Chapter 21 - Predator’s Awakening

  Akari’s summoned beast stood beside her, its violet eyes burning like embers in the mist. The other creatures had hesitated, sensing something different.

  She felt it too—a connection.

  It wasn’t just a mindless summon.

  It was hers.

  She could feel its presence, the way its claws flexed in anticipation, the way its mist-like flesh pulsed with energy.

  She reached out with her mind, testing the bond.

  And the beast responded.

  A flood of instincts surged into her.

  > Veilbound Absorption: Summon Linked.

  Issuing commands to the summon is now possible.

  Akari grinned.

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  She didn’t have to fight alone anymore.

  The other creatures stirred, their hesitation fading. They were intelligent enough to know she was still prey.

  One of them moved—a slithering, multi-limbed beast, its body twisting unnaturally as it lunged at her.

  Akari didn’t even need to speak.

  Her summon launched forward.

  With a burst of speed, it met the charging beast mid-air, its claws raking through the enemy’s mist-like flesh.

  The two collided, rolling across the cracked ground in a blur of dark energy.

  Akari didn’t waste time.

  She charged.

  The second beast lunged at her from the left.

  She twisted her body, narrowly avoiding the swipe of its claws, and slammed her sword into its side.

  Squelch.

  The blade sank in deep, violet mist gushing out.

  The creature let out a distorted shriek, its body convulsing as it collapsed.

  Akari stumbled back, gasping for breath.

  The other beasts were still circling. Watching. Waiting.

  She quickly glanced at her summon.

  It had already ripped apart the first enemy, its body dissolving into mist.

  > Enemy Defeated. Veilbound Absorption Activated.

  Another pulse of energy rushed through her veins, burning like liquid fire.

  Akari gritted her teeth, her body trembling as the power settled into her muscles.

  She was getting stronger.

  But the beasts weren’t stopping.

  More glowing eyes flickered in the darkness.

  > First Veilbound Challenge - Survival Progress: 67%

  Almost there.

  Just a little more—

  A sudden roar echoed through the ruins.

  Akari froze.

  The beasts that had been circling her suddenly backed away, their glowing eyes flickering with what looked like fear.

  Then—

  From the shadows, something massive emerged.

  It wasn’t like the others.

  It stood on two legs, its body wrapped in dark tendrils of shifting mist. Its head was elongated, its mouth lined with serrated fangs, and its arms ended in razor-sharp claws that gleamed under the silver moonlight.

  It was different.

  It was a boss.

  > Veilbound Guardian has appeared.

  Defeat it to complete the challenge.

  Akari exhaled sharply, her grip tightening around her sword.

  Her summon snarled beside her, its claws digging into the cracked ground.

  No turning back now.

  This was the final test.

  And she was ready.