As Miguel retreated toward the cliff edge, he turned to see the evil leader's claws tear through the defensive light. The remaining Babaylan fought with everything they had, but their strength was fading fast.
"Miguel!" Lola Sabel called out, her voice carrying over the roar of battle. "Remember—balance is not about being strong enough to win every fight. It's about being wise enough to know when to live to fight another day!"
She raised her staff one last time, and the Kristal ng Potensyal flew from her hands, landing at Miguel's feet. "Take this! It will guide you to others who can help!"
Miguel grabbed the crystal as Master Kael unleashed a wave of golden energy that sent dozens of evil cultivators flying. "Go now, young one! Your journey has only just begun!"
His grandfather stood back-to-back with Master Kael and Lola Sabel, their forms glowing with the last of their cultivation. "We love you, anak," his Lolo called out. "Make us proud!"
The evil leader laughed as he surrounded them. "Your sacrifice means nothing! I will absorb your power and hunt the boy down!"
Miguel watched in agony as the three elders united their energy into a single, brilliant explosion. The blast sent him flying backward toward the cliff, and as he fell, he saw the evil leader being thrown back—but not before his claws ripped through the elders' forms, their energy flooding into him.
The last thing he heard was Lola Sabel's voice echoing in his mind: "Find the others…"