Allen took a deep breath, his hand steady as he touched the crystalline artifact. A surge of energy coursed through him, warm and soothing yet immensely powerful. The Heart pulsed in response, its rainbow of colors cascading through his system like a torrent of light and shadow.

[System Update: Channeling the Heart of Balance…]

[Void Corruption Stabilized. Threshold Adjusted to 50%. Corruption surges reduced by 30%. New abilities unlocked.]

Allen's body glowed faintly as the balance between the void and his system solidified. A sense of control returned, and for the first time, he felt as though he could wield the void without succumbing to it.

[New Ability Unlocked: Harmonized Rift – Tear through dimensions to summon both void and light energy, allowing for offensive and defensive use.]

[New Passive: Adaptive Balance – Corruption effects temporarily slow during combat, granting increased stability when under pressure.]

The Heart's glow dimmed as its energy was absorbed, and it floated back to its pedestal, now inert but still emanating a faint aura of peace.

Emma approached cautiously, her eyes scanning him for any signs of void corruption. "How do you feel?"

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Allen clenched and unclenched his fists, marveling at the newfound equilibrium. "Better. It's like the void is still there, but quieter. I think I can control it now."

Kael nodded approvingly. "Good. You're going to need that control for whatever's next. Let's get moving before this place decides to test us again."

As the group turned to leave, the temple began to shift. The runes on the walls flared brightly, and the air grew heavy with magic.

The System chimed:

[System Alert: Temple collapsing. Exit immediately.]

"Of course," Kael muttered, sprinting toward the staircase.

The corridors twisted and changed as the temple seemed to fold in on itself, the walls closing in and the floor crumbling beneath their feet.

"Allen!" Emma called, grabbing his hand as a section of the pathway collapsed.

Allen activated Harmonized Rift, tearing a shimmering portal in the air. The group leapt through, reappearing at the temple's entrance just as the structure collapsed entirely, leaving behind a cloud of dust and rubble.

Breathing heavily, they stared at the ruins, the golden glow of the Heart still faintly visible beneath the rubble.

"Close call," Kael said, sheathing his blade.

The System chimed again, breaking the moment of calm.

[Objective Update: Resonance Key recalibrating. Next destination unlocked.]

The key pulsed, pointing toward a distant forest covered in perpetual twilight.

Kael frowned. "That's the Duskwither Forest. The stories about that place aren't exactly comforting."

Emma sighed. "Let me guess more void activity?"

Allen nodded, slipping the key into his pocket. "Whatever's there, it's the next step. I can't stop now."