Lucien's voice echoed through their bond. "Push it!"
Lyra's glow flared once more, releasing a second burst of the borrowed strength. The combined force ripped through the creature's final defenses.
BOOM!
Dust and shards of earth flew in every direction as the Direwolf collapsed with a thunderous crash. Its body twitched once before going still, faint aether rising from its wounds and fading into the air.
For a few seconds, nothing moved. Then Lucien exhaled slowly, lowering his sword. "That... was rougher than expected."
Cael dropped beside him, wiping sweat from his brow. "You think? I thought it was going to eat us alive."
Lucien looked at Lyra, her light dimming gently now that the fight was over. "But we made it," he said quietly. "And it was worth it."
Lucien exhaled, lowering his blade as the dust settled around the fallen Direwolf. The air was still heavy with the scent of burnt earth and blood. For a few moments, no one spoke. Then he turned toward Lyra, who hovered beside him, faint light flickering around her form.
"You did well," he said with a rare smile. "You were incredible out there."
Lyra tilted her head, the faint glow in her chest pulsing softly. "Was I?" she asked, her voice delicate and curious, almost childlike.
Lucien nodded. "You were the reason that thing went down. We'd have been in trouble without you."
Cael let out a shaky laugh, wiping grime from his face. "Trouble's an understatement. I didn't think a spirit could hit that hard." He studied her for a moment, narrowing his eyes. "You sure she's still an E-rank summon?"
Lucien chuckled quietly, brushing off Cael's suspicion. "You're just jealous she stole the spotlight."
Cael smirked, though he still looked half-serious. "If she starts outshining me this much, I might start asking for training tips."
Lyra seemed to brighten at the praise, her light rippling like waves. Lucien reached out as if to pat her head, though his hand passed gently through her ethereal form. "You've earned it," he said softly. "Rest a bit. You deserve that much."
The faint hum of the Soulbinder Interface resonated in Lucien's mind.
▓▒░ [Essence Yield Acquired: 350 EP] ░▒▓
▓▒░ [Total Essence: 540 EP] ░▒▓
▓▒░ [Resonance Link: +2%] ░▒▓
▓▒░ [Current Resonance: 52%] ░▒▓
A soft blue glow spread across his interface. Then another prompt appeared.
▓▒░ [New Skill Acquired: Earthen Pulse]
[Source: Stonefang Direwolf]
[Skill Type: Defensive]
[Effect: Generates a burst of kinetic energy upon ground contact, disrupting enemy footing.] ░▒▓
Lucien raised a brow. "Lyra, looks like you've learned something new again."
Her form brightened. "I can use this to protect you, right?"
He smiled faintly. "That's the idea."
Cael crouched beside the Direwolf's corpse, pulling a knife from his belt. "You two can have your heartfelt moment later. Let's strip what we can before this thing starts rotting."
Lucien joined him, kneeling to inspect the hide. "Take the core, and claws. Leave the rest. The meat will spoil fast here."
Cael nodded, working fast. The two of them carved the Direwolf's remains with practiced hands, the sound of tearing flesh and scraping metal echoing through the still air. Lyra floated nearby, her light dimming slightly as she watched.
Once they finished, Lucien stood, brushing dirt from his knees. He looked over at his team, Cael exhausted but standing firm, Lyra glowing faintly at his side, and felt a quiet sense of pride settle in his chest.
"That's one more step forward," he murmured.
The Rift was still restless, the distant growls of monsters and faint flashes of light reminding them that danger was never far away. Lucien could almost feel the pulse of it beneath his skin, like the rhythm of a living thing watching from the shadows.
He turned back toward the deeper path. "Let's move."
Cael groaned but followed, adjusting his sword strap. "You know, most people would rest after nearly dying."
Lucien smirked. "Then it's a good thing we're not most people."
The deeper they went, the thicker the air became, charged with aether that prickled along their skin. Lucien could feel his heart racing, not out of fear, but anticipation. Each battle brought him closer to understanding the power pulsing inside him, and the strange thrill of using the Essence System to its full potential was starting to grow addicting.
Before long, the familiar flicker of blue light appeared again before his eyes.
▓▒░ [Proximity Alert – Hostile Lifeform Detected] ░▒▓
Lucien raised a hand. "Hold position."
Cael gripped his blade tighter, scanning the fog. "Another one already?"
"That's the Rift for you," Lucien replied, his voice calm but alert. "We move slow and stay sharp."
They crouched low, following the faint sound of movement ahead. The ground trembled softly, a rhythmic vibration that grew stronger the closer they got. Then, through the haze, the shape began to form.
A thick, lizard-like creature with curved spines running down its back emerged from behind the rocks. Its body shimmered with faint blue markings that pulsed like molten veins. The creature's tail swayed, sharp and barbed at the end, each flick leaving small cracks on the stone floor.
▓▒░ [Species: Riftscale Lizard]
[Rank: E+]
[Affinity: Earth/Lightning]
[Traits: Static Carapace, Barbed Tail, Ground Surge]
[Essence Yield: 350 EP] ░▒▓
Cael cursed under his breath. "Lightning affinity? Great."
Lucien didn't flinch. "Means it's fast. Watch its tail. Lyra, focus on support. Wait for my mark before you strike."
The Riftscale Lizard lifted its head, its golden eyes locking onto them. A low growl rippled through the air, followed by the faint crackle of electricity sparking across its scales. Then it lunged.
"Move!" Lucien shouted.
The beast hit the ground where they'd been standing, sending shards of stone flying. The shockwave pushed them back as the air filled with the crackle of static. Cael recovered first, swinging his blade across the beast's flank. Sparks erupted where metal met scale.
"Tough hide!" Cael gritted out.
Lucien dashed in beside him, his dagger glowing faintly as he slashed at one of the joints near the leg. The strike connected, forcing the beast to shift its weight with a pained roar.
Lyra reacted instantly, spreading her hands as faint ripples of energy flowed beneath the creature's feet.
Thrum!