The chamber shook violently, shadows twisting and surging around the weakened commander. Mukul's golden aura flared brightly, illuminating the chaos. The shadow heart was shattered, but the commander was far from finished.
"You've come far," the commander hissed, voice echoing with rage. "But I will not fall alone. If I go down, I'll take everything with me!"
Meera's eyes narrowed. "They're desperate… and dangerous. Watch your steps."
Kavya twirled her dagger with a smirk. "Perfect. Desperation makes them sloppy. Let's turn that to our advantage."
Anaya's expression was razor-sharp. "Stay focused. One misstep, and we could all be destroyed in an instant."
Saira's calm voice reminded them, "Observe, anticipate, and act together. Unity is our shield."
Liyana leaned casually, spinning her lockpick. "And style, of course. Even a desperate commander can't ruin a good entrance."
Mukul took a deep breath, feeling the golden threads connect him to the women. "Everyone, this is it. The commander's final gambit. We strike not with brute force, but with perfect coordination. Trust each other. Flow as one."
The commander unleashed a torrent of shadow energy, creating massive tendrils that slashed through the chamber. Meera deflected several with precise strikes, while Anaya dismantled the stabilisers feeding the surge. Kavya moved unpredictably, drawing the commander's focus; Saira redirected destructive pulses away from the team, and Liyana neutralised traps before they could trigger.
Mukul's mind raced. The commander's attack was overwhelming, but they relied on aggression and chaos. If the team remained synchronised, they could exploit the pattern.
"Now!" Mukul shouted.
The women moved in perfect harmony, striking at weak points, dismantling residual constructs, and redirecting destructive energy. Golden threads pulsed brightly, amplifying every strike and redirection.
Mukul channelled all his aura into a concentrated beam aimed at the commander's core. The others followed, their combined energy converging into one unstoppable force. Shadow tendrils shrieked and recoiled, the chamber trembling as the combined strike hit its mark.
The commander roared, staggering violently. "Impossible… my power… destroyed by… unity…"
Meera surged, delivering a final blow that disrupted the commander's control. Anaya dismantled the remaining energy nodes. Kavya's precision attacks disoriented the enemy further. Saira redirected destructive energy to shield the team. Liyana neutralised traps instantly, ensuring safety.
Golden light exploded from the convergence point, engulfing the chamber. The commander's final gambit had failed—their shadows dissipated, energy drained, and molten-gold eyes dimmed. For the first time, silence fell in the heart of the stronghold.
Mukul exhaled, aura steady. "Strength isn't just about power—it's courage, trust, and standing together. That is why we prevail."
Meera wiped sweat from her brow, relief flooding her expression. "We… actually did it."
Kavya grinned, twirling her dagger. "Best fight ever. And we survived!"
Anaya nodded firmly. "The commander is defeated… for now. But we must remain vigilant. Darkness can always return."
Saira's calm presence grounded them. "Observe, adapt, and act together. That is our greatest power."
Liyana twirled her dagger with flair. "And style… optional, but highly recommended."
Mukul looked at the women, battle-worn but unbroken. Together, they had survived the commander's final gambit, shattered their ultimate form, and emerged victorious. The chamber still pulsed faintly with residual energy, but golden light radiated stronger now—a symbol of their unity, courage, and resilience.
The shadows may linger elsewhere, but Mukul knew that as long as they fought together, no darkness could truly stand against them.