0230 -

The chamber's turbulence grew more chaotic, the dark energy a writhing tempest around Wei Lin and her companions. The walls seemed to pulse with the energy's fluctuations, each pulse sending tremors through the room.

Wei Lin, her hands moving with a practiced grace, adjusted the final symbols with intense focus. Her face was a mask of concentration, sweat mingling with the grime on her brow. The dark energy responded with a violent surge, the force almost knocking her off balance.

Selene, her voice steady despite the chaos, shouted over the din. "We need to stabilize the vortex now! The energy's becoming more erratic—just a bit longer!"

Jian, his hands deftly maneuvering the dagger, kept his eyes locked on the alignment. The ancient weapon thrummed with a low, resonant hum, reacting to the dark energy. "We're close. The final adjustments are crucial. If we misstep now, we risk reinforcing the dark force."