The battle was chaotic. The cloaked figures moved with unnatural speed, their attacks relentless. Elliot dodged a sword strike, countering with a quick slash of his dagger. He wasn’t a skilled fighter, but his training had taught him enough to hold his own—barely.

  Kael fired arrow after arrow, each one finding its mark. But for every enemy he took down, two more seemed to take their place. Lila unleashed a barrage of spells, her magic lighting up the chamber and sending enemies flying.

  Despite their efforts, the group was being overwhelmed. Malakar watched from the sidelines, his arms crossed and a smug smile on his face.

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  “We can’t keep this up!” Elliot shouted, ducking under another attack. “We need a plan!”

  Kael glanced around, his eyes narrowing. “The pillars! Bring them down!”

  Lila nodded and raised her staff, channeling her magic. With a powerful blast, she shattered one of the ancient pillars, causing the ceiling above to collapse. The cloaked figures scattered, but the debris blocked their path, giving the group a moment to regroup.

  “Now’s our chance!” Kael shouted. “Let’s get out of here!”

  Elliot didn’t need to be told twice. He grabbed the Aether Core piece and followed Kael and Lila as they sprinted toward the temple exit. Behind them, Malakar’s voice echoed through the chamber.

  “You can’t run forever!” he shouted. “I’ll find you!”