The vortex swirled ominously in the center of the chamber, its dark energy pulsating like a living heartbeat. Tendrils of shadow curled outward, clawing at the edges of the room as if desperate to escape. The air was heavy, vibrating with the sheer force of the magical energy contained within the swirling portal.
Ryuto took a step forward, his sword gleaming faintly in the dim light. "This is the source of everything. We end it here."
Celeste gripped her staff tightly, her voice steady despite the trembling in her hands. "The runes in the mansion, they're all feeding into this rift. If we disrupt the flow, we can shut it down, but it won't be easy."
Nina cracked her knuckles, a spark of flame igniting in her palms. "When is it ever easy? Let's get this over with."
Edwin stepped forward, his expression grim. "Stay focused. If the rift is this powerful, there's no telling what it'll throw at us."
