Chapter 89: The Raging Peaks 6
They shared quiet stories to ease the tension, Darius recounting a time he outran a rogue boar as a kid, Lyra speaking of her sister’s dream to become a tamer, Kelvin recalling his father’s tales of Xerion’s ancient battles.
The End-Tyrant’s amber eyes gleamed, a low hiss affirming their bond, his warmth a steady anchor against the cold.
As they settled for the night, the monitoring device hummed, its message clear: "Primary rift 1 mile north. Hidden path opens at dawn. Unity is your strength."
Kelvin’s heart sank, the wyrm’s attack a grim prelude to the rift’s challenge, but their resolve burned brighter, a spark that would light their path through the fog.
The dawn brought a gray, turbulent sky, the Peaks looming darker now. They found the hidden path, which was a narrow ledge revealed by the fading fog, leading deeper into the rift’s heart.
The wyrm had shaken them, nearly broken them, but their unity held firm, a flame that would burn through any darkness. The Shattered Peaks were a crucible, and the Tide’s Crest was ready to face its fire.
They had been climbing for hours, the path grew steeper, the air was thicker with the scent of ozone and decay.
Flashbacks of their training in the Sanctum’s yard was what filled Kelvin’s mind, grueling sessions after the Hollow, where they had pushed their limits to prepare for this trial.
He had meditated with Xerion, their bond deepening as he visualized their sync ratio climbing, the End-Tyrant’s flames burning brighter.
Lyra had refined her shadow runes, her gauntlet now weaving bindings that could hold even the strongest rogue beasts. Darius had honed his soulstone blasts, his aim was deadly precise, Rhoam’s charges synchronized seamlessly.
"We are ready," Lyra said, her voice steady despite the pain in her chest. "We ha e trained for this. We can do it." Kelvin nodded, drawing strength from her resolve. "Together."