Chapter 451: Chapter 451: Thunder on the Distant Shore

The morning sun barely pierced the thick canopy of trees as Elara and her team ventured deeper into the forest. The air was damp and heavy, and the ground beneath their feet was a mixture of mud and roots, making progress slow and treacherous. The weight of their mission hung over them like a cloud, but they pushed forward with grim determination.

Morgana walked at the front, her eyes scanning the dense underbrush for any signs of the rare ingredients they needed for the ritual. Her expression was one of focused intensity, the knowledge of the Shadow Shard's potential fueling her every step.

Aric followed closely behind, his mind occupied with the logistics of the ritual. He had studied the ancient texts meticulously, and while the process was daunting, he was confident that they could succeed—if they could find everything they needed in time.