Chapter 904: Chapter 904: The Light of Defiance

Elara's vision blurred as the world around her fractured under the explosive force of her strike. Her sword had met the shadowed figure's form, and for a moment, everything was pure light and sound, an overwhelming cascade of raw energy that pulsed through her body. She was thrown backward, skidding across the ground, her sword knocked from her grip.

When the light faded, the figure remained, but something had changed. The shadowy form flickered, its once-solid shape now distorted, as though struggling to maintain its connection to the physical world.

"Elara!" Kirin's voice cut through the chaos. He was already at her side, helping her to her feet. His eyes were wide with concern, but there was something else too—a flicker of hope.