The volcano's tremors grew ever more violent. Loose stones rattled free from the rock walls, crashing onto the scorching ground and bursting into sparks. At the center of the magma, the phantom image of the altar solidified rapidly. Seven grooves shimmered with a dim blue glow, as if calling the scattered Starcore fragments to return to their rightful places. Victor's gaze was glued to the altar, while the crimson Starcore fragment in his palm thrashed violently, nearly breaking free of his control.
"Get out of my way!"
Seeing Kai charging toward him, a flash of viciousness crossed Victor's eyes. He twisted sharply to the side and thrust out his palm. The strike carried scorching energy from the fragment, slamming heavily into Kai's chest. Caught off guard, Kai felt his blood churn violently as he was driven back several steps, his back smashing into the rock wall. A metallic taste rose in his throat.
"Kai!"
Linor's cry broke with tears. Seeing the blood spill from the corner of Kai's mouth, she struggled even harder. The metal chains bit deep into her flesh, blood seeping out and staining her wrists red.
Victor paid her no attention. His eyes were locked on the altar, madness flooding his expression.
"The Starcore Altar… it's finally appearing! Once I gather all seven fragments, I will become the ruler of both worlds! Magic or technology—it will all kneel before me!"
As he spoke, he strode toward the altar. Waves of heat from the magma rushed toward him, curling the edges of his suit, yet he seemed utterly unaware, his steps urgent and feverish.
Kai wiped the blood from his lips and tightened his grip on the meteor-iron wrench. He could feel the two Starcore fragments inside the pocket watch resonating intensely with the altar. The positioning crystal burned hot against his skin, as if it might scorch straight through. He glanced once at the barely conscious Ironhammer, then at Linor bound in chains. A steely resolve surged up from deep within him.
"Victor, you won't get away with this!"
With a low shout, Kai poured every last drop of Starcore energy in his body into the wrench. Its blue light flared to an extreme, warping the surrounding air. Volcanic ash was swept up into a spiraling vortex of energy. Kai leapt high, like an eagle spreading its wings, and brought the wrench crashing down toward Victor's back.
Victor did not even turn around. He raised the crimson fragment high above his head. In an instant, its light enveloped his entire body, forming an impregnable energy shield.
Clang!
The wrench slammed into the shield with a thunderous roar. Blue and red light collided, exploding into blinding brilliance. The shockwave hurled nearby rocks into the air, and even the magma below surged violently.
Kai felt searing pain tear through his palms as his arms went numb. The wrench nearly flew from his grasp. Gritting his teeth, he refused to retreat even half a step. Starcore energy surged continuously from the pocket watch into his arms, the blue glow on the wrench growing ever more radiant.
Victor's expression finally changed. He could feel the shield trembling violently—Kai's power far exceeded his expectations. With a furious roar, the crimson fragment flared again. Dense runes appeared across the surface of the shield, struggling to suppress Kai's assault.
Just as the two reached a stalemate, the altar fully solidified.
The seven grooves erupted with a powerful suction. The two fragments in Kai's pocket watch and the single fragment in Victor's hand all burst into dazzling light, straining to break free and fly toward the altar.
"This is bad!"
Kai's heart sank. He knew that if the fragments were absorbed by the altar, Victor would seize the chance to claim the remaining ones.
He abruptly withdrew the wrench, abandoning his attack, and clutched the pocket watch tightly against his chest. But it was already too late. An invisible force tugged violently at the fragments inside the watch. Their glow intensified, as if they were about to burst straight through its casing.
Seeing this, a twisted grin spread across Victor's face. He dismissed the energy shield and allowed the crimson fragment to be drawn toward the altar, then lunged straight at Kai, his target the pocket watch.
Kai's pupils shrank. He twisted aside, barely evading the grab, but Victor's elbow smashed brutally into his abdomen. Agony exploded through him. His body doubled over, and the pocket watch slipped from his grasp, clattering onto the ground.
"Hahaha! The Starcore fragments are mine!"
Victor roared with manic delight as he reached for the watch.
At that moment, a frail figure suddenly hurled itself forward and clamped onto Victor's leg.
It was Ironhammer.
The old dwarf had somehow regained consciousness. His face was deathly pale, blood still staining the corner of his mouth, yet he poured every last ounce of strength into gripping Victor's leg, refusing to let go.
"Kai… hurry… take the fragments…"
His voice was so weak it was barely audible, his fingers digging into Victor's trousers until his nails split and bled.
"You wretched old thing—looking for death!"
Victor raged, kicking Ironhammer hard in the chest. The dwarf coughed up blood, but still he did not release his grip.
Kai's eyes burned red at the sight. Ignoring the searing pain in his abdomen, he lunged forward, snatched up the pocket watch, and turned to sprint toward Linor.
"Linor, hold on!"
Kai shouted as he raised the meteor-iron wrench and smashed it down onto the metal chains binding her. Blue light flashed—the chains shattered instantly.
Linor collapsed heavily to the ground. Ignoring the pain, she scrambled up at once, grabbed the longsword at her feet, and stepped in front of Kai, placing herself between him and Victor.
Victor finally tore himself free of Ironhammer. He stared at Kai and Linor, killing intent overflowing from his eyes. Slowly, he walked toward the altar. The crimson fragment had already settled into one of the grooves, blazing with brilliant light.
"You really think this will stop me?"
Victor's voice was icy.
"The altar has already awakened. The remaining fragments will soon be drawn here. When that happens, you will all die."
Kai and Linor exchanged a glance, seeing the same unwavering resolve reflected in each other's eyes. They tightened their grips on their weapons and advanced step by step toward Victor.
The volcano's roar grew deafening. The altar's glow intensified. Of the seven grooves, three were already lit.
The final battle—one that would decide the fate of two worlds—was approaching its ultimate conclusion.