The group pressed onward, the glow of Yggdrasil faint in the distance. They entered a fragment resembling a fortress, its walls cracked and flickering with faint crimson light. The air was heavy, and the whispers were louder here, clawing at their minds.
"This place is falling apart," Rowan muttered, gripping her spear tightly.
Sylva floated ahead, her light steady but dim. "This fragment is on the brink of collapse. We must stabilize it before the Core consumes it entirely."
As they ventured deeper into the fragment, Aiden noticed Kieran lagging slightly behind. His usual stoic demeanor seemed heavier, weighed down by something unseen.
"Kieran?" Aiden asked, slowing his pace. "You okay?"
Kieran glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "I'm fine."
Before Aiden could press further, the ground trembled, and shadows erupted from the cracks. These were different from the ones they'd faced before—larger, more aggressive, with glowing veins of crimson energy.
"Focus!" Kieran barked, raising his shield. "They're stronger here."
The shadows attacked, their strikes coordinated and relentless. Kieran moved to the front, his shield glowing brightly as he absorbed the brunt of their assault. Rowan darted in and out of the fray, her spear shifting into a whip that lashed at the creatures.
Aiden gripped the quill-sword, imagining something fast and precise. The weapon dissolved, reforming into a glowing bow. He fired arrows of light, each one striking true and dispersing the shadows.
But the shadows kept coming, and the fortress began to crumble. Kieran gritted his teeth, his shield glowing brighter as he blocked another attack. "Keep moving!" he shouted. "I'll hold them off!"
"No way," Rowan said, her whip snapping back into a spear. "We're not leaving you."
The whispers grew louder, and the shadows surged forward, forcing Kieran to his knees. His shield flickered, and for the first time, Aiden saw doubt flash across his face.
"Kieran!" Aiden shouted, running to his side. "What's wrong?"
Kieran didn't answer. Instead, he stared at the ground, his hands trembling. "I can't… I can't do this."
Rowan stepped forward, her spear glowing brightly. "The hell you can't! You're Kieran. You're the guy who never falls. So get up and fight!"
The shadows closed in, and Aiden raised the quill-sword, drawing glowing chains that wrapped around the creatures and held them at bay. He turned to Kieran, his voice firm. "You've been holding all of us together, Kieran. But you don't have to do it alone. We're here for you."
Kieran looked at Aiden, his expression softening. The glow of his shield brightened, and he stood, his presence steady once more. "You're right," he said quietly. "Let's finish this."
With a renewed sense of resolve, Kieran led the charge, his shield transforming into a massive blade. He struck with precision and power, cutting through the shadows. Rowan and Aiden followed, their weapons glowing brightly as they fought together.
When the last shadow fell, the fortress began to stabilize, its crimson glow fading. The group regrouped near the center, catching their breath.
"You okay now?" Rowan asked, her tone lighter.
Kieran nodded. "I'm fine. Thanks."
Aiden smiled faintly. "We've got each other's backs. That's what matters."