The glow of the rune map shimmered in the air, clearly marking the location of the next node. After stabilizing the second node, we had gained a deeper understanding of the rift device but also realized that each node was becoming increasingly complex.
"This environment is even more desolate than before," Arianna murmured, scanning our surroundings with a wary gaze. "It feels like this place has been entirely consumed by rift energy."
"That's exactly the case," I replied, sensing faint heat emanating from the ground beneath my feet. "The rift energy is concentrating. It means we're getting closer to the core."
"Not just that, mortal," Soren's cold voice echoed in my mind. "This area was once part of the rift device's outer defenses. The creators clearly didn't want outsiders to approach the core easily."
"Outer defenses?" I frowned. "So, we're likely to face more trouble?"
