Chapter 34: Shadows of Desperation

The third Ascension Pillar loomed ahead, its radiant energy dimmed by the oppressive shadow barrier encasing it. The dark mass twisted and pulsed, alive with malevolent intent. Dozens of Wraiths stood as its protectors, their forms more solid and imposing than any the group had faced before. This was no ordinary defensive line—it was a desperate attempt by the realm to halt their progress.

"Whatever's in that barrier isn't going to let us waltz in," Clone 7 muttered, his shield repaired with Nexus energy but showing signs of strain.

Clone 19 surveyed the barrier, his eyes narrowed. "This shadow construct… it's feeding off the Wraiths. Every time one dies, it strengthens. If we fight them recklessly, we'll only make it harder for ourselves."

Aric frowned, his gaze shifting between the Wraiths and the barrier. "So, we have to weaken it without giving it fuel. Great."

Clone 10 spun one of his daggers between his fingers. "Guess that means precision strikes only. I'll keep the Wraith numbers thin while you figure out the big stuff."

"No," Aric said, his voice firm. "We need everyone focused. If this barrier is tied to the Wraiths, then there's something anchoring it—something we can target."

Clone 8's eyes lit up. "The conduits. Look." He pointed toward faint streams of dark energy weaving between the Wraiths and the barrier. They formed a web-like network that fed the pulsating shadow construct.

"That's it," Aric said. "We take out the conduits, and the barrier will collapse."

The team split into pairs. Aric paired with Clone 19, while Clone 7, 8, and 10 formed another group. Each pair targeted a different section of the web, moving swiftly and strategically to dismantle the shadow network.

Aric's blade hummed with energy as he moved through the battlefield, slicing through conduits with precision. Every cut disrupted the flow of energy, causing sections of the barrier to flicker and weaken. Clone 19 provided support, manipulating the Nexus Harmony to sever the connections with minimal collateral damage.

Meanwhile, Clone 10 danced through the Wraiths, his daggers striking with pinpoint accuracy. He avoided killing them outright, instead crippling their movements and disrupting their focus. Clone 8 used his agility to distract larger groups, drawing them away from the conduits, while Clone 7 provided defensive support, absorbing blows that would have overwhelmed the others.

"Three conduits down," Aric called out as another stream of dark energy dissipated under his blade. "Keep pushing!"

But the Wraiths were relentless. For every conduit severed, their aggression intensified. They adapted quickly, forming tighter defensive lines around the remaining streams of energy. The barrier, though weakening, was still formidable.

As the final conduits came into view, a deep, guttural roar echoed across the battlefield. The ground trembled as a massive figure emerged from the shadows. It was unlike the Harbinger they had faced before—this creature was amorphous, its form constantly shifting between humanoid and beast. Tendrils of shadow extended from its body, anchoring it to the remaining conduits.

System Notification:

[Final Guardian Manifested: Shadow Nexus Sentinel.]

[Barrier Strength Increased by 50%.]

Clone 7 groaned. "Why does there always have to be a Guardian?"

The Shadow Nexus Sentinel let out another roar, its tendrils lashing out in all directions. The air grew colder, and the battlefield was engulfed in a suffocating darkness.

Aric activated his cheat skill, [Absolute Focus], sharpening his perception and reflexes. "We split into two teams again. One takes the Sentinel. The other takes out the last conduits. I'll lead the charge on the Guardian."

Clone 19 nodded. "I'll stay with you. We'll need Nexus Harmony to disrupt its regeneration."

Clone 7, 8, and 10 moved toward the conduits, their movements coordinated and deliberate. The remaining Wraiths swarmed them, forcing Clone 8 to take more risks as he drew the enemies away. Clone 10 used the opportunity to cut down the last conduits, while Clone 7 held the line against overwhelming odds.

Aric and Clone 19 faced the Sentinel head-on. Its shifting form made it unpredictable, but Aric's enhanced focus allowed him to anticipate its movements. He dodged a tendril that slammed into the ground, countering with a powerful strike that severed the appendage. The Sentinel screeched, but the wound regenerated almost instantly.

"It's tied to the barrier!" Clone 19 shouted, his hands glowing as he channeled energy into the Sentinel. "If we weaken the barrier enough, its regeneration will slow!"

Aric gritted his teeth, pouring more energy into his attacks. "Then we need to buy them time."

The Sentinel retaliated, its tendrils converging on Aric. He leaped into the air, activating [Crimson Severance] once more. The energy wave cleaved through the Guardian's form, momentarily halting its assault.

Clone 19 seized the opening, using Nexus Harmony to disrupt the tendrils connecting the Sentinel to the barrier. The creature roared in agony, its movements growing more erratic.

On the other side of the battlefield, the final conduit was destroyed. The barrier flickered violently before collapsing in on itself, releasing a shockwave that knocked the Wraiths off balance.

System Notification:

[Shadow Barrier Neutralized.]

[Ascension Pillar Defenses Disabled: 3/4.]

The Sentinel's regeneration slowed to a crawl, its form destabilizing without the barrier's support. Aric saw his chance.

"Now!" he shouted, charging forward with his blade glowing brighter than ever. He activated a new cheat skill, [Infinity Edge], channeling the full power of his Nexus energy into a single strike. The blade pierced the Sentinel's core, and the creature let out one final, deafening roar before disintegrating into a cloud of shadow.

System Notification:

[Guardian Entity Defeated: Shadow Nexus Sentinel.]

[Ascension Pillar Activated: 3/4.]

The third pillar lit up, its radiant energy spreading across the realm. The oppressive darkness lifted, replaced by a sense of balance and clarity.

The group regrouped near the pillar, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and relief.

"One more to go," Clone 7 said, his voice heavy with fatigue. "I don't know how much more of this I can take."

"You'll take as much as we need," Aric replied with a faint smile. "We're almost there."

The fourth and final Ascension Pillar awaited them, but the path ahead was shrouded in mystery. The Tower's challenges were escalating, and Aric knew they had yet to face the realm's true test.

As they prepared to move forward, Aric couldn't shake the feeling that something—or someone—was watching them. Whatever it was, it wouldn't stop them from completing their mission. Together, they would conquer the Realm of Ascension and move closer to unlocking the Tower's deepest secrets.

To Be Continued…