After hours of grueling trials, they reached the summit, where the shard awaited. It was embedded in a pillar of ice, its light dim but steady. The air around it was eerily calm, as if the mountain itself was holding its breath.
As Caelum approached, the cursed sword began to vibrate, its dark energy clashing with the shard's light. "This power… it could be yours," the sword whispered. "Take it, and you will be unstoppable."
Caelum hesitated, the temptation gnawing at him. But Lyra's voice broke through his thoughts. "Don't listen to it, Caelum. You're stronger than this."
Steeling himself, Caelum reached out and touched the shard. A surge of energy coursed through him, and for a moment, the cursed sword fell silent. The shard's light grew brighter, dispelling the darkness around them.
The Frostborn, who had been watching from afar, bowed in unison. Queen Yvanna stepped forward, her expression one of awe. "You have passed the trial and proven your worth. The shard is yours."
As the trio descended the mountain, they knew their journey was far from over. But for the first time, they felt the stirrings of hope. With two shards in their possession, they were one step closer to restoring the Radiant Core—and one step closer to defeating the Shadow King.