Chapter 10 – The Fall of the Strike Team

The dim light from Elara's orb flickered, struggling to push back the suffocating darkness. The Shadow Stalkers prowled at the edges, their bodies half-formed, flickering between reality and void.

Alric gritted his teeth, swinging his enchanted greatsword in a wide arc. This time, his blade struck true—a Shadow Stalker howled in pain, its form splintering into mist.

"They're vulnerable for an instant after attacking!" he shouted.

Elara nodded, raising her staff. "Flame Cascade!"

A burst of golden fire roared outward, illuminating the twisting labyrinth. The magic clashed with the darkness, searing away several of the Stalkers.

But it wasn't enough.

From the walls, more emerged.

A dozen. Then twenty. An entire pack.

Bishop Lorne's voice trembled. "This isn't a battle… it's an execution."

From his throne chamber, Reo watched, one leg crossed over the other.

"Good instincts," he muttered. "But let's see how they handle this."

He raised his hand, activating the next phase of the dungeon.

[Triggering Boss Event – Abyss-Touched Jerrod]

A deep rumble echoed through the walls.

The Shadow Stalkers vanished instantly, melting into the darkness.

Alric narrowed his eyes. "Why did they—"

A door at the end of the hallway creaked open.

And from within, he stepped out.

The strike team froze as Jerrod emerged, his golden rune-etched body pulsing with an eerie glow. His once-human face was twisted—his eyes completely black, veins of abyssal energy crawling up his neck.

Alric's breath caught in his throat. "No… That's…"

Elara whispered in horror. "Jerrod?"

Jerrod tilted his head, his voice unnervingly calm.

"Ah… Captain. Elara. Bishop Lorne. It's been a while."

The way he spoke—not quite human anymore.

Alric's grip on his sword tightened. "What happened to you?"

Jerrod chuckled, stretching his arms. "I ascended. Thanks to our generous host."

Reo's voice echoed through the dungeon.

"Jerrod. Kill them."

Jerrod's twisted grin widened. "With pleasure."

Jerrod vanished.

Before they could react, he was behind the twins.

A single swipe—one head rolled.

Blood sprayed against the stone.

The remaining twin screamed, but Jerrod's abyssal tendrils speared through his chest, lifting him off the ground.

A cruel snap. Another body fell.

Elara gasped. "T-This isn't possible…"

Jerrod turned to her, cracking his knuckles. "Elara. I always did like you."

He lunged.

Alric intercepted, his greatsword colliding with Jerrod's blackened claws. Sparks flew.

Jerrod laughed. "Oh? Still have some fight in you?"

Alric gritted his teeth. "You're not my comrade anymore!"

The battle erupted—Alric and Elara versus the Abyss-Touched Dungeon Champion.