The explosion of light engulfed the battlefield, its intensity forcing Kael to shield his eyes. The ground trembled beneath him as the Heart's energy was unleashed, tearing through the air with a deafening roar.
When the light finally faded, Kael found himself standing in the center of a desolate landscape. The ruins of the Expanse were eerily silent, the air heavy with the scent of ash and burnt stone.
Eryndor lay motionless at his feet, his body broken but still alive. The Heart was gone, its remnants scattered across the ground like shards of glass.
Kael dropped to his knees, exhaustion washing over him as the weight of what had just happened finally sank in. He had won. The Heart was destroyed, and Eryndor was free from its influence.
But at what cost?
Kael looked down at his former mentor, his chest tightening as he took in the damage the battle had caused. Eryndor's once-proud form was now a shadow of what it had been, his body weakened by the Heart's corruption and the strain of their fight.
"You… did it," Eryndor said weakly, his voice barely audible. "You destroyed the Heart."
Kael nodded, his throat too tight to speak.
Eryndor's gaze softened, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You were always stronger than I gave you credit for, Kael. Stronger than I ever was."
Kael shook his head, his voice trembling as he finally found the words. "You were the one who taught me everything I know. I couldn't have done this without you."
Eryndor's smile faded, his expression turning somber. "I made too many mistakes, Kael. Hurt too many people. But you… you still have a chance to make things right."
Kael's heart ached at the words, but he nodded, determination filling his chest. "I'll try. For you. For everyone."
As Eryndor's breathing slowed, Kael stayed by his side, holding his hand and whispering promises of a better future. When the end finally came, it was quiet, peaceful—a stark contrast to the chaos that had defined their final moments together.
Kael stood alone in the aftermath, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The battle was over, but the journey was far from finished. The Heart was gone, but its legacy would linger, and the world still bore the scars of its influence.
Kael sheathed his sword, his resolve firm. There was still so much to do, and he wouldn't stop until the balance was restored.