As the green portal dissipated, the nine companions found themselves back within the vast, imposing halls of Astron's castle. The cool, still air enveloped them, a stark contrast to the scorching heat of the desert forge they had just left. Yet, despite the change in environment, their faces remained heavy with worry and concern.
Remiel trailed behind the others, his crimson eyes distant and unfocused. The words of Deldrien, the enigmatic figure they had encountered, echoed relentlessly in his mind:
"To claim the blade, you must tame the beast. For it is bound to you by destiny itself." The weight of those words pressed upon him like an unyielding chain.
Astron, seated on his throne, watched their return with an air of curiosity mixed with impatience. "You're back... at last," he said,
