🔥 Chapter 21 — The Dark Nexus
The chamber at the heart of the plateau radiated oppressive energy. The dark crystal pulsed with a deep green light, arcs of corrupted magic crawling across its surface like living veins. Kael felt the Ember tense, resonating against the malign energy.
Rhyne whispered, eyes wide. "This… this is more than just a magical amplifier. It's a nexus—a hub for controlling and empowering the King's generals."
Kael nodded, flames spiraling tightly around him. "Exactly. If we can disrupt it, we weaken his forces before they even reach the battlefield. But we need to be careful—this crystal is dangerous. It's alive with energy."
As Kael stepped closer, the dark crystal reacted, flaring violently. A wave of green energy shot out, forcing them back. "It's defensive!" Kael shouted, flames coiling to shield them. Sparks and arcs of corrupted magic collided with the Ember, sending tremors through the chamber.
Rhyne raised his blade. "Then we bait it! Draw its attacks, and I'll strike at any weak points Kael finds!"
Kael extended the Ember, letting it flow around the crystal, probing for structural weaknesses and sensing the flow of energy within. The crystal's pulse quickened, reacting like a heartbeat to their presence.
"There!" Kael shouted. "The energy's concentrated along these veins. If we target them simultaneously, we can destabilize the entire nexus!"
Rhyne nodded, positioning himself strategically. Kael unleashed a spiraling spear of Emberfire, striking one side of the crystal as Rhyne's sigil blade hit the other. The crystal shuddered, cracks forming as arcs of green energy burst outward.
The chamber shook violently, stones falling from the ceiling. The dark crystal emitted a screeching pulse, attempting to lash out with raw energy—but Kael's Ember flared brighter, forming protective spirals around them.
As the crystal's pulse faltered, Kael muttered, "It's working… but we need to push harder. If we destroy this nexus, the King's strategy will collapse before it's fully realized."
Rhyne gritted his teeth, focusing every ounce of energy. "Then let's finish this!"
The chamber exploded in a cascade of fire and green light as Ember and corrupted magic collided, marking the beginning of the end for the plateau's dark nexus.