Utopian System

The Power Emblem bearer reacted instinctively, lunging towards the floating Attack Emblem.

In that same instant, the released cores began to flood the space, generating overwhelming pressure. The warriors' books absorbed frantically, being the only thing keeping them alive amidst the chaos.

With the Attack Emblem now in his possession, the Power Emblem bearer turned towards his trapped companion.

The Defense Emblem bearer struggled desperately against the Locus' grip, his resistance diminishing with each passing second.

Without wasting time, Power Emblem charged against the monster with his spear, his attacks now amplified. The air crackled with energy as each strike landed, but the Locus had more resistance than anticipated. Despite the ferocious blows, the creature stood its ground, its grip on Defense Emblem unbreakable.

The situation was becoming critical by the moment. Defense Emblem's head began to bleed, the pressure exerted by the Locus surpassing even his increased defense.

Life Emblem, feeling powerless, could only scream in frustration as he tried to reach his trapped companion.

Suddenly, something extraordinary occurred.

Life Emblem felt a strange sensation, as if his energy was leaving his body. Simultaneously, Defense Emblem seemed to recover slightly, his wounds partially closing.

"Can I... heal?" Life Emblem murmured, surprised by this unexpected discovery. "Or am I transferring my resistance?"

Although this new power offered a momentary respite, it wasn't enough to change the course of the battle. The Locus, though slowed, remained a mortal threat. Life Emblem struggled to maintain the transfer, but he was only delaying the inevitable.

Power Emblem, seeing that time was running out, redoubled his efforts. His attacks became more aggressive, faster, desperately seeking a weak point in the monster's carapace. The tunnel echoed with the clash of metal against the Locus' hard exterior.

But Defense Emblem's strength was waning. Even with Life Emblem's help, his resistance had a limit.

Life Emblem, feeling increasingly weak, couldn't maintain the energy transfer. His armor began to heal him automatically, but for Defense Emblem, it was too late.

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With a horrifying crunch, Defense Emblem's skull gave way under the pressure of the Locus' bite. His death was quick, but no less impactful for his companions.

In that critical moment, Power Emblem, driven by rage and desperation, managed to deliver the decisive blow. The Locus, after dozens of attacks, finally fell defeated.

The two surviving warriors, panting and exhausted, could hardly believe they were still alive.

But there was no time for lamentations.

Their fallen companion's cores began to flow, and both hurried to absorb them.

"So close," Power Emblem muttered, calculating quickly. "But still not enough for the next invocation."

The Defense Emblem, freed from its deceased bearer, floated temptingly between them. Both warriors lunged for it, but Power Emblem was faster.

"This isn't fair!" Life Emblem protested, his voice tinged with frustration and exhaustion. "I need it too."

"It's better if I have it," Power Emblem insisted, his grip tightening on the newly acquired emblem. "With increased attack, I can eliminate the remaining Locus more efficiently."

As Life Emblem argued loudly, insisting on the injustice, neither noticed the shadow looming over them...

A Locus emerged from among the cores, grabbed Life Emblem, and dragged him into the darkness. His scream of terror was cut short, leaving only an eerie silence in its wake.

Power Emblem was left alone, the reality of his situation hitting him hard. Three emblems in his possession, but no allies and surrounded by dangers.

Was this his end?

In a last desperate attempt, he tried to access the book challenge to level up.

The idea had come like a flash amidst the chaos: if he could access the level-up challenge, he could rest and recover mana. If he won, he would gain the power needed to face this impossible situation.

His fingers trembled slightly as he touched the book's surface, searching for the familiar interface that would allow him to initiate a new challenge.

But the system's response was devastating:

"You cannot enter the challenge when you are in another challenge."

For a moment, despair threatened to consume him…

But something inside rebelled against the idea of surrendering. He wasn't a coward; he wouldn't end like this.

It was then that a plan began to form in his mind.

Taking advantage of the core flow, he could move without being detected.

With renewed determination, he delved into the cores. Moving cautiously, he managed to pass near a Locus without being detected, avoiding the fatal mistake of making noise that had cost Life Emblem his life.

His objective was clear: the daggers.

If he could recover them, he'd have a chance against the remaining Locus. Each step was a calculated risk, every movement measured to avoid drawing attention.

Finally, he reached the daggers.

What followed was a deadly dance of attack and retreat. With the Attack Emblem enhancing his strikes, he began to take down Locus one after another.

His strategy was simple but effective: strike and quickly withdraw, seizing every opportunity without exposing himself too much.

After what seemed like an eternity of frenzied combat, only one Locus remained.

There were no longer enough cores to hide.

Power Emblem threw all his remaining daggers, but it wasn't enough. Desperate, he charged with his spear.

But the Locus, in a quick movement, caught him. The spear got stuck in the monster's body, useless.

It seemed to be the end.

Power Emblem closed his eyes, waiting for the final blow.

But then, he felt something.

A point of mana, regenerated during his mad dash with the daggers, glowed within him.

Without thinking twice, he channeled that last point into an attack. The blow, empowered by the Power Emblem, was enough. The Locus fell, and with it, the last obstacle between the warrior and survival.

Panting, Power Emblem found himself alone in the tunnel. Four emblems in his possession and enough cores for the next invocation.

He had survived the impossible.

With wobbling steps, he headed towards the blue crystal. The familiar question appeared:

"Do you wish to withdraw from the challenge or advance to the next level?"

For a moment, the temptation to continue, to see how far he could go, invaded him. But reason prevailed. He couldn't go on alone. He had to return, bring the information and belongings of his fallen companions.

The armors, the weapons, millions of mana and cores, he couldn't afford to lose more or...

Yes, that should be enough for...

"Withdraw," he said firmly.

The crystal glowed, and a new question appeared:

"Are you sure you want to lose the emblems and the permanent reward?"

Power Emblem closed his eyes, aware of the sacrifice he was making. But his decision was made.

"Yes," he answered. "I'm sure."

With a flash of light, the tunnel and the emblems disappeared. Power Emblem found himself back at the challenge entrance.