Chapter 7: Wraith
The chamber trembled as The Wraith emerged from the shadows, its spectral form towering over the group. Its eyes burned with a malevolent fire.
William tightened his grip on Garth's Blade. The runes on the sword became bright.
[Boss Encountered: Wraith (Tier 4).
Abilities: Spectral Strike, Soul Drain, Aura of Fear.]
"Stay back!" William ordered. The demons hesitated, their eyes wide with fear. Even Gurr, who had been so defiant before, took a step back.
Limir raised his sword, though his hand trembled. "Master, we can't fight this… this thing!"
William didn't respond. His mind was racing, calculating. The Wraith was a Tier 4 enemy, far stronger than the stone golems they had faced earlier. Its spectral nature made it resistant to physical attacks, and its abilities were designed to drain both strength and morale. But William had faced worse odds before. He had a plan—risky, but it might just work.
"Nara cast a barrier around the group. Sira, aim for its eyes. Kael, Gurr, flank it. Limir, Lily, stay behind me."
The demons nodded, their fear momentarily overshadowed by their trust in William. Nara began chanting, her staff glowing with a soft blue light. The air crackled faintly as the barrier solidified, providing a thin layer of protection against the Wraith's attacks
Twang! Sira nocked an arrow, her hands steady despite the tension. Her arrows were tipped with silver, a known weakness of spectral beings like the Wraith. Kael and Gurr moved to either side of the wraith, their weapons at the ready.
The Wraith let out a deafening roar, the sound reverberating through the chamber like a thunderclap. It lunged forward, its massive spectral sword slicing through the air with a terrifying *whoosh*. William dodged to the side, the blade narrowly missing him. He countered with a swift swing of Garth's Blade, the runes flaring brightly as the weapon struck the Wraith's form. The creature staggered slightly, but the damage was minimal.
[Damage Dealt: 5% HP.]
"It's not enough," William muttered.
*Thwip!* Sira's arrow flew, striking the Wraith in one of its glowing eyes. The creature roared in pain, its form flickering momentarily as the silver-tipped arrow disrupted its spectral energy.
[Critical Hit! Wraith's Vision Impaired.]
Kael and Gurr seized the opportunity, attacking from both sides. However, their weapons passed harmlessly through the Wraith's form, doing no damage. The creature retaliated with a sweeping strike, its spectral blade sending both demons flying with a bone-jarring *crunch*.
William charged at the wraith, Garth's Blade glowing with dark energy, a Legendary Sword.
The first strike hit the wraith's chest, the runes on the blade flaring brightly. The second strike followed immediately, slicing through the wraith's arm. The third strike, a powerful upward slash, cleaved through the wraith's torso.
[Damage Dealt: 25% HP.]
The wraith roared again, its form flickering more violently. It raised its hand, and a dark energy began to swirl around it.
[Wraith Ability Activated: Soul Drain.]
William felt a sudden, unnatural pull as if the very essence of his being was being drawn out. His vision blurred, and his strength began to wane. The Wraith was feeding on his life force, and if it continued, it would leave him a hollow shell.
"Nara, now!" Alan shouted, his voice strained.
Nara chanted, her staff glowing brighter as she dispelled the wraith's spell. The pull stopped, and William's strength returned, though he was visibly weakened.
William knew they couldn't keep this up forever. He needed to end this quickly.
"Limir, Lily, distracts it!" William ordered.
Limir and Lily hesitated but obeyed, charging at the wraith with their weapons raised. The wraith turned its attention to them, giving William the opening he needed.
He pulled out one of the gunpowder pouches he had brought and lit the fuse. "Everyone, get down!" he shouted, tossing the pouch at the Wraith.
*Boom!* The explosion rocked the chamber, the force of it sending William and the others tumbling to the ground. The Wraith's form flickered wildly, its spectral energy destabilized by the blast. Fire was another of its weaknesses, and the explosion had dealt significant damage.
[Wraith HP: 10%.]
William didn't waste any time. He charged at the wraith. With a powerful strike, he plunged the blade into the wraith's chest.
The wraith let out a final, deafening roar before its form shattered, dissipating into nothingness.
[Boss Defeated: Wraith. EXP +1000.]
[Quest Complete: Retrieve Garth's Relic. Reward: 1000 EXP. Unlock Legacy of the Four Heavenly Kings.]
The chamber fell silent; the only sound was the heavy breathing of William and his group. They had done it. They had defeated the Wraith and secured the treasures of the tomb.
William sheathed Garth's Blade and turned to the group. "Is everyone okay?"
Limir nodded, though he was clearly shaken. "We're alive, thanks to you."
Gurr bowed his head. "I was wrong about you. You've proven your strength and your worth. I'll follow you until my last breath, Master."
William nodded, accepting Gurr's loyalty. He turned to the sarcophagus, where Garth's remains lay. Among the treasures, he found a small, ornate box. Inside was a scroll, its parchment ancient but intact.
[Item Acquired: Garth's War Plans.
Effect: Unlocks advanced tactics and strategies for demon armies.]
William smiled. This was exactly what they needed.
_______________________________
Name: William
Title: Demon King (Level 7), Slayer, Pack Leader
Race: Infernal
Alignment: Chaotic Ambition
Level: 7
HP: 320/620
MP: 210/310
Experience: 3,785/4,000 (to Level 8)
Subordinates: 58
---
Attributes:
Strength: 21
Vitality: 19
Intelligence: 10
Agility: 11
Luck: 5
Skills:
1. Dark Aura (Passive)
2. Infernal Command
3. Demonic Infusion (Active)
4. Soul Harvest (Unique Ability)
5. Demon Summoning (Tier 1)
Equipment:
1. Garth's Blade (Legendary):
- Effect: +20% Attack Power.
- Passive: (Increases damage against human enemies by 30%).
2. Garth's War Plans:
- Effect: Unlocks advanced tactics and strategies for demon armies.