A tall figure stepped out of the shadows.
He wore a dark cloak that hid most of his face.
But his glowing eyes revealed something dangerous.
Draven immediately drew his swords.
"And who exactly are you?"
The stranger smiled slightly.
"You may call me Varkon."
Arkon's expression changed.
"Varkon…?"
"You were supposed to be exiled decades ago."
The man laughed quietly.
"Yes."
"But exile did not stop my research."
His gaze turned toward the floating crystal.
"The Abyss Shards are far more valuable than the council ever realized."
Arian stepped forward.
"You're the one creating those shadow creatures."
Varkon nodded calmly.
"A simple experiment."
"Dark magic becomes much easier to control with an Abyss Shard."
Lyra's voice became cold.
"You're playing with power that nearly destroyed Eldoria."
Varkon looked amused.
"That power only destroyed the weak."
Before anyone could react, Varkon raised his hand.
Dark energy surged through the chamber.
Shadow creatures suddenly formed around him.
Draven jumped forward.
"Here we go again."
The battle began instantly.
Draven's blades flashed as he cut through the shadows.
Lyra fired waves of magical energy across the chamber.
Arkon used his staff to create protective barriers.
Arian rushed toward the pedestal.
He grabbed the floating Abyss Shard.
The moment he touched it—
The crystal exploded with dark energy.
Visions flashed through Arian's mind.
He saw cities falling.
Armies of shadow monsters spreading across Eldoria.
And standing above them all…
Varkon.
Arian gasped and dropped the shard.
The vision vanished.
Varkon laughed softly.
"Yes."
"You see its potential now."
"But don't worry."
"You won't keep it for long."
Suddenly the tower shook violently.
Something was coming.
Something much worse.