The Guardian's roar shook the plaza, sending loose stones skittering in every direction.
Eokimo groaned, wiping sweat from his brow. His hands still glowed faintly from the last absorption attempt.
Alright… let's push this.
He focused on the golden lines spreading across the Guardian's body. Each crack was like a small energy node. He extended his hands, letting the absorbed energy flow into them.
[Skill Activated: Absorption (F)]
You absorbed residual energy from the Guardian's weak points.
Strength +2, Agility +1, Mana +5
Eokimo's eyes widened. He felt… sharper, faster.
The Guardian swung, but now he could anticipate its movements. With a precise dodge, he rolled under its arm, landing near the chest crack.
He thrust his hands forward, and the golden energy connected the weak points like a chain. A faint hum filled the air.
"Ha… it's working!" Eokimo whispered.
The Guardian's roar changed — deeper, frustrated, almost sentient. Its body trembled as the golden lines glowed brighter.
Rye shouted from across the plaza:
"Eokimo! Keep linking the cracks!"
Dagan and Lira pressed the attack, exploiting the Guardian's momentary stagger. Sen's terrain manipulation forced it to shift weight awkwardly.
Eokimo took a deep breath. His hands glowed brighter. He could feel a branch forming from Absorption — a new ability trying to awaken.
[New Skill Unlocked: Energy Chain]
Description: Connect absorbed energies to weak points for enhanced damage.
Mana Cost: 8
A grin spread across Eokimo's face. "…Finally… something useful."
The Guardian staggered, cracks spiderwebbing across its massive frame. Rocks fell from its shoulders.
It swung violently again. Eokimo jumped, landing behind a stone pillar. The chain of energy pulsed, and a sudden explosion of golden light erupted from the Guardian's chest.
Stone shards flew everywhere. When the dust settled, the Guardian was still standing — but trembling, weakened, and with deep fissures glowing faintly red.
Eokimo collapsed on one knee, chest heaving. "…Okay. That… was intense."
Rye jogged over, smirking.
"Not bad, rookie. Looks like you finally contributed something other than panicking."
Eokimo groaned, glaring half-heartedly. "Shut up. I'm exhausted."
Dagan patted him on the shoulder. "Energy Chain, huh?"
Eokimo looked down at his hands, faintly glowing from the remaining energy. "…Yeah. I guess… I'm getting the hang of this system."
The Guardian's chest cracked further, threatening to collapse. Its roar became weaker.
"…One more push," Eokimo muttered. His smile was small, tired… but genuine.