The Dark Side

They coiled around the spider's legs, slithering up toward its charred body. The moment the liquid touched its flesh, I pulled.

The spider spasmed.

Its entire body trembled, shouts turning into strangled gasps. It tried to resist, tried to shake me off—but I could feel it now.

That I was trying to suck its soul essence, or that's what Damien called it.

Even as strong as it was, even as terrifying as it had been, it was exhausted.

The wounds from the mana bomb, the continuous injuries I had inflicted—all of it had worn it down.

And now, I was taking the last thing it had left.

Its very soul.

The spider thrashed wildly, legs crashing against the nearby trees, sending dust and wooden debris flying over.

But it was getting weaker. I could feel its energy slipping away, pouring into me in broken streams.

My breath steadied. My muscles no longer burned and my vision cleared.