Chapter 32: Trials of the Celestial Network

The group moved swiftly through the crystalline expanse, their senses sharpened by the knowledge that danger lurked in every shadow. The Wraiths, though momentarily scattered after the activation of the first pillar, were regrouping. Their presence was like a storm brewing in the distance—growing stronger with every passing moment.

Aric and Clone 19 veered slightly off the main path, heading toward the faint streams of energy that connected the Ascension Pillars. The air around them crackled with power, the currents of light and shadow intertwining in chaotic harmony.

"We don't have much time," Aric said, his voice low. "The Wraiths won't stay disorganized for long."

Clone 19 nodded, his eyes fixed on the shimmering thread of energy that snaked through the air like a living thing. "If I can tap into this stream, I might be able to weaken the defenses around the next pillar—or even disrupt the Wraiths themselves."

Aric placed a hand on Clone 19's shoulder. "Do it. I'll cover you."

The moment Clone 19 began channeling his energy into the stream, the air shifted. The faint hum of power grew louder, resonating through the ground and into their bones. The crystalline surface beneath them shimmered, reacting to the disturbance.

System Notification:

[Energy Disruption Initiated.]

[Wraith Activity Intensifying.]

Aric's grip tightened on his weapon as the first wave of Wraiths materialized, their forms flickering with agitation. These were different from the ones they had faced earlier—larger, faster, and more aggressive. Their eyes glowed with a malevolent light, and their movements were erratic, as if driven by desperation.

"Looks like they don't like us messing with their power source," Aric muttered, stepping forward to intercept the first attacker.

The Wraith lunged at him, its claw-like appendages slashing through the air with deadly precision. Aric sidestepped the attack, countering with a powerful strike that sent the creature reeling. But as soon as it dissipated, two more took its place.

"Focus, Clone 19," Aric called out, slashing through another Wraith. "I've got this."

Clone 19 didn't respond, his attention fully consumed by the energy stream. His hands glowed with elemental power as he manipulated the chaotic currents, redirecting them and unraveling the intricate network that connected the pillars.

Meanwhile, the rest of the team was facing their own challenges. Clone 7 held the line with his shield, blocking and countering the relentless attacks of the Wraiths. Clone 10 darted through the battlefield, his daggers flashing as he targeted weak points in the enemy ranks. Clone 8 used his agility to outmaneuver the Wraiths, creating openings for the others to exploit.

"We can't keep this up forever!" Clone 7 shouted, his shield cracking under a particularly strong blow. "How's it going over there?"

Aric glanced over his shoulder. Clone 19's efforts were beginning to bear fruit. The energy stream pulsed erratically, its light dimming as the network weakened. But the process was taking a toll—Clone 19's breathing was labored, and sweat beaded on his forehead.

"Almost there," Clone 19 said through gritted teeth. "Just… a little… more…"

The ground beneath them trembled as the energy stream finally fractured. A shockwave rippled outward, knocking the Wraiths off balance and creating a brief moment of calm.

System Notification:

[Energy Stream Disrupted.]

[Ascension Pillar Defenses Weakened: 2/4.]

"We did it!" Clone 10 cheered, but his celebration was cut short as a new notification appeared.

System Notification:

[Guardian Entity Summoned: Harbinger of the Nexus.]

The air grew colder, and an oppressive presence filled the space. From the shadows emerged a massive figure, its form shrouded in a swirling cloak of light and darkness. The Harbinger's eyes burned like twin suns, and its very existence seemed to distort reality around it.

"Of course there's a Guardian," Aric said, gripping his weapon tightly. "It wouldn't be a proper challenge without one."

The Harbinger raised an enormous blade, its surface covered in glowing runes. With a single swing, it sent a wave of energy hurtling toward the group. Aric barely managed to deflect it, the force of the impact sending him sliding backward.

"Focus fire on the Guardian!" Aric commanded. "We take it down, or we don't move forward!"

The team regrouped, their movements synchronized as they engaged the Harbinger. Clone 7 absorbed its powerful strikes with his shield, while Clone 10 and Clone 8 struck at its flanks. Clone 19, though exhausted, continued to manipulate the disrupted energy streams, using them to weaken the Guardian's defenses.

Despite their efforts, the Harbinger was relentless. It moved with terrifying speed, its attacks precise and devastating. Each swing of its blade carved through the air, leaving trails of unstable energy in its wake.

Aric activated his Nexus Harmony ability, attuning himself to the chaotic energy around him. He could see the patterns in the Harbinger's movements, the brief moments of vulnerability amidst its onslaught.

"Now!" he shouted, lunging forward with a perfectly timed strike. His blade pierced the Harbinger's cloak, disrupting its form and forcing it to retreat.

The team seized the opportunity, unleashing a coordinated assault that pushed the Guardian back toward the fractured energy stream. Clone 19 redirected the stream, channeling its unstable power directly into the Harbinger.

The Guardian let out a deafening roar as its form began to unravel, its body consumed by the very energy it sought to protect. With a final, blinding explosion, the Harbinger was no more.

System Notification:

[Guardian Entity Defeated: Harbinger of the Nexus.]

[Ascension Pillar Activated: 2/4.]

The second pillar lit up, its glow spreading across the landscape. The oppressive energy that had filled the air dissipated, replaced by a sense of calm and balance.

Aric exhaled deeply, his body aching from the intense battle. "Two down, two to go. Let's keep moving."

The group gathered their strength, their determination unwavering. The road ahead was still long, and the challenges would only grow more difficult. But they were ready. Together, they would conquer the Realm of Ascension and uncover the Tower's deepest secrets.

With the next pillar in their sights, they pressed on, their journey far from over.