The narrow path grew slick with rain and blood.
Bloodfang orcs and Vorath knights charged, Gromthar (Tier 7) roaring from the rear.
Garrick shifted and slammed into the line like an avalanche. Elmira's thorns dragged enemies into chasms. Nynieve healed and purged poison. Arin felled foes with guided strikes.
A Tier 6 orc champion swung at Arin. Time slowed. Arin pierced the champion's jaw.
The pass ran red.
Garrick shifted back. "Good hunt."
Elmira frowned. "Gromthar escaped. He will alert the others."
Nynieve watched Arin. "Your eyes glowed again. The Stone reaches faster."
Arin examined his hands. "Something ancient moves through me."
Wings beat overhead. Vespera the Storm Harpy Queen (Tier 7, unbound) screeched, lightning crackling. "The Stone belongs to the skies!"
Harpies dove. Elmira raised thorn shields. Garrick leaped and smashed foes. Nynieve healed wind cuts.
Arin raised his sword. A starlight bolt struck Vespera's wing. She screamed and retreated.
The group stood victorious but exhausted.
Elmira scanned the skies. "Unbound Tier 7 threats probe us. The nations' champions gather."
Nynieve healed the last wounds. "The cavern entrance is visible. So are the armies below — each flying their Tier 7 or legendary banner."
They pressed on as distant phoenix flames signaled Seraphyx's approach and Krazul's laughter echoed from the depths.