They found the survivors hidden deep in the nearby forest. A small group of villagers, mostly women, children, and the elderly, huddled together in makeshift shelters. Among them was an old warrior named Garik, his weathered face lined with scars.
"You're fools to come here," Garik said gruffly as he sharpened his blade. "The Shadow King's forces will crush anyone who opposes them."
"We're not asking you to fight alone," Lyra replied. "But if you stand together, you can defend what's left of your home."
Garik snorted. "And what makes you think two wanderers can make a difference?"
Caelum stepped forward, pulling out the shard. Its light illuminated the dark forest, causing gasps among the villagers. "We have this. The Radiant Core isn't just a legend—it's real, and we're going to restore it. But we need your help."
Garik's eyes widened, and for a moment, the old warrior seemed to falter. Then he nodded slowly. "If what you say is true… perhaps there's still hope."
Over the next few days, Caelum and Lyra worked tirelessly to organize the villagers. Garik trained the able-bodied in basic combat, while Caelum and Lyra scouted the area for supplies and information. Lyra's natural charisma brought the villagers together, while Caelum's quiet determination inspired them to fight.