Chapter 33: The Core of Resistance

The coalition pressed on through the Abyssal Divide, its dark expanse seemingly endless. The destruction of the Void Stalker construct had brought a fleeting sense of accomplishment, but Zeyra's influence still pulsed through the fractured terrain. The glow of the Forge within Ethan acted as a constant guide, pulling him forward toward their next objective.

Kael moved beside him, their silver eyes reflecting the faint light of the surrounding chasm. "The Forge's energy is growing stronger. We're close to the Divide's core. But so is Zeyra's presence."

Liora, in her human form but ever imposing, gestured toward the horizon. The jagged peaks and glowing fissures ahead marked the core anchor's location. "We're walking into a trap," she said bluntly. "Zeyra knows we're coming."

Ethan tightened his grip on the gauntlet, its emerald glow brightening. "Good. Let her. It's time we stopped running and faced her head-on."

The coalition reached the edge of a massive crater, its depths swirling with chaotic energy. At its center stood the core anchor, a colossal crystalline structure that pulsed with waves of red and black light. The energy radiating from it was overwhelming, warping the air and sending tremors through the ground.

Kael's voice was calm but firm. "This is it. The core anchor is the Divide's heart. If we destroy it, Zeyra's hold on this region will collapse."

The group's attention shifted to the surrounding forces. Zeyra's constructs patrolled the perimeter, their forms shimmering with dark energy. At the far side of the crater, a figure stood atop a rocky outcrop, their armor etched with glowing runes.

"That must be one of her generals," Ethan said, his voice steady. "They won't let us get close without a fight."

Liora's fiery tattoos flared as she stepped forward. "Then we break through. The Zar'Kar will handle the frontline. Kael, Ethan—you focus on the anchor."

Kael nodded, their silver blades shimmering. "Be careful, Liora. The Divide's energy is unpredictable. Keep your warriors together."

Liora grinned, her predatory confidence unshaken. "Don't worry about us. Just make sure you finish this."

The Zar'Kar charged into the fray, their primal forms blazing with elemental fury. They tore through the enemy ranks, their claws rending constructs and their roars echoing through the Divide. The Emberforge warriors followed, their fiery constructs creating barriers and launching explosive attacks that disrupted the enemy's formations.

Ethan and Kael used the chaos to advance toward the anchor. The ground trembled beneath them, the energy from the core anchor growing more intense with each step. As they approached, the figure atop the outcrop descended, their movements deliberate and unnervingly smooth.

The general's voice carried across the battlefield, cold and commanding. "Wielder of the Forge, you have meddled in Zeyra's plans for the last time. Your journey ends here."

Ethan stepped forward, the gauntlet's glow brightening as he summoned a blade of light. "If you're here to stop me, you'll have to do better than that."

The general smirked, raising a jagged staff that pulsed with crimson energy. "So be it."

The battle against the general was ferocious. They moved with deadly precision, their staff releasing arcs of destructive energy that tore through the ground. Ethan dodged and countered, his constructs shifting fluidly as he adapted to their attacks. Kael circled the battlefield, their silver blades striking with pinpoint accuracy to create openings for Ethan.

The general's voice was mocking as they pressed their assault. "Is this all the Forge can muster? A few glowing tricks?"

Ethan gritted his teeth, channeling the Forge's energy into a massive shield that absorbed a devastating strike. "You talk too much," he said, countering with a blast of energy that sent the general staggering.

Kael seized the opportunity, their blades slicing through the general's defenses. The silver constructs left cracks in the runic armor, exposing the vulnerable energy within.

"Ethan, now!" Kael shouted, their voice cutting through the chaos.

Ethan surged forward, his blade morphing into a hammer. The Forge's energy flared brightly as he brought the weapon down on the general's chest, shattering their armor and sending them crashing to the ground.

The general let out a choked laugh, their form dissolving into shadow. "You may win this battle, Wielder. But Zeyra's plans are already in motion."

Ethan exhaled, his chest heaving as he turned to Kael. "We need to finish this."

The two turned their attention to the anchor, its chaotic energy spiraling out of control. Kael worked swiftly, their silver constructs dismantling the stabilizers that protected the core. Ethan focused the Forge's energy into a massive construct, the gauntlet's glow intensifying as he prepared for the final strike.

With a deafening roar, the core anchor exploded in a blinding flash of light, sending shockwaves through the Divide. The oppressive energy that had permeated the region dissipated, replaced by an eerie stillness.

The coalition regrouped, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and relief. Liora approached, her fiery tattoos dimming as she returned to her human form. "The Divide's power is broken. Zeyra's losing her grip."

Kael nodded, their gaze steady. "But she's not done yet. We need to press our advantage."

Ethan tightened his grip on the gauntlet, its glow steady against the darkened horizon. "Then let's keep moving. We're not stopping until this is over."

As the coalition began their march toward the next battle, Ethan felt the Forge's hum resonate within him. Each victory brought them closer to their goal, and his resolve burned brighter than ever.

"One step at a time," he murmured, the glow of the gauntlet leading the way.