The psionic energy in the air felt like static crawling across Ethan's skin, making every breath feel like it required effort. Despite his growing strength and the enhancements from his System, the strain of fighting and surviving in this environment was starting to take its toll. His hands were clammy, his body more exhausted than he cared to admit, but Aelira's gaze never wavered. She was unshaken, her focus sharper than ever as she moved toward the core of the psionic relay.
The psionic field had grown even more oppressive since their descent, the landscape now vibrating with a constant hum, like a tuning fork held too close to your ear. The tower loomed before them, its form darkened and cracked, but still alive with energy. The relay core at its heart pulsed intermittently, as though waiting for something—or someone—to challenge it.
"Ready?" Aelira asked, looking back at him.
Ethan didn't answer immediately. Instead, he focused, feeling his breath deepen. The System's cool presence filled the gaps in his mind, a steady voice in the background.
System Alert: Psionic Relay Core at 91% CapacityWarning: Immediate Disruption Will Trigger Core Overload. Suggested Action: Deploy Core Stabilization Protocol or Disable Psionic Link.
"I'm as ready as I'm going to be," Ethan finally answered, clenching his fists. "Let's shut this thing down."
Aelira nodded and moved toward a set of control terminals embedded in the base of the relay tower. The ancient devices flickered to life, glowing with a faint, greenish hue as the psionic field around them pulsed in response.
System Alert: Psionic Feedback Loop Detected. Time Limit: 5 Minutes Until Feedback Surge.
Ethan approached the terminals, standing next to Aelira as she quickly scanned the controls. "This thing's ancient," she muttered. "I can't get a direct read. I'll need to initiate a manual override."
Before she could move forward, a low rumble sounded beneath their feet.
New Enemy Detected: Psionically Controlled Entity – [Psionic Enforcer – Grade C]— Combat Pattern: High-Speed Charge, Mind-Linked Precision Strikes— Weakness: Core instability after first strike. Break the connection.— Behavior: Aggressive, Enhanced Reflexes, Psionically Enhanced Strength.
From the darkness emerged a monstrous figure—an amalgamation of metal and flesh, its body glistening with psionic energy that wrapped around its form like a protective shroud. The creature's eyes glowed with unnatural intelligence, locking onto Ethan with a deadly, calculating stare.
"Stay focused," Aelira said, pulling her daggers free, her stance defensive.
Ethan didn't need to be told twice. The Psionic Enforcer charged with impossible speed, its every movement a blur. Ethan reacted instinctively, Echo Step pulling him out of the way of a crushing fist that seemed to carry the weight of a hundred strikes. The shockwave hit, sending him skidding backward.
Combat Insight EngagedPsionic Enforcer's Pattern Analyzed: Unpredictable Charge, High Impact on First Strike.
The Enforcer's psionic aura flared, sending a blast of psychic force outward that rattled Ethan's skull.
Warning: Psionic Feedback Increasing. Potential Overload in 4 Seconds.
Aelira's daggers lashed out, striking at the Enforcer's flank. Sparks flew, but the creature didn't flinch. Instead, it swung its fist down, aiming for her head.
"Aelira, move!"
She ducked just in time, but the Enforcer's fist grazed her shoulder, sending her tumbling. Ethan's heart skipped a beat, but he couldn't hesitate.
He surged forward, Echo Step propelling him into the Enforcer's blind spot. His blade found its mark, sinking deep into the creature's side.
Psionic Enforcer Core Vulnerability Exposed. Strike to Disrupt Link.
With a roar, the Enforcer staggered back. Its psionic aura flickered as Ethan twisted his blade. The creature's movements became slower, more sluggish.
"Now!" Aelira shouted, her voice low and urgent.
The beast turned its glowing eyes toward Ethan, and in that moment, he saw his opportunity. Drawing on every ounce of training, he Echo Shifte again, this time to the creature's back. His blade found the weak point, driving deep into its core.
The Enforcer let out a final, deafening screech before crumbling to the ground, its psionic energy flaring out of control. The feedback surged like an explosive shockwave, the force throwing Ethan and Aelira back.
Enemy Defeated.+320 EXP Gained.Psionic Enforcer Core AcquiredCombat Insight Sync Level: +10% (Total: 84%)
Ethan struggled to his feet, his head pounding from the residual psionic shock. His muscles were aching, but he fought through it, turning to Aelira.
"We need to hurry," he said through clenched teeth. "That thing was a warm-up. The real fight's coming."
Aelira nodded, her expression grim. "You're right. Let's get this relay down."
The control terminals beeped rapidly as Aelira keyed in a sequence, fingers flying over the interface. The walls of the relay tower began to tremble, the psionic energy shifting in response to the changes she made.
Psionic Relay Core Disruption Sequence InitiatedWarning: Core Overload Imminent. Critical Error in Field Stabilization.
Ethan's heart skipped a beat. The relay was fighting back.
System Alert: Immediate Action Required. Core Stabilization Protocol in Progress. Time Remaining: 90 Seconds.
He looked over at Aelira, her focus unwavering. Sweat beaded on her brow, but her hands never faltered. The air crackled with tension.
Then, the ground trembled again, but this time, it was different.
New Enemy Detected: [Psionic Nexus Entity – Grade B+]— Combat Pattern: Adaptive Strategy, High Psionic Feedback— Behavior: Reacts to Core Disruption. Increased Aggression.
A massive figure rose from the floor—a hulking, ethereal being of swirling psionic energy, its body constantly shifting in appearance, as if it couldn't decide what form to take. Its presence alone distorted reality.
"This isn't good," Ethan muttered.
Aelira didn't flinch. "Get ready. We finish this now."