Valkor's gaze locked onto Dorian, his eyes like black ice.
"You've grown stronger than expected, Eldrid scion," Valkor sneered, drawing his shadow-infused sword. "But strength is meaningless against darkness."
Lyra stepped forward, hands weaving intricate magical patterns:
"Protective barrier, activate!"
A shimmering barrier erupted around Dorian, repelling Valkor's initial strike.
The Black System alerted:
**COMBAT MODE ACTIVATED**
+ Enemy: Valkor, Shadowblade Assassin
+ Threat Level: EXTREME
+ Recommended Strategy: Counter with elemental magic
Dorian raised his hands, summoning a maelstrom of air magic:
"Aero Strike!"
A concentrated gust of wind slammed into Valkor, but he vanished into shadows, reappearing behind Dorian.
Lyra cried out, "Dorian, behind you!"
Dorian spun around, sword flashing in the dim light of the glen, barely parrying Valkor's deadly slash.
His heart racing, Dorian countered with a swift kick, but Valkor caught his leg mid-air, twisting it viciously.
Dorian gritted his teeth against the pain as the Black System warned:
**WARNING: PHYSICAL DAMAGE CRITICAL
- 87% HEALTH REMAINING**
Dorian's vision blurred from agony as Valkor slammed him into the ground. Lyra unleashed a barrage of magical blasts, but Valkor dodged each strike with eerie precision.
The Black System urgently suggested:
**COUNTERMEASURE REQUIRED: USE DIVINE MAGIC TO BREAK FREE**
With newfound desperation, Dorian focused his divine energy:
"Divine Strength – Activate!"
His body surged with golden light as his strength increased temporarily. Dorian broke free from Valkor's grip, sending them both tumbling across the glen.
Valkor swiftly regained footing, sword flashing towards Dorian's exposed chest—
Lyra intercepted the blow with her staff, barely holding back Valkor's shadow-infused sword.
"Run, Dorian – now!" she cried out.
Dorian sprinted through the glen, Valkor's enraged roar echoing behind him. Lyra maintained a fragile magical barrier between them, slowing Valkor's pursuit.
The Black System guided Dorian through the winding paths:
**ESCAPE ROUTE CALCULATED**
+ Distance to safe location: 500 meters
+ Valkor's closing speed: 300 meters per minute
+ Recommended action: Maintain current pace and prepare counterattack
Dorian's lungs burned as he leapt over roots and dodged low-hanging branches. Suddenly, a faint glow appeared ahead – a hidden entrance to an ancient Eldrida tunnel.
Lyra's voice urged him onward:
"Inside, Dorian – quickly!"
He burst through the entrance as Lyra sealed the tunnel behind them with explosive magic, temporarily trapping Valkor outside.
The Black System reported:
**TEMPORARY SAFETY ACHIEVED**
+ Valkor contained for approximately 10 minutes
+ Lyra's magic depleted – 12% remaining
+ Your health critical – 82% remaining
Dorian collapsed against the tunnel wall, gasping for breath. Lyra rushed to his side...