"Corrosive darkness, purification! Chaotic energy, refining! Disordered space, bridging!"
Under the swirling dark vortex, Master Saso, Kamar-Taj's renowned seal master, moved with precision. His Sling Ring traced glowing red flame-like runes in the air, each rune carrying the weight of ancient magic.
As the runes fused into the fabric of space, the oppressive aura of disorder, madness, and darkness began to dissipate.
Above, Lockhart—still in his flaming bone form—stared intently at the vortex, his skull-like face tilted upward.
Boom!
Deep within the vortex, massive surges of energy swirled, signaling the arrival of new invaders.
Lockhart's skeletal hands wove arcs of Hellfire, extending it across the base of the vortex like a fiery shield.
Roar! Roar! Roar!
Grotesque demons, spectral ghosts, and monstrous abominations emerged from the vortex, howling with predatory excitement.
But their cries were short-lived. The moment they passed through the Hellfire, their bodies and souls ignited.
Their wails of agony crescendoed, only to fade as they were consumed entirely by the flames.
The other Sorcerers paused momentarily, marveling at Lockhart's efficiency.
This wasn't the life-threatening mission they had prepared for—it felt almost routine, like an extended training exercise.
One Sorcerer muttered under his breath, "I thought this would be a death sentence. Instead, it feels like an outing."
They quickly refocused, standing guard around Master Saso to ensure his sealing work could continue uninterrupted.
Lockhart, meanwhile, noticed an unusual pattern.
As Master Saso's seal neared completion, the dark vortex began to churn more violently, spewing out a flood of invaders at an accelerated rate.
Yet despite the numbers, none of the invaders posed a significant challenge. They were cannon fodder—easily incinerated by the Hellfire.
This doesn't make sense. Lockhart thought. Where are the heavy hitters?
He narrowed his eyes, recalling the terrifying might of the dimensional demon gods. Such beings would not hesitate to send their strongest forces to protect an invasion of this magnitude.
A suspicion crept into his mind. Could the Ancient One have already neutralized them? Is this invasion nothing more than a distraction?
The lack of resistance felt almost... perfunctory.
Lockhart obliterated another wave of invaders with ease when Master Saso's voice rang out.
"Master Lockhart, the seal is ready. Once it's activated, leave immediately, or you may be caught in the backlash."
Lockhart's jade-like skull tilted slightly, his empty sockets focusing on the vortex.
With a wave of his hand, he conjured a massive Hellfire fireball, its dark red glow pulsating ominously.
Whoosh!
The fireball hurtled toward the vortex, its intense heat warping the air around it.
As the fireball exploded against the vortex, Lockhart's form flickered briefly, and he vanished into thin air.
Master Saso wasted no time.
He and the other Sorcerers raised their Sling Rings in unison, intricate runes flaring to life.
Boom!
The explosion from Lockhart's fireball incinerated the invaders emerging from the vortex, sending a wave of searing heat rippling outward.
But the heatwave halted abruptly as it collided with a pale golden lotus barrier.
The barrier, adorned with strange, glowing runes, unfurled like a blooming flower, enveloping the dark vortex in its light.
The lotus began to spin slowly, its petals folding inward as the golden light intensified.
The oppressive darkness dissolved, chased away by the barrier's radiance. The black vortex shrank until it was consumed entirely, leaving no trace behind.
The surrounding spatial cracks mended themselves, the once-chaotic sky clearing into a brilliant blue.
Lockhart, having reverted to his physical form, descended toward the group, a triumphant smile on his face.
"Masters," he called out, his voice filled with satisfaction, "we've won. The dimensional rift is sealed."
He paused, grinning mischievously. "When this is all over, join me at Vientiane World for a drink."
The other Sorcerers chuckled, relief evident in their laughter.
"Master Lockhart," one replied, "this success is largely thanks to you. Without your efforts, this mission might have ended in disaster."
Lockhart waved their praise off modestly, but the pride in his eyes was unmistakable.
Together, the group began their return to Kamar-Taj.
Kamar-Taj.
"The enemy has been defeated!"
"We've won!"
"Victory!"
The Sorcerers in the square erupted into cheers, their faces alight with joy.
Though many were pale and visibly exhausted, the thrill of victory washed away their weariness.
The intensity of their battle had pushed them to their limits, but now, with the dimensional rift sealed, they could finally breathe.
"Master Byron, Master Saso, Master Otto—Master Lockhart has returned!"
The announcement drew the crowd's attention as the seven Sorcerers descended, their expressions triumphant.
Byron took the lead, his voice booming. "Sorcerers, we have achieved victory!"
For a moment, the square fell silent. Then, a deafening cheer erupted, shaking the very air.
Lockhart smiled warmly at the sight, his heart swelling with pride.
But then, his expression froze.
Among the celebrating crowd, Lockhart quietly stepped aside to a less crowded spot.
Raising his wand, he traced intricate light green lines into the air.
Buzz!
The lines wove themselves into a glowing pattern before vanishing, releasing a cascade of light green particles.
The particles rained down like gentle droplets, merging with the Sorcerers' bodies.
A collective sigh rippled through the crowd as the warmth of the magic eased their aches and replenished their energy.
Many turned their gazes toward Lockhart, their expressions filled with gratitude.
But just as the crowd settled, a new presence emerged.
Buzz!
A red flame-like portal opened, and from it stepped the Ancient One.
Her pale face and bloodied robes told the story of a grueling battle.
The cheers died instantly, replaced by hushed murmurs of concern.
Lockhart stepped forward, his gaze locking onto the Ancient One's weary figure.
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