Chapter 21: Shadows of Despair

The sky above the Whispering Abyss turned a deep, menacing black as Velkar's shadow storm raged across the battlefield. Xuian's forces fought valiantly, but the relentless assault of the Revenant Council's wraiths and titans tested their resolve.

Xuian stood at the forefront, his fiery aura illuminating the darkened battlefield. The Void Wolf Pup growled at his side, its glowing eyes locked onto the advancing revenants.

[System Notification]

Warning: Enemy reinforcement detected. Status: Elite Revenants inbound. Estimated Arrival: 10 minutes. Advisory: Activate domain enhancements to maintain defenses.

Xuian opened his system interface and quickly allocated resources to enhance his domain's defenses.

[System Actions Executed]

Spectral Barrier Reinforced (+30% resistance to shadow-based attacks).

Infernal Abyss Link Activated (Summons additional infernal forces).

Dimensional Citadel Aura Expanded (Boosts ally strength by 20% within a 5km radius).

The battlefield shimmered as the enhancements took effect. Infernal portals opened, summoning more Reavers and Flame Archers to bolster the defenses. The Dimensional Citadel's expanded aura rejuvenated Xuian's troops, their attacks growing stronger and more precise.

The Frost Wraith Leader approached Xuian, his icy form flickering. "Master, the revenant titans are slowed, but their power is overwhelming. We need to eliminate them before the next wave arrives."

Xuian nodded, his gaze fixed on Velkar, who hovered in the distance, orchestrating the chaos. "I'll handle the titans. Keep the wraiths contained."

Facing the Titans

Xuian charged toward the nearest titan, his spectral flames flaring as he leaped into the air. The titan swung its massive blade, but Xuian dodged with inhuman speed, landing on its shoulder.

"Your size is nothing but a weakness," Xuian muttered as he drove his dagger, infused with spectral fire, into the titan's neck. The creature let out an unearthly roar as flames erupted from within, reducing its massive form to ash.

The remaining titans turned their attention to Xuian, their movements slow but calculated. One swung a colossal axe, aiming to crush Xuian beneath its weight.

Before the blow could land, the Void Wolf Pup intercepted, its body glowing with spectral energy. It bit into the titan's leg, its jaws tearing through the enchanted armor. The titan stumbled, giving Xuian the opening he needed to deliver a devastating blow to its chest.

The Frost Wraith Leader and the Phantom Knight coordinated their efforts to distract the third titan. With precision strikes and icy traps, they weakened the creature, allowing Xuian to deliver the final blow.

Velkar's Counterattack

As the last titan fell, Velkar's laugh echoed across the battlefield. "Impressive, Xuian. But you're only delaying the inevitable."

He raised his hand, and the storm of shadows intensified. The wraiths grew stronger, their forms becoming more solid and their attacks more deadly.

Xuian narrowed his eyes. "He's using his power to amplify the wraiths. If we don't stop him, this will never end."

The Ice Spirit Seer appeared at Xuian's side, her voice calm despite the chaos. "Master, if we disrupt the nexus of his shadow storm, his influence over the wraiths will weaken. But getting close to him will be dangerous."

Xuian smirked. "Dangerous is what I do best."

The Assault on Velkar

Xuian turned to his forces. "Hold the line. I'll deal with Velkar."

The Phantom Knight stepped forward. "Allow me to accompany you, Master. He won't fight fair."

"Fine," Xuian said, nodding. "Let's end this."

The two charged toward Velkar, cutting through waves of wraiths. Velkar watched their approach, his expression a mix of amusement and disdain.

"You think you can reach me?" Velkar sneered. "You're nothing but a child playing at power."

Xuian didn't respond. He raised his hand, summoning chains of spectral fire that shot toward Velkar. The envoy dodged, countering with tendrils of shadow that lashed out at Xuian and the Phantom Knight.

The clash was fierce. Velkar's shadow magic was unlike anything Xuian had faced before. Each strike carried the weight of the Revenant Council's power, forcing Xuian to push himself to the limit.

But Xuian wasn't fighting alone. The Phantom Knight created openings, distracting Velkar and allowing Xuian to land devastating blows.

Breaking the Nexus

As the battle raged, Xuian noticed a glowing orb of shadow energy swirling above Velkar.

"The nexus," Xuian muttered. "That's the source of his storm."

Turning to the Phantom Knight, he said, "Distract him. I'll destroy the nexus."

The Phantom Knight nodded, charging at Velkar with relentless determination. Velkar snarled, focusing his attacks on the knight.

Xuian seized the opportunity, leaping into the air and channeling all his power into a single strike. His dagger, wreathed in spectral fire, pierced the nexus.

The orb shattered, releasing a shockwave that dispelled the shadow storm and weakened the wraiths. Velkar screamed in rage as his power diminished.

"You… dare…!" Velkar growled, his form flickering.

Xuian landed in front of him, his dagger still glowing. "You underestimated me, Velkar. That was your first mistake. Your second was thinking I'd let you leave alive."

With a swift motion, Xuian drove his dagger into Velkar's chest. The envoy's form disintegrated into shadows, his scream echoing as he faded into nothingness.

Aftermath

The battlefield grew quiet as the remaining wraiths dissipated. Xuian's forces stood victorious, though the toll of the battle was evident.

[System Notification]

Victory Achieved: Defeated Velkar and his forces. Rewards: 5000 Abyssal Coins.

Artifact: Orb of Eternal Shadows.

Skill Unlocked: Shadow Mastery (Grants advanced control over shadow-based abilities).

Xuian examined the Orb of Eternal Shadows, its dark surface pulsating with power. He could feel the remnants of Velkar's strength within it—a prize that would undoubtedly prove useful in the battles to come.

Turning to his troops, Xuian raised the orb. "This is only the beginning. The Revenant Council sent an envoy to test us, but next time, they'll come in full force. We'll be ready."

His forces cheered, their loyalty to Xuian stronger than ever.

End of Chapter 21