I watched the Devouring Shadow descend toward me with terrifying speed. Without my spiritual power, I couldn't dodge fast enough. The blade sliced across my chest, carving a deep gash that immediately burned with unnatural pain.
I staggered backward, blood soaking my torn shirt. This wasn't normal damage. Each pulse sent waves of agony through my body as the weapon's dark energy invaded my system, attempting to sever my connection to my spiritual core.
Barrett's face twisted with sadistic pleasure. "How does it feel, Liam? The Devouring Shadow feeds on your essence with each cut."
I pressed my hand against the wound, feeling the corrosive energy spreading. "You've made a critical mistake."
"Oh?" Barrett raised an eyebrow, circling me confidently. "And what might that be?"
"You're still alive to regret it." Despite my words, I was in serious trouble. The four spirit-suppression tokens continued to pulse with blue energy, forming an impenetrable barrier around my spiritual power.
