The fortress loomed in the distance, a jagged silhouette against the night sky. Its towers reached into the clouds, surrounded by walls that pulsed with dark energy. The Guardians and the resistance hid among the trees, their breaths visible in the cold air.
"This is it," Bruce said, his voice steady. "We take down the barrier first. Calypso, you're up."
Calypso nodded, her cosmic staff glowing as she stepped forward. "I'll need a distraction to keep their forces busy."
Leo grinned, flames flickering in his palms. "Distraction is my middle name."
Skye smirked, her wings already forming from currents of air. "Let's make it a show, then."
The Assault Begins
Leo and Skye launched the first wave. Fireballs lit up the night as Leo hurled them at the gates, while Skye summoned powerful gusts of wind to disorient the guards. The fortress erupted in chaos as alarms blared, shadow soldiers pouring from the gates.
"That's our cue," Zane said, his voice calm despite the tension. He drew the Blade of Eternity, and time seemed to bend around him. "Bruce, with me. Jasmine, cover Calypso."
Jasmine raised her hands, summoning a wall of water to shield Calypso as she began her work on the barrier. The cosmic energy from her staff crackled against the dark magic, the air around her shimmering with power.
"I'll need a few minutes," Calypso said, her voice strained.
"Take your time," Jasmine replied, her water forming sharp tendrils that struck down approaching enemies. "We've got you."
Inside the Fortress
Zane and Bruce moved through the fortress like a storm. The Blade of Eternity cut through shadows as Zane manipulated time, slowing enemies or speeding up their own movements. Beside him, Bruce wielded his earthen powers with precision, collapsing walls to block reinforcements.
"We need to find the core," Bruce said as they cleared another corridor.
"It's this way," Zane replied, his senses heightened by the sword.
The Core and the Barrier Falls
Outside, Calypso let out a cry as the final barrier collapsed, the dark energy shattering like glass. She fell to her knees, breathing heavily.
"It's down!" she called out.
Leo and Skye regrouped with her, their eyes on the now-exposed fortress.
"Time to finish this," Leo said, flames roaring around him.
The Dark Lord's Presence
As the Guardians regrouped inside the fortress, a deep, menacing laugh echoed through the halls. The air grew colder, and a dark figure materialized before them.
"You've come far," the Dark Lord said, his voice a chilling blend of malice and amusement. "But this ends now."
The Guardians stood together, their relics glowing brightly.
"Not if we have anything to say about it," Zane replied, stepping forward with the Blade of Eternity raised.
The final battle had begun.
