Chapter 22: The Destruction Blast**
The sky turned crimson. The air thickened with impending doom.
*"It's time,"* the Commander said.
*"For what?"* Shen asked.
*"A Destruction Blast. The only way to seal him."*
Kenji recoiled. *"No! That spell consumes the caster's life!"*
Eliz's tears fell. *"You'll both die!"*
The Commander shook his head. *"Only one of us needs to."*
*"Wait—we can share the cost!"* Shen argued.
*"You have to live,"* the Commander said softly. *"Your journey isn't over."*
Before Shen could protest, the incantation began. The earth split. The sky tore open.
*"Commander—STOP!"* Shen screamed.
But it was too late.
*"Let the world remember,"* the Commander whispered. *"This is the price of peace."*
*(BOOOOOOM!)*