🔥 Chapter 31 — Collapse of the Hub
The inner chamber trembled as Kael and Rhyne synchronized their attack on the hub's crystal. Threads of Ember fire wrapped around the floating core, pulsing in rhythm with precise strikes, while arcs of green energy lashed out violently in response.
Rhyne ducked a surge of energy, sigil blade deflecting a shard of magical backlash. "Kael, it's intensifying! The crystal knows we're trying to destabilize it!"
Kael's eyes narrowed, flames spiraling tighter. "I know! But we can't stop now. Focus on timing—each pulse has to overload the crystal gradually. Too fast, and it'll erupt. Too slow, and reinforcements will arrive."
The crystal shuddered violently, veins of green energy flashing wildly across its surface. The chamber shook, stones rattling from the ceiling as the backlash intensified. Kael's Ember formed a protective cocoon, shielding both of them while channeling excess energy safely into the floor.
Rhyne struck again, arcs of energy forming controlled pathways that contained the crystal's pulses. "It's… weakening! I can feel it!"
Kael gritted his teeth, channeling every ounce of the Ember's energy. "One more coordinated pulse! Follow my lead—now!"
A blinding wave of light erupted from the crystal, green veins snapping and cracking. The energy screamed, then collapsed inward with a deafening hum. The pedestal fractured, shards falling harmlessly to the ground, and the crystal shattered into inert fragments.
The chamber fell silent, only the faint crackle of Ember fire remaining. Kael exhaled, flames coiling softly around him. "It's done. The hub's power is gone. Any forces tied to this nexus are weakened, and the King's eastern plans are delayed—possibly significantly."
Rhyne wiped sweat from his brow, nodding. "Another victory… but we can't linger. The King will notice soon, and this region may be reinforced faster than we expect."
Kael stepped toward the chamber exit, Ember pulsing lightly. "Agreed. We move quickly, gather information, and plan our next strike. The network is vast, but each hub we dismantle gives us a strategic edge."
Outside, the eastern plains were bathed in the pale light of dawn. The once-hidden hub lay in ruins, a testament to Kael and Rhyne's precision and patience—and a warning that the Harrowed King would soon retaliate.