As the group prepared to leave in search of Eryndar, a deafening explosion shattered the air, shaking the ground beneath their feet.
“Where did that come from?” Towan asked, his instincts kicking in as his head snapped toward the direction of the blast. Almost simultaneously, he and Elliot stiffened, their eyes narrowing in alarm.
“There’s corrupted energy over there,” they said in unison, their voices tinged with urgency as the unmistakable pressure of malevolent essence flooded the atmosphere.
“That’s the tournament arena,” Kade said, his usually calm tone edged with tension. His own senses flared, picking up on the chaotic swirl of energies coming from the distant stadium. “Master Eryndar is there,” he added, recognizing the unique and powerful signature of his master’s essence amidst the chaos.
Towan’s fists clenched at his sides. “We need to move. Now.”
Rhys, who had remained quiet until now, stepped forward, his expression dark and resolute. “It’s worse than we thought,” he said, his gaze sweeping over the group. “Caleis and Dravan are there. This is no good.”
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The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. Without another moment’s hesitation, the group rushed out of the rented house and into the streets, weaving through the narrow alleyways and bustling paths of the village. The usual vibrance of the town had been replaced with chaos—people fleeing toward safety as the ominous echoes of battle grew louder with each passing second.
Elliot and Towan led the charge, their connection to the corrupted energy pulling them like an invisible thread toward the stadium. Every step closer made the air feel heavier, the oppressive aura of corruption sinking deeper into their chests.
Kade, ever the strategist, kept his eyes sharp, scanning for any signs of danger along the way. “Stay alert,” he cautioned, his voice cutting through the tension. “We don’t know how bad it is yet.”
Rhys brought up the rear, his jaw clenched as his thoughts raced. The presence of Caleis and Dravan could only mean one thing: the cult had escalated their plans. He knew this was going to be a fight far beyond anything they had faced before.
As they neared the stadium, the corrupted energy grew so intense it felt almost tangible, like a storm about to break. The group exchanged a single glance, understanding without words the danger they were about to face.
“Whatever’s happening in there,” Towan said, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at him, “we stop it. No matter what.”
With that, they surged forward, ready to face the unknown chaos awaiting them.