Bab 32: Chapter 33: Trial by Mana
Chapter 33: Trial by Mana
The Mana Sentinel's energy rippled through the air, distorting the environment as its mana storm surged outward. Settlers scrambled to reinforce their defenses, while Adam and his core team moved into action. The Sentinel's voice, deep and resonant, carried an unyielding authority.
"Prove your strength, mortals, or relinquish the power you have stolen."
Adam tightened his grip on his sword, his mind racing through strategies. "We'll prove it," he said firmly. "Everyone, stay focused. Aim to disable, not destroy!"
<System Alert:
**Battle Initiated: Mana Sentinel.
Objectives: Weaken the Sentinel. Avoid destroying its core.
Danger Level: Very High.**>
The Sentinel's initial attack was relentless. It raised one hand, summoning a barrage of glowing mana bolts that streaked through the night sky. Ethan roared, planting his shield firmly into the ground as the bolts rained down.
"Stick behind me!" Ethan shouted, the shield glowing with the power of Fortified Bulwark (B).
Mira darted past the chaos, her lithe form blending into the shadows. She activated Phantom Step (A), her daggers aimed at the Sentinel's legs. Striking at the swirling patterns of energy, she managed to destabilize its stance briefly before it retaliated.
The Sentinel swung a massive arm, but Adam intercepted the blow with a well-timed strike, his Force Rend (A) disrupting the Sentinel's mana flow. "Keep targeting the runes!" Adam called out. "That's its weak point!"
Darius, positioned at the rear, quickly mixed an alchemical concoction. "This should disrupt its mana regeneration!" he said, hurling a vial at the Sentinel. The explosion sent ripples through its form, briefly dimming its glow.
Mira capitalized on the opening, her strikes growing more precise. "It's slowing down!" she yelled, but the Sentinel wasn't finished.
It unleashed a pulse of energy that knocked everyone back, the sheer force uprooting the ground. Bren rushed forward, casting Barrier Dome (B) to shield the team from further damage.
"Adam, we need to disrupt its core!" Bren shouted.
Adam activated Skybound Strike (S), launching himself high into the air. The Sentinel tracked him, raising its other hand to unleash another volley of mana bolts, but Adam countered with Stormbreaker Slash (S), cutting through the barrage and striking the runes on its chest.
The Sentinel stumbled, its form flickering as if struggling to maintain cohesion. It turned its glowing eyes on Adam. "You are strong... but strength alone does not grant you the right to wield such power."
The Sentinel raised its arms again, this time summoning constructs of pure mana—humanoid figures that moved with eerie precision.
<System Alert:
**Mana Constructs Summoned: 5.
Traits: High Agility, Coordinated Offense.
Threat Level: Moderate.**>
The constructs charged, their movements synchronized. Ethan and Mira intercepted them, while Adam focused on the Sentinel itself.
Ethan swung his hammer with ferocity, shattering one construct with a single blow. "These things aren't too tough, but they're fast!"
Mira weaved through the constructs, taking down two more with swift, calculated strikes. "Keep them off Darius!" she called out.
Adam pressed the attack against the Sentinel, activating Beast Overlord (SS) to summon the Bloodfang Alpha and the Lumicorn herd. The beasts charged into the fray, their combined strength overwhelming the remaining constructs.
Darius hurled another concoction at the Sentinel, this time aiming for its core. The explosion disrupted its energy flow again, leaving it vulnerable.
"Now's your chance, Adam!" Darius yelled.
Adam activated Ultimate Focus (SS), channeling every ounce of his strength and precision into a single strike. His sword, glowing with the combined power of Force Rend (A) and Skybound Strike (S), pierced the Sentinel's chest, severing the connection between its core and the rest of its body.
The Sentinel let out a deafening roar as its form collapsed into a swirling mass of energy. For a moment, the air was still, the tension palpable. Then, the energy coalesced into a smaller, stable form—a glowing crystal that floated gently to the ground.
<System Alert:
**Battle Complete: Mana Sentinel Neutralized.
Reward Acquired: Sentinel Core Crystal.**>
Adam approached the crystal, his team gathering around him. "Is it over?" Ethan asked, his voice heavy with exhaustion.
Darius picked up the crystal, examining it closely. "Not over... but this is a gift. The Sentinel wasn't destroyed—it left us this as proof of our worth."
Mira raised an eyebrow. "So, what does it do?"
Darius smiled. "The answer to that... might change everything."
<System Alert:
**Item Acquired: Sentinel Core Crystal.
Effects: Unlocks Greater Mana Infusion Potential. Grants Access to Sentinel Knowledge.**>
As the team returned to the settlement, the settlers greeted them with cheers and relief. The battle had been won, but Adam's mind was already on the next step.
"We've proven ourselves," he said, gazing at the horizon. "Now, let's use this power to ensure our future."
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone