Chapter 24: The Core’s Revelation

The path ahead lay still. No more shifting platforms, no more voidborn. Only the massive doors at the corridor's end, pulsing with a quiet, rhythmic glow—like a heartbeat.

Celestine swallowed hard.

They had passed the Sentinel's judgment. But the true test was just beginning.

Elias wiped sweat from his brow. "So… anyone want to guess what's behind door number one?"

Alistair ignored him, stepping forward to examine the engravings on the doors. Ancient symbols pulsed faintly, shifting as if responding to his presence.

"This is it," he said. "The Core of the First Sanctum."

Celestine stepped beside him, tracing a hand over the engravings. The moment she touched them, the doors reacted.

A pulse of energy rippled outward.

Then—they opened.

A wave of light engulfed them.

When the brightness faded, they stood inside a vast, circular chamber. The walls stretched impossibly high, lined with intricate carvings that seemed to move when she wasn't looking.

But at the very center, floating above a raised platform—

The Core.

A crystalline structure, pulsing with golden energy, suspended in midair. It wasn't a mere artifact. It was alive.

Veyrion, who had remained silent since the trial, finally spoke. "We stand at the heart of what was lost."

Celestine felt it. A connection deep within her. As if this place had been waiting for her to return.

Alistair approached cautiously. "If Malrik was searching for this…" He exhaled sharply. "Then we're already too late."

Celestine turned to him. "What do you mean?"

Elias cursed. "He's right."

He pointed toward the far end of the chamber.

There—was a crack in the Core.

A fracture, small but growing, leaking strands of shadow.

Veyrion's expression darkened. "The corruption has begun."

The First Sanctum was still standing. But not for much longer.

And somewhere beyond, Malrik was already moving.