The commander's draconic form loomed over the chamber, wings casting immense shadows, eyes burning like molten gold. Mukul's golden aura flared, the energy humming in response to the threat. He could feel the tension in the air—the final confrontation had begun.
"They're not holding back," Meera whispered, gripping her weapon tightly. "Every move is calculated."
Kavya twirled her dagger with a grin. "Good. I like it when fights are intense. Makes every second thrilling."
Anaya's expression was sharp and unwavering. "Focus. One mistake, and this place becomes a tomb for us all."
Saira's calm tone grounded them. "Observe, anticipate, and act as one. Unity is our strongest defence."
Liyana leaned against the wall casually, spinning her lockpick. "And style… always a bonus. Even destroying a shadow hear stabilisers with flair."
Mukul stepped forward, aura blazing. "Everyone, we strike at the heart. Not with brute force, but with synchronisation and strategy. One flow, one outcome."
The commander roared, shadow flames lashing out in all directions. Meera deflected a surge with precise strikes, while Anaya dismantled energy stabilisers feeding the heart. Kavya's agile movements kept the commander off-balance, Saira redirected destructive pulses away from allies, and Liyana neutralised traps instantly.
Mukul focused, golden threads connecting the women, amplifying their timing and strength. "Now," he whispered, "all together. Hit the heart simultaneously."
Energy converged as their coordinated strike hit the shadow heart directly. The chamber trembled violently. Flames and shadows writhed as if alive, struggling against the unified power of Mukul and his allies.
The commander staggered, their roar faltering. "Impossible… how… can unity… be stronger than me?"
Meera surged forward, striking a weak point in the heart. Anaya dismantled the remaining stabilisers. Kavya's unpredictable attacks disoriented the commander further. Saira redirected destructive energy to maintain their advantage. Liyana's precision cleared any residual traps.
Golden energy pulsed, converging into a concentrated beam that struck the shadow heart with overwhelming force. It shattered, dark energy exploding outward in a brilliant cascade.
The commander shrieked, collapsing to one knee. Wings faltered, shadows dissipated, and the molten-gold eyes dimmed slightly. The first real victory against their ultimate form had been achieved.
Mukul exhaled, aura steadying. "Strength isn't just about energy or skill. It's trust, courage, and unity. That's why we succeed."
Meera wiped sweat from her brow. "We actually did it… together."
Kavya grinned, twirling her dagger. "And it felt amazing."
Anaya nodded firmly. "We've gained the upper hand, but we remain vigilant. The commander is not finished."
Saira's calm presence reminded them, "Observe, adapt, and act as one. Our unity is the key to victory."
Liyana twirled her dagger again, smirking. "And style… always optional, but highly effective."
Mukul looked around at the women—battle-worn but unbroken. They had shattered the shadow heart and forced the commander to reveal weaknesses never seen before.
The chamber still pulsed faintly with residual dark energy, but golden light radiated strongly now, a beacon of their combined strength. Together, they had turned the tide, and Mukul knew that with unity, courage, and trust, no shadow—no matter how powerful—could stand against them for long.
The next phase awaited. The commander's full potential still lingered, but Mukul and his allies were ready. With strategy, coordination, and golden threads of trust binding them, they were prepared to face whatever came next in the heart of darkness.