The golden light of the Nexus illuminated the temple, spilling out through the cracks in the walls and casting long shadows across the battlefield. The jungle itself seemed to tremble with anticipation as the ancient energy reached its zenith.
Inside the temple, Liora stood at the heart of the Nexus chamber, her body enveloped in radiant light. The Sigil on her hand burned with a brilliance that seemed to connect her to the Nexus, the temple, and the galaxy beyond. The elder's voice echoed softly around her.
"You have chosen, and in turn, the Nexus has chosen you," the elder said. "But this is only the beginning. The light must face the darkness."
Liora's voice was steady, though her heart raced. "I'll face it. I'll protect the Nexus—whatever it takes."
The elder's form flickered, fading as the energy of the chamber surged. "The Emperor will come. Be ready, Starborn heir."
Outside, the battle raged on. The Imperial forces had regrouped despite the temple's defenses, and the air was thick with blaster fire. Tharn and Kade moved in tandem, covering each other as they fought to hold the line.
"More dropships incoming!" Kade shouted, pointing to the sky where two more ships broke through the canopy, disgorging fresh troops.
Tharn gritted his teeth. "They're not giving up. We need reinforcements or a miracle—whichever comes first."
The temple answered his call. The ground beneath the advancing troops cracked open, beams of golden light erupting from the earth and scattering the Imperials. The soldiers scrambled for cover, their formation breaking apart under the onslaught of ancient power.
"Looks like we got our miracle," Kade said with a grin, firing at the retreating troops.
Tharn's expression remained serious. "Don't celebrate yet. The Emperor hasn't shown himself, and you know he's coming."
As if on cue, the sky darkened. The distant hum of engines grew louder, deeper, until it was more a vibration than a sound. The Obsidian Throne descended from the clouds, its massive silhouette blotting out the golden light of the temple.
Kade's grin disappeared. "And there's our problem."
The ship's underside opened, and a single figure descended. The Shade Emperor landed lightly on the jungle floor, his dark cloak billowing around him. The air grew colder, heavier, as if his presence alone was enough to smother the light.
"Stand down," the Emperor commanded, his voice echoing unnaturally. "You cannot win."
Tharn stepped forward, his rifle aimed squarely at the Emperor. "We've held you off before, and we'll do it again."
The Emperor's glowing eyes narrowed. "You misunderstand. This is not a battle. This is the end."
Inside the temple, Liora felt the Emperor's presence like a shadow across her soul. The light of the Nexus wavered for a moment, its brilliance dimming as the darkness pressed in.
"No," she whispered, her grip tightening on the Nexus Key. "I won't let him take this."
The Sigil on her hand flared, and the Nexus responded. The chamber filled with a golden glow, and Liora felt the energy surge through her, filling her with strength.
The elder's voice was faint but clear. "Go to him. The Nexus must stand against the shadow."
Liora emerged from the temple, the Nexus Key in one hand and the Sigil blazing on the other. The light around her grew brighter with every step, pushing back the shadows that clung to the jungle.
The Emperor turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "So, the Starborn child dares to challenge me," he said. "You should have stayed hidden. Now you will fall, like all the others."
Liora stopped a few paces from him, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her. "You don't understand the Nexus. It's not about power. It's about balance. And I won't let you destroy that."
The Emperor raised a hand, dark energy swirling around his fingers. "Bold words. But words will not save you."
He unleashed a wave of shadow, the darkness surging toward her like a tidal wave. Liora raised her hand, the Sigil blazing as she summoned a shield of golden light. The two forces collided, sending shockwaves rippling through the jungle.
Tharn and Kade were thrown to the ground by the force of the clash, shielding their eyes as light and shadow battled above them.
"Is she… holding him off?" Kade asked, disbelief in his voice.
"For now," Tharn said, pulling himself to his feet. "But she can't do it alone."
The two men exchanged a glance, then moved to rejoin the fight, firing at the Imperial troops still swarming the battlefield.
The Emperor's power surged again, and Liora staggered under the weight of it. Her shield cracked, the light faltering for a moment before she drew on the Nexus once more.
"You cannot win," the Emperor said, his voice calm and cruel. "The darkness always consumes the light."
Liora gritted her teeth, the Sigil blazing brighter than ever. "Not this time."
She thrust the Nexus Key forward, its golden light erupting in a beam that struck the Emperor squarely. He roared, the shadows around him writhing as the light pierced through his defenses.
The jungle fell silent for a moment, the two forces locked in a struggle that would decide the fate of the Nexus—and the galaxy.