Chapter 2516: Story 2517: The Battle for the Eastern Wall

The warning bell echoed relentlessly through Blackstone Ridge.

Its deep metallic cry rolled across the fortress like thunder, sending every defender rushing toward the eastern battlements.

Victoria Kane sprinted from the hidden chamber, the Marshal’s sword blazing with golden light in her hand.

"Move!" she shouted.

"Everyone to the eastern wall!"

Cole Mercer raced beside her, loading fresh ammunition into his rifle.

Lucas Reed emerged from the fortress corridor, breathing heavily.

"They came out of nowhere!"

"There are dozens already inside the outer defenses!"

Father Gabriel and Dr. Evelyn followed close behind while Gideon Black drew an ancient saber from the fortress armory.

The old Marshal’s eyes burned with determination.

"This is exactly how the first fortress nearly fell."

As they reached the eastern battlements, the horrifying truth became clear.

The massive stone wall had not collapsed.

Instead...

A gigantic section had quietly slid open from the inside.

The hidden gate.

Victoria’s heart sank.

"The traitor opened it."

Through the opening poured ranks of Abyss Walkers carrying enormous black shields.

Behind them marched disciplined formations of Hollow Guard.

No zombie horde screamed.

No beast roared.

Only the synchronized footsteps of an ancient army echoed through the fortress.

Cole climbed the nearest tower.

"They’re protecting something."

Victoria followed his gaze.

Six Hollow Guard carefully escorted a large iron wagon wrapped in heavy chains.

The wagon’s contents remained hidden beneath a thick crimson cloth.

Evelyn frowned.

"They didn’t come to destroy the fortress."

"They came for something."

Gideon’s expression turned pale.

"The Heart Forge."

Without another word, Victoria mounted Midnight.

The loyal black stallion charged down the fortress road like a bolt of lightning.

"Stop that wagon!"

Midnight leaped over broken barricades while Victoria swung the glowing Marshal’s sword.

The golden blade carved through the first Abyss Walker’s shield, splitting both armor and weapon in one brilliant strike.

The creature collapsed into black dust.

Cole’s rifle cracked repeatedly from the battlements.

Each perfectly placed shot knocked Hollow Guard riders from their saddles.

Lucas fired arrow after arrow from the watchtower.

One blazing arrow struck the wagon’s chain.

It snapped apart.

The crimson cloth slipped away.

Everyone froze.

Inside the wagon rested a massive crystal shaped like a human heart.

Dark crimson energy pulsed through countless cracks across its surface.

With every heartbeat, the crystal released waves of corruption that strengthened every nearby Abyss Walker.

Dr. Evelyn stared in disbelief.

"That’s impossible..."

Father Gabriel whispered,

"The Corrupted Heart."

Gideon’s face filled with horror.

"It was sealed centuries before the Hollow King was imprisoned."

"If they merge it with the Heart Forge..."

"He’ll become unstoppable."

Suddenly, a familiar figure rode through the advancing army.

The Crimson Rider.

His silver mask remained cracked from the Hollow King’s punishment.

He looked directly at Victoria.

Then, to everyone’s surprise, he pointed his sword—not at her—but at the crystal.

"Destroy it!"

His voice thundered across the battlefield.

"The Hollow King must never reclaim his heart!"

Before Victoria could react, dozens of Hollow Guard turned on their own commander.

Black spears flew toward Elias Crow from every direction.

He raised his sword, deflecting several attacks, but one spear pierced his shoulder.

He nearly fell from his crimson horse.

"The King has marked him a traitor!" Lucas shouted.

The battlefield erupted into chaos.

Hollow Guard fought Hollow Guard.

Abyss Walkers turned to protect the Corrupted Heart while others hunted the Crimson Rider.

Victoria realized this was the only opportunity they might ever have.

She raised the Marshal’s sword toward the sky.

Its golden light burst across the battlefield like the rising sun.

"With me!"

The defenders of Blackstone Ridge charged through the breached gate, joining the battle as friend and enemy clashed alike.

Far beneath the fortress, hidden within the forgotten tunnels, the hooded traitor watched the conflict through an ancient crystal mirror.

A cold smile spread across the stranger’s face.

"Fight each other," the mysterious figure whispered.

"The Heart Forge will be mine before any of you realize the truth."