As dawn broke, the assault began. Roland led the charge at the gates, his shield raised high as enemy forces poured out to meet them. The clash of steel echoed through the mountains as the Valdris soldiers fought with relentless determination.

Roland’s sword cut through the enemy ranks with brutal efficiency. His shield was a fortress, absorbing blow after blow as he pushed forward. “Hold the line!” he shouted, his voice carrying over the chaos. “Don’t give them an inch!”

Meanwhile, high above, Cassian and Lyra scaled the cliffs, their movements swift and silent. The wind howled around them, but they pressed on, their eyes fixed on the obelisk’s eerie glow.

Cassian reached the top first, nocking an arrow and taking out a sentry with a silent shot. Lyra followed, her twin blades flashing as she dispatched another guard.

“We’re in,” Cassian whispered. “Let’s move.”

The two advanced through the fortress, their path lit only by the faint glow of the obelisk. They encountered pockets of resistance, but their skill and precision ensured they remained undetected.

At the heart of the fortress, the obelisk stood—a towering monolith of dark energy. Around it, Rift Knights stood vigilant, their weapons crackling with power.

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Cassian gestured to Lyra. “I’ll cover you. Take out the obelisk.”

Lyra nodded, her expression determined. She moved swiftly, her blades cutting down the first Rift Knight before they could react. Cassian’s arrows rained down, striking true as Lyra engaged the remaining foes.

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THE OBELISK’S FALL

Back at the gates, Damien and Roland fought side by side, their combined strength holding the enemy at bay. But the tide was turning, and the enemy’s numbers seemed endless.

“We’re running out of time!” Roland shouted, deflecting a blow with his shield.

Damien glanced toward the fortress. “Then we push harder.”

Inside, Lyra reached the obelisk. Its energy pulsed violently, reacting to her presence. She raised her blades and struck with all her might, the first blow sending cracks through its surface.

“Cassian, cover me!” she called out as more Rift Knights converged on her position.

Cassian’s arrows flew, each shot buying Lyra precious seconds. She struck again, the obelisk trembling under the force of her attacks.

With a final, powerful blow, Lyra shattered the obelisk. A blinding explosion of light and shadow consumed the chamber, and the Rift above the fortress collapsed.

The remaining Rift creatures faltered, their connection to the obelisk severed. Damien and Roland seized the moment, rallying their forces for a final push. The enemy was driven back, and the fortress fell.