Chapter 220: The Shadow Titan

The towering figure of the shadow beast moved toward them, each step sending tremors through the ground. Its massive form was shrouded in dark energy, tendrils whipping and writhing like living extensions of its rage. Crimson eyes locked onto the group, radiating malice.

"Tell me that thing isn't as powerful as it looks," Erynn muttered, gripping her daggers tightly.

Talen didn't respond immediately. His gaze remained fixed on the creature, his mind racing. "It's not just a physical entity. That thing is connected to the imbalance—it's a manifestation of the chaos corrupting the Heart."

"Fantastic," Solen said dryly, nocking an arrow. "So, how do we kill it?"

The relic pulsed in Talen's satchel, its light flickering brighter. "The relic will weaken it, but we have to work together. Keep it distracted while I try to sever its connection to the chaos."

"Distraction I can do," Erynn said, her grin sharp despite the odds.

"Let's make this count," Solen added, aiming his bow.

The First Clash

The Shadow Titan let out a deafening roar, raising one massive arm to strike. The group scattered, dodging as the ground where they had stood exploded in a cloud of dirt and debris.

Solen unleashed a volley of arrows, each one glowing faintly with energy from the relic. They struck the Titan's form, causing the shadows to writhe in pain.

Erynn darted forward, her movements a blur as she slashed at the Titan's legs. Her daggers met resistance, the shadows coiling around them as if alive. "It's like cutting through smoke!" she shouted, retreating.

Talen planted his staff into the ground, drawing energy from the relic. A beam of light shot from his staff, striking the Titan in its chest. The creature howled, its movements growing erratic.

"It's working!" Talen called out. "Focus on keeping it off-balance!"

The Titan Strikes Back

The Titan's massive hand slammed into the ground, sending a shockwave that knocked the group off their feet. Tendrils of shadow shot out, wrapping around Erynn and lifting her into the air.

"Not today!" she growled, twisting in midair to slice through the tendrils with her daggers. She landed gracefully, already moving toward the beast's flank.

Solen fired another arrow, this one exploding on impact and sending shards of light through the Titan's form. The creature staggered, its roar shaking the earth.

Talen focused on the relic, its light growing so intense it seemed to pierce through the darkness surrounding the Titan. "The chaos is resisting!" he shouted. "I need more time!"

The Turning Point

The Titan roared again, its form shifting. The shadows around it condensed, creating armor-like plates that gleamed with crimson veins. The relic's light dimmed slightly, as if struggling against the overwhelming darkness.

"It's adapting!" Solen shouted. "Talen, we need a big move now!"

Talen gritted his teeth, pouring more energy into the relic. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his hands trembled under the strain. The light flared again, this time forming a protective barrier around the group.

Erynn took the opportunity to dart in close, her daggers glowing faintly from the relic's influence. She leapt onto the Titan's arm, driving her blades into the joints of its shadow armor. The beast screeched, thrashing wildly as it tried to shake her off.

"Talen!" she yelled. "Do it now!"

The Relic's Power Unleashed

Talen raised his staff, the relic's energy surging into him. He felt a connection deeper than he ever had before—a direct link to the balance itself. "This ends now!" he cried, slamming the staff into the ground.

A wave of light erupted from the relic, enveloping the Titan. The creature writhed in agony, its form disintegrating as the light tore through its essence.

Solen and Erynn shielded their eyes as the brilliance consumed the battlefield. When the light faded, the Titan was gone, its shadowy remnants dissolving into the earth.

The group stood in silence, the air still and heavy.

The Aftermath

Talen collapsed to one knee, the relic dim and silent in his grasp. Erynn rushed to his side, helping him to his feet.

"You okay?" she asked, her voice softer than usual.

Talen nodded weakly. "The relic... it's drained. But we've severed the Titan's connection to the chaos. We can reach the Heart now."

Solen scanned the horizon, his bow still in hand. "Let's not celebrate just yet. If that thing was guarding the Heart, there's no telling what else might be waiting for us."

Erynn smirked. "Bring it on. I'm ready for anything."

Talen managed a faint smile, his grip tightening on the relic. "Let's finish this."

As they resumed their journey, the tower of light in the distance grew brighter, beckoning them forward.