The air around the sealed gate crackled with energy, the Nameless Flame in Rynze's hand pulsing in rhythm with the tremors beneath Elvain. Seris stood beside him, her frozen-sky eyes locked on the shadowed figures that encircled them.
"They won't stop," she said, gripping the metal rod tighter. "Not until the gate is fully unsealed."
Rynze nodded, his storm-grey eyes narrowing. "Then we don't let that happen."
The shadowed figures lunged, their movements a chaotic blur. Rynze raised the Nameless Flame, its light cutting through the darkness like a blade. Seris moved with precision, her makeshift weapon striking true.
Deep within the Ordo chamber, Srakar Ilmen watched the unfolding chaos through the scrying pool. His golden eyes gleamed with a mix of curiosity and unease.
"The vessel is stronger than I anticipated," he murmured. "But strength alone won't be enough."
He turned to the ancient tome on the pedestal beside him, its pages glowing faintly. The words seemed to shift and writhe, as if alive.
"The gate's power is not meant to be controlled," he said to himself. "It's meant to consume."
As the battle raged on, Rynze felt the Nameless Flame grow hotter, its light more intense. He could feel it pulling at him, urging him to let go, to surrender to its power.
"Rynze!" Seris's voice cut through the haze. "Focus!"
He shook his head, forcing himself to stay grounded. "I'm fine," he said, though his grip on the flame wavered.
The ground beneath them cracked, a fiery glow emanating from the fissures. The gate shuddered violently, and a deafening roar echoed through the chamber.
"It's opening!" Seris shouted, her voice tinged with both awe and fear.
In the heart of the chaos, a figure emerged from the gate. Its form was indistinct, a swirling mass of light and shadow. The shadowed figures froze, their flickering forms bowing in unison.
"The Herald," one of them whispered, their voice reverent.
Rynze and Seris exchanged a glance, their resolve hardening.
"Whatever it is," Rynze said, stepping forward, "we stop it here."
The Nameless Flame flared in his hand, its light casting long shadows on the walls. The Herald turned its gaze toward him, its presence both overwhelming and magnetic.
"You are the vessel," it said, its voice a chorus of tones. "But are you the master?"