Draven's sudden appearance had left an air of unease lingering among them. Although the crystal pillar had been stabilized, the tension in the atmosphere remained thick. Keeper stood, breathing heavily, his hands trembling from expending so much energy to activate the Heart of the World's core.
"We've won, but only for now," Keeper said seriously, his gaze fixed on the pillar that was gradually glowing once more. "Draven will return, and next time, he won't be alone."
"Who is he, really?" Sophie asked sharply. "Why is he so intent on destroying this world?"
Kieran, who had just recovered from Draven's attack, dusted himself off. His eyes stared into the distance as if recalling something. "Draven was once a protector of the old world. He used to believe in hope, just like us. But something changed him… made him believe that destruction is the only path."
Ricky sighed deeply. "So, he's not just any enemy. He knows everything about the Heart of the World and how to destroy it."
"Exactly," Keeper replied. "That's why we must move quickly. Even though the core is stable now, we still need the Master Crystal. Without it, the energy here is only temporary."
"There's still one thing bothering me," Sophie broke the silence. "Why do the Remnants always appear around Draven? Are they under his control?"
"Most likely, yes," Kieran replied. "He's using the remnants of the old world's energy to create those creatures. They're manifestations of the destruction he believes to be this world's destiny."
Ricky shot Kieran a determined look. "Then we have to stop him before he creates more."
"It's not just about stopping Draven," Keeper added gravely. "It's about saving a world that's slowly dying. If we fail, there won't be anything left to save."
Suddenly, the ground shook again. This tremor was different stronger and more focused. They immediately braced themselves, thinking Draven had returned. However, what appeared this time were other shadow creatures, larger and more terrifying than the usual Remnants they had faced before.
"New Remnants…" Kieran whispered, his jaw clenching. "Draven isn't wasting any time."
"Get ready!" Keeper shouted, raising his hands to create a protective energy shield around them. "We have to hold on until I can fully channel the core's energy!"
A fierce battle erupted. Ricky and Kieran worked together to fend off the creatures, while Sophie guarded Keeper, who was still focused on channeling energy. The sounds of clashing weapons and roaring shadow creatures filled the room, creating an intense atmosphere.
"Ricky, on your right!" Sophie shouted, warning of an incoming attack from one of the creatures.
With swift movements, Ricky dodged and countered with a slash of his sword. Yet the increasing number of creatures made it difficult for them to keep up.
"We won't last long at this rate!" Kieran exclaimed, destroying another creature that tried to approach. "Keeper, hurry up!"
"Just a little more… just a little more…"
Keeper muttered, concentrating all his energy on the core.
As the battle reached its peak, a familiar voice echoed from afar. It was Draven's voice, but this time he wasn't alone. Behind him, a massive shadow resembling a black dragon slowly emerged, circling the room with its wide wings.
"Look… even as you fight back, destruction draws closer," Draven said with a victorious smile.
The atmosphere changed drastically. Ricky, Sophie, Kieran, and Keeper realized this was a far greater threat than they had anticipated.
"This isn't just about the Heart of the World anymore," Kieran said seriously. "This is a fight for survival itself."