Chapter 1548: Into the Dark Expanse

The narrow path descended into an expanse of jagged terrain, each step pulling them closer to the abyssal heart that pulsed like a malignant wound in the fabric of reality. The air grew heavier, dense with a cloying darkness that threatened to choke their resolve. The faint light from their weapons cast flickering shadows, and every movement felt as though the abyss itself was watching, waiting for a moment of weakness.

Elara's voice broke the tense silence, steady and commanding despite the weight bearing down on them. "Stay close. We don't know what else might be waiting."

Kade adjusted his grip on his bow, scanning the shifting landscape. "What's the plan when we find it? Do we even know what we're looking for?"