Chapter 13: The Arrival of the Dean
The air grew heavier as Joshua's movements slowed, his breaths coming in short, sharp bursts. The chasm between Master Soulborne and High Soulborne was becoming painfully clear. Voth, the Hollow Knight, moved with an unnerving ease, his form flickering through shadows, striking without mercy, and controlling the battlefield like a master puppeteer.
Joshua's soul energy flared fiercely, but it wasn't enough. The darkness pressed in from all sides, drowning out his attacks and defenses alike. His usually steady hands trembled as a sudden strike forced him to stumble back, narrowly avoiding a lethal blow.
From Karen's vantage point, her heart clenched at the sight. Joshua—her mentor and protector—was struggling. The weight of the difference in power classes was undeniable, and the threat Voth posed was immense.
Just as Voth prepared to deliver a decisive strike, a sudden ripple sliced through the oppressive darkness.
A figure appeared—a tall woman radiating calm yet overwhelming power. White hair shimmered in the dim light of the Soul Domain, her eyes sharp and piercing. Dean Elandra Vale had arrived.
"Enough," she said, voice cold and commanding. A wave of brilliant soul energy erupted from her, pushing back the shadows like a cleansing tide.
Voth hissed, his grin twisting into a snarl. The domain itself seemed to recoil from the Dean's presence.
"You may have amused me, Hollow Knight," Elandra said, stepping forward, "but this is not the time nor place for your games."
With a flick of her wrist, chains of radiant energy shot out, binding Voth in place. The Hollow Knight struggled, but the chains held firm, their light burning through the darkness.
Voth's eyes glinted with frustration. "This isn't over," he warned, his voice low and menacing.
Without another word, the shadows erupted, and Voth vanished into the veil of darkness, retreating—for now.
Joshua lowered his guard, exhaustion and relief washing over him as Elandra approached.
"Kami," she said softly, using his given name, "You're pushing too hard against forces you're not ready for."
Joshua nodded, breathing deeply, "Thank you, Dean."
Karen watched, awe and renewed hope flooding her veins. The battle was far from over, but with the Dean's intervention, they had bought precious time.
And Karen knew this was only the beginning.
....