The battle took a devastating turn when the Dark Sorcerer cast a powerful spell on Rico. His eyes glowed with an eerie light, similar to the Sorcerer's, and he turned towards Benjo and Lyra, the Shield of Valor now a weapon against them.
"Rico, fight it!" Benjo cried out, but his plea fell on deaf ears. Rico, under the Sorcerer's control, attacked them.
Despite the shock and heartbreak, Benjo and Lyra fought back. They tried to subdue Rico without hurting him, but it was like fighting a shadow - elusive and relentless.
In the ensuing chaos, the Sorcerer launched a powerful attack. Benjo and Lyra were caught off guard, and they were thrown across the room.
When Benjo regained consciousness, he saw Lyra lying unconscious nearby, and Rico, still under the Sorcerer's control, standing by the Sorcerer's side. They had lost the battle.
The Sorcerer laughed, his victory echoing in the throne room. "You may be the chosen ones, but you are no match for me," he sneered.
Benjo could only watch in despair as the Sorcerer turned away, Rico following him. They were left defeated and broken in the throne room, their friend now an enemy.
As Benjo struggled to stay conscious, he made a silent vow. He would save Rico, and he would save Lumina. This was not the end.