Back in the forest, Lyle and the others were in the thick of battle, fending off wave after wave of monsters. The once-silent horde was now a cacophony of growls, roars, and the clash of weapons. Londar continued his work, his brows furrowed and face serious as he concentrated on his task.
"How much longer, Londar?" Ruby asked, easily parrying the claws of a monstrous beast.
"Just a little more," Londar replied, his voice strained but focused. "I think I have a lead on the focal point."
Nicholas, standing at the forefront, cleaved through a Red Core monster with a single, decisive stroke. "We can keep this up, but only if the Purple Core monsters don't arrive, so it would be better if you hurried up a bit!"
Londar nodded, his hands moving faster. "Almost there... got it!"
The ground trembled slightly as Londar completed his array. A faint, shimmering light spread out, revealing a thin, almost imperceptible line that led deeper into the forest.
