Twilight of Realities: Worlds Collide

Chapter 16: The Final Confrontation

As they prepared to enter the canal leading to the heart of the tower, Matteo spoke up. "Wait, I have an idea," he said. "If we split up, we can inform the Eldorians about Astrol's plans. We need more power to destroy him and end his era."

Mordred nodded in agreement. "He's right. Aria, Max, and I will go to the Eldorians. We'll return with reinforcements."

The group exchanged determined glances. "Be careful," Liam said, clasping Mordred's shoulder.

"We will," Mordred replied. With that, Mordred, Aria, Max, and Matteo turned and disappeared into the shadows.

Lyra turned to Liam. "What's the plan now?"

Liam looked at his remaining team—Lyra, Maya, Caleb, and himself. "We'll go to the center of the tower and destroy it. Follow me."

They all stepped into the canal, carefully navigating through the water. As they moved deeper into the canal, the walls around them began to close in, the air growing thicker with a sense of impending danger.

Suddenly, the water beneath them started to ripple violently. A monstrous creature, covered in scales and slime, emerged from the depths, its eyes glowing with malevolence.

"We have to fight it!" Liam shouted, readying his weapon.

The battle was fierce. The creature lunged at them, its powerful jaws snapping dangerously close. Caleb swung his weapon, managing to land a blow, but the creature retaliated, knocking him off his feet.

"Caleb!" Lyra screamed, rushing to his side as Maya and Liam continued to fend off the creature.

Caleb struggled to stand, clutching his injured side. "I'm fine, just a scratch," he lied, wincing in pain.

With a coordinated effort, they managed to drive the creature back into the depths of the canal. Panting and exhausted, they finally reached the center of the hall, stepping out of the canal and into a grand, eerie chamber.

Caleb leaned heavily on Liam, his face pale. "Well, that's over. What's next?" he asked, his voice strained.

Maya, trying to lighten the mood, quipped, "This place definitely screams 'evil lair.'"

The chamber was vast, with towering pillars and dark, ominous decorations.

Caleb looked around, confused. "Why is it empty? Where are Astrol and his minions?"

Liam scanned the room, tension evident in his posture. "Astrol is always steps ahead. We were lucky to reach here safely, but I think the next part you and Maya should not come because you don't have any powers. It wouldn't be brave to risk your lives."

then Maya said, "But Lyra can heal Caleb."

Liam hesitated, a conflicted expression crossing his face. He wanted to caution against it—knowing it would weaken Lyra—but he couldn't deny Caleb the chance to be healed by his sister.

Caleb, sensing the unspoken tension, interrupted, "No, Lyra. You can't heal me. If you do, your powers will weaken, and we can't afford that. We need you at full strength to face Astrol and end this."

Lyra hesitated, her hand hovering over Caleb's injuries. "But... I can at least ease your pain, Caleb."

Liam, relieved that Caleb understood, said firmly, "That's enough for now, Lyra. Maya, do you sense anything happening near the tower?"

Maya and Lyra, tuning into her ears, nodded. "Yes, something big is stirring."

Lyra, distracted but curious, looked at the picture on the wall she had noticed earlier. "Wait, Liam, do you know what this picture means?" She gestured towards it.