One piece: Without a system, I have to survive!

The battlefield trembled as the Forsaken King unleashed its full power. The dark energy surged around us, distorting the ruins and twisting the air into something unnatural. My legs felt like they were wading through an invisible tide, a force pressing against me, trying to crush me under its weight.

But I refused to stop.

The final rune glowed just ahead, pulsating like a dying heartbeat. I forced my body forward, dodging the jagged rocks that burst from the ground.

Behind me, I heard Shira scream as she clashed with the king. The sound of steel against steel rang through the air, followed by a sickening crack. I didn't dare look back—I had to trust her.

Vex was nowhere to be seen, but I knew he was waiting for the right moment to strike.

The king turned, its burning blue eyes locking onto me. It knew I was the real threat now.

With a single step, it vanished—moving faster than my eyes could track. My heart clenched.

It was coming for me.

I had no time to think.

I dove to the side just as the king's massive blade smashed into the ground where I had stood. The impact sent a shockwave through the ruins, hurling me forward. I tumbled across the cracked stone, pain lancing through my ribs as I hit the ground hard.

But I was close.

The final rune was just within reach.

I forced myself up, gripping my weapon. The king raised its sword again, the blue flames around its body roaring wildly.

If I struck the rune now, I could end this.

But if I missed, I wouldn't get another chance.

"NOW!" Shira's voice cut through the chaos.

I barely had time to react as she suddenly appeared between me and the king, her blade slamming into the undead monarch's flaming sword. The impact sent another wave of energy through the battlefield, but she held her ground.

She was buying me time.

I took my chance.

With every ounce of strength left in my body, I lunged at the rune—bringing my sword down with all my might.

CRACK!

The final rune shattered.

A deafening roar filled the air as golden light exploded from the ruins, surging into the sky like a beacon. The king screamed, its body convulsing as cracks spread across its ancient armor.

It was over.

The Forsaken King collapsed, its massive frame crumbling into dust. The blue flames flickered one last time—then vanished.

Silence.

I exhaled, my body trembling from exhaustion.

Shira stood beside me, panting. Vex emerged from the shadows, blood on his lip but a grin on his face.

We had won.