Chapter 63: The Ruins of Xel'thar
The journey to Xel'thar was perilous. The air grew colder, the skies darker, and an ominous pressure loomed over them as if the world itself resisted their approach. Arlen led the way, his steps firm despite the unease creeping through his veins. The ruins lay ahead, jagged remnants of a civilization lost to time.
Liora studied the surroundings carefully, her eyes glowing faintly as she traced the remnants of magic in the air. "This place is saturated with power," she murmured. "Old magic… but tainted."
Caden crouched near a broken pillar, running his fingers along strange symbols carved into the stone. "These aren't just ruins. They were a battleground."
Arlen's gaze sharpened. "Then we need to be ready. If Kaorath's forces have been here before, there's no telling what's left behind."
An Unearthed Secret
Deeper into the ruins, the air became thick with dark energy. The remnants of an obelisk stood before them, fractured but still humming with residual power.
"This is it," Liora whispered. She placed a hand on the stone, her magic intertwining with its dormant energy. Sparks flickered as runes lit up faintly.
Suddenly, a pulse of energy erupted from the obelisk. A shadowy figure materialized before them—a guardian of the ancient world, its eyes glowing with an eerie, ghostly light.
"Who seeks the forbidden knowledge?" its voice echoed, ancient and hollow.
Arlen stepped forward, unfazed. "I do. We need to open a path to Kaorath's realm."
The guardian's gaze bore into him, as if searching his soul. "The path comes at a price."
Arlen's expression remained unshaken. "Name it."
The guardian's voice turned solemn. "Sacrifice. To cross into his domain, you must leave behind what binds you to this world."
Silence fell over the group. Liora and Caden exchanged worried glances.
Arlen clenched his fists. He had fought for this world, for the people he cared about. But if cutting off his ties was the only way to ensure victory, was he willing to take that step?
The First Attack
Before an answer could be given, the air trembled. A portal tore open in the sky above the ruins. Kaorath's minions poured through—twisted beings with glowing crimson eyes, their forms shifting like living nightmares.
"They're here!" Caden shouted, drawing his blades.
Arlen's body surged with power as he stepped forward, his golden aura igniting. "Then we fight."
With a roar, he launched himself into battle, his blade cutting through the darkness. The fight for Xel'thar had begun, and with it, the countdown to their final confrontation with Kaorath.