I Awaken the Forge of Dimensions

The Mistveil Forest seemed darker as Ethan and Kael retraced their steps away from the Dreamspire. The glowing mist, once ethereal and captivating, now felt oppressive. Ethan kept his blade summoned, its emerald light cutting through the fog as they moved.

Kael's expression was tight, their silver eyes scanning every shadow. "The Vael'Therin's warning wasn't just for show. Zeyra's reach extends further than we imagined. We need to stay sharp."

Ethan nodded, his grip on the gauntlet tightening. "Do you think she'll try to strike here?"

Kael's response was grim. "If she knows we've secured the Vael'Therin as allies, she won't hesitate. Weakening their defenses would be a strategic move."

As they pressed deeper into the forest, the air grew heavier, and the silence became unsettling. The usual hum of the Forge within Ethan felt muted, as though the energy around them was suppressing it.

"Something's wrong," Ethan muttered, glancing at Kael.

Kael's jaw tightened. "Stay ready. We're not alone."

The mist shifted, and figures began to materialize from the shadows. They were cloaked in darkness, their forms indistinct but their crimson eyes burning with malevolence. Ethan counted at least a dozen, their movements fluid and predatory.

"Riftspawn?" Ethan asked, raising his blade.

Kael shook their head. "No. These are Zeyra's Shades. They're constructs, fueled by her energy and designed for one purpose: destruction."

The Shades moved as one, their silence unnerving as they advanced. Ethan stepped forward, his blade glowing brighter as he prepared to meet them.

"Kael, any tips?" he asked, trying to keep his tone light despite the tension.

"Aim for their cores," Kael replied, their silver energy coalescing into twin blades. "It's their weakest point. And don't let them surround you."

"Got it."

The first Shade lunged, its claws swiping through the air. Ethan sidestepped, countering with a precise strike that severed its arm. The creature stumbled, and a second strike to its core caused it to dissolve into wisps of shadow.

Kael moved with precision, their blades slicing through the Shades with fluid efficiency. Each strike was calculated, their movements a blend of offense and defense.

Ethan, meanwhile, adapted quickly, the Forge responding to his emotions as he fought. His blade shifted into a spear, then a shield, each construct forming seamlessly as he countered the Shades' attacks.

Despite their efforts, the Shades kept coming. For every one they destroyed, another seemed to emerge from the mist. Ethan's breath came in short gasps, his muscles burning with exertion.

"Kael," he called, deflecting another attack. "There's too many of them. We need to figure out where they're coming from."

Kael's eyes darted through the fog. "The source will be close. Zeyra wouldn't send these without anchoring them to something."

Ethan nodded, his gaze sweeping the battlefield. Then he saw it—a faint crimson glow pulsing deeper within the mist.

"There!" he shouted, pointing toward the light.

Kael followed his gaze, their expression hardening. "That's the anchor. We destroy it, and the Shades will collapse."

"I'll cover you," Ethan said, gripping his blade tightly. "Go!"

Kael didn't hesitate, darting toward the anchor with speed and precision. Ethan planted himself between them and the Shades, the Forge's energy surging as he summoned a barrier of light. The Shades collided with it, their attacks relentless, but Ethan held firm.

"Come on," he muttered, his focus unwavering. "You're not getting through me."

Kael reached the anchor, a crystalline structure pulsing with Zeyra's energy. They raised their blades, striking at its surface with a series of precise blows. The anchor resisted, its glow intensifying as it fought back.

"Almost there!" Kael shouted, their voice strained.

Ethan's barrier began to falter, the Shades' relentless assault wearing it down. He channeled more energy into the Forge, his constructs growing brighter and stronger, but the strain was immense.

"Hurry up, Kael!" he called, sweat dripping down his face.

With a final, powerful strike, Kael shattered the anchor. The crimson light flared brightly before imploding, sending a shockwave through the forest. The Shades froze, their forms flickering before dissolving into the mist.

Ethan collapsed to one knee, the barrier dissipating as the tension in the air lifted. Kael approached, their breathing heavy but their expression triumphant.

"It's done," they said, offering Ethan a hand.

He took it, pulling himself to his feet. "Nice work. Remind me never to complain about a walk in the woods again."

Kael managed a faint smile. "Zeyra won't stop with this. She's testing us, gauging our strength. We need to stay ahead of her."

Ethan nodded, his resolve hardening. "Then let's keep moving. The more allies we gather, the better chance we have."

As they left the forest, the Dreamspire's faint glow faded behind them, replaced by the steady hum of the Forge within Ethan. The path ahead was uncertain, but with every battle, his confidence grew. Together, they would stand against Zeyra—no matter what it took.