The sun was beginning to disappear over the horizon, dyeing the sky a deep red that seemed to herald something grand. Lucas felt his body vibrate with a new energy — a force growing inside him that could no longer be ignored.
Since the battle at the Verdanis Rift, something had changed. His system displayed levels and skills he didn't even know existed. Every strike, every breath seemed to feed a rising power, as if a sleeping giant was slowly awakening within him.
As he walked across the open field, accompanied by Lyra, Selene, Iris, and Kaela, he could feel all their eyes on him — some filled with admiration, others with concern, and a few tinged with something deeper.
Lyra, with her calm and gentle aura, kept her hand discreetly on his as they walked side by side. Selene, always provocative, threw challenging glances his way, as if testing the limits of their connection. Iris, the enigmatic shadow guardian, observed everything with piercing eyes, as if deciphering a puzzle only she understood. Kaela, the seasoned huntress, maintained a more distant posture, but her expression always softened when her gaze met Lucas's.
"Looks like your body is reacting to the rift's power," said Iris, breaking the silence with her serene voice. "It's not just brute strength. It's something deeper. Your soul is connecting to the world's mana."
Lucas nodded, feeling the spiral-shaped mark on his left arm glow with an intense blue. He had learned to activate the temporary ability "Claws of the Shadow Soul" during the last battle, and now he felt he could go even further.
"I feel… like I could touch the very fabric of the world," he murmured, his voice filled with emotion and a slight tremble.
Lyra squeezed his hand, as if to keep him grounded.
"You're going to need that strength," she said. "The shadows are moving, and the Black Order won't give up so easily."
Before they could continue, a loud crash echoed from the nearby forest. Without hesitation, Lucas activated his combat mode and rushed forward, followed by his companions.
From within the trees, a horde of corrupted creatures emerged — visibly stronger and faster than the goblins they had fought earlier. Their eyes glowed red, and the dark aura surrounding them made the air feel icy cold.
"This is just the beginning!" Kaela shouted, drawing her blades. "You all need to grow stronger — fast!"
The battle erupted with overwhelming intensity. Lucas felt his body respond with superhuman reflexes. He dodged attacks with a speed he never had before, and his strikes now delivered not just physical damage, but energy-based impact, ripping small tears through the air.
Selene moved like a ghost, landing precise strikes, while Lyra cast defensive and offensive spells with impeccable accuracy. Iris, with her spear, controlled the battlefield, preventing the creatures from surrounding the group. Kaela, relentless, was a storm of blades and lethal strikes.
In the midst of the chaos, Lucas felt his mark pulse and suddenly a dark light surrounded him. His vision shifted — the enemies' weak points glowed red, their deepest vulnerabilities laid bare.
"Skill activated: Shadow Vision," the system announced.
With a shout, he lunged at the nearest creature, landing a strike so powerful it split the beast in half. An ancient power surged through his veins, and he knew this was just the beginning.
As they fought, the bond between Lucas and his companions grew stronger. Selene protected his flank with incredible speed, deflecting a blow that could have seriously injured him. Lyra conjured a shield of light around him, absorbing a magical explosion from a distant enemy.
Iris whispered ancient words, sending waves of energy that weakened the creatures, while Kaela attacked with calculated fury.
When the last monster fell, Lucas stood trembling, but a sense of victory washed over him.
"We did it," he said, panting, looking at the group.
Lyra smiled, her eyes shining.
"You're getting stronger, Lucas. Much stronger."
Selene stepped closer, grabbing his arm with a playful grin.
"If you keep this up, you're going to need a personal bodyguard," she teased, winking.
Kaela crossed her arms, shaking her head.
"Or maybe he needs to learn to control that power before he becomes a threat to us all."
Lucas chuckled, but deep down, he knew her words were true. His growth didn't come without risk.
Later, around the campfire, the atmosphere shifted. The laughter gave way to deeper conversations, and glances filled with meaning began to cross.
Lyra rested her head on Lucas's shoulder, her voice soft.
"I always believed you were special. Now… I'm sure."
Selene leaned in, sitting beside him, her hand deliberately brushing his.
"I believe that too, but I won't make things easy for you," she said with a challenging smile.
Iris stayed close, observing every gesture, her mysterious eyes revealing a silent interest.
Kaela, meanwhile, seemed lost in thought, a mix of respect and strange affection hidden behind her composed expression.
Lucas took a deep breath, looking at each of them. He knew he stood at the center not only of an epic battle for Eldoria's fate but also something more personal and intense.
"This is just the beginning," he murmured with a confident smile. "The journey to becoming the true chosen one."
And under the starlit sky, the hero and his harem vowed to face whatever lay ahead.