Chapter 88: The Heart of the Temple

The crystal sphere on the pedestal pulsed with an unnatural rhythm, its golden light illuminating the vast chamber. The writhing symbols etched into the walls seemed to respond, glowing faintly in unison, as though alive and aware of the intruders. The air was thick with tension, the clash of blades and the screeching of shadow creatures echoing off the damp stone.

Ryuto stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Edwin, his sword gleaming with faint magical energy as he cut down another shadow beast. "They're getting stronger!" he called out, his voice strained.

"They know we're close to destroying their anchor!" Edwin shouted back, parrying an attack with practiced precision. "They'll throw everything they have at us to stop us!"

Nina unleashed a crackling wave of electricity that tore through the advancing shadows, her face alight with determination. "Celeste, you better be close to finishing whatever magic trick you're pulling off!"