. He dashed forward, his sword wreathed in crimson flames, and swung down with all his strength.
CRACK!
The Wraithlord's body split in two, its form shattering like glass. The ruins trembled as its presence vanished, leaving behind only silence.
[You have gained 15,000,000 EXP.]
[You have gained Soulbound Wraith Core (Divine Grade).]
[You have leveled up!]
Level 198 → Level 201.
Leon exhaled, his breath ragged. That was a tough one.
---
The Wraith Core
He picked up the Soulbound Wraith Core, feeling the immense energy pulsing within it. This wasn't just an item—it was something special.
[A special core formed from the soul of the Wraithlord of Thal'Zir. Can be used for forging, summoning, or enhancing soul-related abilities.]
Leon's eyes gleamed.
This could be useful.
But before he could think further, a new presence stirred deeper within the ruins.
Something ancient was watching him.
And it was about to make itself known.
---