Chapter 30: Echoes of Betrayal

The coalition pressed deeper into the Abyssal Divide, the fractured terrain growing more unstable with each step. The victory over the Rift Titan had bolstered their resolve, but an air of unease lingered. Ethan could feel it in the way the shadows seemed to stretch unnaturally and the Forge's hum took on a discordant edge.

Kael walked beside him, their expression unreadable. "The Divide's energy is fluctuating. Zeyra's influence is pulling at the rifts here. She's trying to unbalance us."

Ethan nodded, his jaw tightening. "Then let's make sure she knows it's not working."

Liora, leading the Zar'Kar contingent, glanced back at them, her fiery tattoos glowing faintly. "Stay sharp. The Divide isn't just a battleground; it's a weapon. If we're not careful, it will consume us."

The coalition moved cautiously, their weapons drawn as they approached a series of jagged peaks. Ethan's gauntlet pulsed faintly, the Forge's energy pulling him forward. As they rounded a corner, a massive chasm came into view, its depths glowing with an eerie, pulsating light. At its center stood another anchor, its chaotic energy radiating outward like a heartbeat.

Kael stopped, their silver eyes narrowing. "It's heavily fortified. More so than the last two."

Ethan scanned the area, noting the patrols of Zeyra's soldiers and the massive constructs stationed around the anchor. "We'll need to split up. Create diversions on both flanks while a small team takes out the anchor."

Liora grinned, her predatory edge evident. "The Zar'Kar excel at distractions. We'll keep their forces busy."

The Emberforge leader stepped forward, their fiery tattoos flaring. "We'll handle the western flank. That should give you enough time to strike."

Kael glanced at Ethan, their expression grave. "That leaves us. Are you ready?"

Ethan summoned a blade of light, its emerald glow bright against the dim haze. "Let's end this."

The battle erupted with explosive intensity. The Zar'Kar tore through the enemy ranks on the eastern flank, their primal forms leaving trails of fire and lightning in their wake. The Emberforge warriors unleashed a barrage of fiery constructs, their attacks carving a path through the western defenses.

Ethan and Kael moved swiftly through the chaos, their movements deliberate as they closed in on the anchor. The crystalline structure loomed above them, its energy pulsating erratically.

Kael's silver blades flashed as they deflected incoming projectiles. "Ethan, I'll dismantle the stabilizers. You focus on the core."

"Got it," Ethan replied, the Forge's energy surging within him as he dodged an incoming strike and countered with a precise slash that shattered an enemy construct.

As Kael worked on the stabilizers, Ethan pushed forward, his blade morphing into a hammer. The anchor's defenses lashed out with bursts of energy, but the Forge guided his movements, his constructs absorbing and deflecting the attacks.

Suddenly, a shadow moved at the edge of his vision. Ethan turned just in time to see a figure emerge from the chaos. Clad in dark armor etched with crimson runes, their presence was oppressive, their voice cold.

"Wielder," the figure said, their tone dripping with disdain. "You've caused enough trouble. It's time to end this."

Ethan raised his hammer, his gaze narrowing. "You can try."

The figure lunged, their weapon clashing against Ethan's with a deafening crash. The impact sent a shockwave through the battlefield, drawing the attention of nearby soldiers. Kael glanced over but continued their work, their focus unshaken.

The duel was fierce, each strike testing Ethan's strength and resolve. The figure moved with precision, their attacks relentless as they pressed him back. Ethan gritted his teeth, channeling the Forge's energy into his hammer. The construct glowed brighter, its weight growing as he swung it with all his might.

The hammer struck true, shattering the figure's weapon and sending them sprawling. Ethan stepped forward, his blade reforming as he pointed it at their chest. "Tell Zeyra she's next."

The figure sneered, their form dissolving into shadow as they vanished. Ethan turned back to the anchor, his chest heaving. "Kael, now!"

Kael's constructs flared brightly as they dismantled the final stabilizer. The anchor's energy pulsed violently, its defenses collapsing. Ethan raised the gauntlet, channeling the Forge's power into a single, concentrated blast. The anchor's core shattered, its remnants dissolving into the air.

The battlefield fell silent as the anchor's energy dissipated. The coalition regrouped, their exhaustion evident but their spirits high. Liora approached, her fiery tattoos glowing brightly. "Another victory. Zeyra's losing her grip on this region."

Kael nodded, their expression cautious. "But she's not defeated yet. Each victory pushes her to retaliate harder."

Ethan exhaled, his gaze shifting to the horizon. "Then we'll be ready. We're not stopping until this is over."

As the coalition moved out, Ethan felt the Forge's hum resonate within him, a steady reminder of the battles still ahead. The fight was far from over, but with each anchor destroyed, they edged closer to victory.

"One step at a time," he murmured, the glow of the gauntlet steady as they pressed on.