The camp buzzed with quiet urgency as the news of Seris's return spread like wildfire. Disciples moved with purpose, their fear tempered by Kael's earlier rallying speech. Weapons were sharpened, shadow wards reinforced, and strategies whispered between squads.
Kael stood at the center of the camp, his gaze steady despite the tension that rippled through the air. The shard and ring pulsed faintly in his hands, their energy a constant reminder of the Abyss's presence.
Ryn approached, her expression determined. "The scouts confirmed it. Seris is bringing twice as many forces as last time. And this time, they're better prepared."
Kael nodded, his grip tightening on the Abyssal Fang. "Then we'll make sure we're ready."
Strengthening the Defense
Zereth oversaw the reinforcement of the shadow wards, their dark energy coiling around the camp's perimeter like a living barrier. He turned to Kael, his expression grim. "The wards will hold, but not forever. If they break through, we'll need to rely on the disciples to hold the line."
Kael's gaze swept over the camp. "They're stronger than they think. They've faced worse and survived."
Zereth's lips curled into a faint smile. "Let's hope they remember that when the battle starts."
Training the Disciples
Ryn led the disciples through drills, her movements sharp and precise as she demonstrated advanced shadow techniques. "Focus on control," she said, her voice steady. "The Abyss is powerful, but only if you can channel it."
Sylas watched from the sidelines, their smirk faint but genuine. "You know, you'd make a great drillmaster."
Ryn shot them a look. "And you'd make a great distraction."
Sylas laughed, their tone light. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Kael joined them, his presence steadying the disciples' focus. "Keep at it," he said. "When the time comes, you'll need every skill you've got."
A Meeting of Leaders
Kael gathered the senior disciples in the central tent to finalize their strategy. Zereth, Ryn, Sylas, and Vaelon stood around the table, their expressions a mix of determination and concern.
"Seris's forces are larger and more organized," Kael began. "But they're not united. The Celestial Path and rogue Abyss cultivators don't trust each other. We can use that."
Ryn nodded. "If we can isolate Seris, the rest of their forces will crumble."
Sylas leaned forward, their tone thoughtful. "And if we can't? What's Plan B?"
Kael met their gaze, his voice steady. "We make sure Plan A works."
A Quiet Moment
As night fell, Kael found himself near the Obsidian Altar, the shard and ring glowing softly in the darkness. The Abyss's whispers were quieter now, their tone contemplative.
"They come for the Abyss," the voices said. "And they will fall to it."
Kael closed his eyes, the weight of the Abyss pressing heavily on him. He could feel its energy growing stronger, its demands more insistent.
Ryn joined him, her expression a mix of concern and determination. "Are you ready?"
Kael opened his eyes, his gaze steady. "I don't think anyone's ever ready for something like this. But we'll face it. Together."
Ryn placed a hand on his arm, her voice firm. "Together."
The Enemy Approaches
The scouts returned just before dawn, their faces pale but resolute. "Seris's forces are less than an hour away," one of them reported. "And they're bringing siege equipment."
Kael's grip tightened on the Abyssal Fang. "Then we meet them head-on."
The camp erupted into action as the disciples prepared for the battle. Shadows coiled and surged around the wards, their energy crackling with tension. Kael stood at the forefront, the shard and ring glowing brightly in his hands.
"They think they can break us," he said, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Let's show them they're wrong."
End of Chapter 61