But the warbreaker was too strong. Every strike, every spell, every effort his allies made seemed to barely faze Korran.
Each movement demanded everything they had—every ounce of strength, precision, and strategy—just to keep him at bay.
The ground trembled beneath his hammer; the wind screamed with each swing, and it was clear: defeating him would not be easy.
Ember flared into action, wind slicing around the warbreaker, forcing him to stagger, claws and cyclone blades striking simultaneously.
Serathis lunged in from the flank, his greatsword aimed at the weak points in Korran's armor. Rhea unleashing a barrage of Ember Bursts that ignited around his feet, staggering him with shockwaves.
Sylus flashed through the haze again, Shadow Stepping behind Korran and carving another deep cut across his back before vanishing.
Even wounded, Korran fought like a storm given form. Every counter sent shockwaves through the clearing, his power radiating raw Silver I might. Grok's shield cracked under the pressure, but he braced and reformed the defensive line, buying Karl the seconds he needed.
Karl downed a vitality tonic and pressed his palm to his chest, light bursting across his veins as he mended his injuries.
And, at the moment, a shadowy figure charged, his massive figure surged forward through the chaos, slamming into the portal node with raw, brutal strength.
The shimmering gateway wavered violently, its light flickering like a candle in the wind.
But the first strike wasn't enough, instead Korath's body was thrown back by the backlash, wounds tearing across his body—but he didn't stop.
He rose again.
Time and time again, Korath smashed into the node—hammering, striking, roaring through the pain. Each blow shook the air, his determination echoing across the battlefield.
And then—it happened.
The portal's surface began to fracture. Cracks of light split across its face.
With a deafening boom, the teleportation gate collapsed inward, splintering into jagged fragments of stones and thick wood. The force of the destruction sent a shockwave rippling across the battlefield
Debris rained down, burying Korath beneath splintered stone while his roar echoed across the battlefield
Just Then Karl's voice rang out, sharp, his voice cutting through the haze.
"Renn! Lysa! Brynna! Rescue Korath—now!"
The three moved instantly. Brynna raised his gauntleted hand, green runes flaring across his forearm. Earthen energy coiled around his fingers before erupting outward—stone and soil shifting aside as if carved by invisible blades
Beside him Renn and Lysa moved swiftly, as they shielded Brynna from any incoming attack, while Brynna dug through the rubble layer by layer, pulling away heavy slabs of stones and heavy woods.
And soon, they removed the upper half of the debris and found Korath's body lay half-buried and covered in blood.
Lysa knelt down to inspect him, His body twitched faintly as her hand touched him, feeling him breathing and seeing the wounds—though deep—were not fatal, a relief washed over her.
she poured a vitality tonic in korath mouth, The faint glow of recovery mana shimmered across his body as his breathing steadied.
Karl exhaled relief mixing with exhaustion, his wound was already healed enough for him to move again. He wiped the blood from his chin, turned toward the battle
Korran was still fighting.
The warbreaker stood in the open, battered and bloodied, his armor scorched and cracked from Ember's wind blades and Serathis's relentless greatsword strikes. His hammer dragged against the ground as he staggered back, each breath a labored growl.
Karl surged forward, light flaring around his form. "Let's end this!" he roared.
Ember soared overhead, silver wings slicing through the rain. She dove in a blur of motion, her claws leaving trails of compressed air that hammered into Korran's chest plate.
Serathis advanced beside her, his greatsword burning with rune-fire as he struck in precise, brutal arcs.
Each strike drove Korran backward. Each blow heavier than the last. Finally, Serathis's runeblade cleaved through his chest guard, cutting deep into his heart.
Korran staggered back, then dropped to one knee. His hammer slipped from his hands and sank into the ground with a dull thud.
Then—with one final breath—the warbreaker collapsed.
The battlefield fell into silence.
For a heartbeat, no one moved. Only the ragged sound of breathing filled the air
Then, a cry rose—from one voice, then many.
A shout of victory that rolled like thunder through the forest.
Across the clearing, the remaining enemy soldiers raised hand in surrender. Their faces were pale and hollow with fear, they raised their hands in surrender—three warriors, one support, and two unranked.
Their eyes darted toward Korran's fallen form as if unable to believe the giant had fallen.
Ember landed beside Karl, her silver wings folding with a tired grace. Her feathers were torn, her armor scorched, but her eyes still burned with unbroken spirit.
Serathis stepped forward, wiping blood from his cheek. "It's over," he said quietly.
Karl didn't answer right away. He looked across the battlefield—at his warriors, the shattered portal, the collapsed trees and smoke curling toward the stormy sky.
Then his gaze fell to Korath, lying among the debris, as lysa and Brynna moved the debris around him.
Seeing that none of his people were in mortal danger, Karl finally allowed himself to breathe.
"It's over," he echoed softly, the weight in his tone heavier than before.
The battlefield was quiet at last. Only the wind moved—carrying with it the smell of victory.
The enemy had been driven back.
The teleportation gate—destroyed.
And though Veythar had escaped through the portal, it no longer mattered. Without the gate, he could not return easily. His hold, his sanctuary, his foundation—all of it would soon begin to crumble.