Chapter 24 - The Guardian’s Last Stand

  A deep, guttural roar shook the battlefield.

  The Veilbound Guardian twisted and contorted, its form stretching into something larger, more monstrous. Its body, once shadowy mist, solidified—jagged armor-like plates forming along its limbs.

  Its eyes, once two eerie orbs, multiplied—six glowing pupils now stared at Akari.

  The air trembled.

  This wasn’t just power.

  It was a presence, suffocating and oppressive, pressing against her skin like an invisible weight.

  > Veilbound Guardian - Berserk Form Activated.

  Threat Level: Critical

  Akari clenched her jaw.

  This was its final stand.

  And she would end it here.

  The Guardian Strikes

  The Guardian moved first.

  Its tendrils, once thin and whip-like, were now thick, jagged chains, covered in serrated spikes.

  It swung them toward her—

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  Akari leapt back, but—

  Too late.

  One of the chains snapped forward, wrapping around her arm.

  A burning pain shot through her body as she felt its energy trying to drain her strength.

  Her summon snarled, lunging at the chain, trying to sever it—

  But before it could—

  SLAM!

  The Guardian whipped her into the air, hurling her across the battlefield.

  Akari crashed hard, rolling across the ground, her vision blurring from the impact.

  Her summon let out a desperate growl, standing between her and the Guardian, but she knew—

  She was running out of time.

  She gritted her teeth.

  This thing was too strong now.

  She needed more power.

  Pushing Beyond the Limit

  > New System Notice: Emergency Option Available.

  Skill: Limit Break - Veilborn Overdrive Unlocked.

  Akari’s eyes widened.

  This—

  This was it.

  A gamble, but her only chance.

  She activated it.

  The moment she did, her body burned—not from pain, but from raw, surging power.

  Her veins pulsed with violet light, the energy of the Veilbound realm coursing through her like a raging storm.

  Her summon howled, its body reacting to the surge, its form evolving, claws extending, eyes burning brighter.

  The Guardian hesitated.

  Akari smirked.

  She could see it—

  For the first time, the Guardian felt fear.

  > Limit Break Activated: Veilborn Overdrive.

  Duration: 30 seconds.

  Time to end this.

  The Final Clash

  Akari moved.

  No, she vanished.

  One moment she was standing still—

  The next, she was behind the Guardian.

  Her blade struck deep, slicing through the armor-like plates that had once been impenetrable.

  The Guardian roared, trying to counterattack—

  But she was faster.

  She dodged, weaving through its wild swings, her summon attacking from the other side.

  A second strike.

  Then a third.

  With each attack, the Guardian’s form shattered, its body breaking apart, unable to keep up with her relentless assault.

  > Veilbound Guardian’s Core Integrity: 6%

  Almost there—

  Akari jumped, flipping over the Guardian’s head, her blade raised for the final strike.

  She descended—

  Her sword pierced through its core.

  For a moment—

  Everything froze.

  The Guardian’s body convulsed, its tendrils curling inward as its form crumbled into glowing fragments of mist.

  Then—

  A final, deafening shrieking howl as it dissolved into nothing.

  > Veilbound Guardian Defeated.

  Experience Gained.

  New Ability Unlocked: Veilborn Phantom Step.

  Akari landed softly, exhaling as the overwhelming energy inside her faded.

  Her summon stood beside her, its breathing heavy, but its eyes victorious.

  She did it.

  She won.

  But before she could even process what just happened—

  A new notification appeared.

  > Hidden Event Triggered.

  A Higher Being Has Taken Notice of You.

  Akari’s heart skipped a beat.

  What…?

  Before she could react—

  A shadow moved in the distance.

  Someone…

  Or something was watching her.

  And this battle

  —

  Was only the beginning.