THE DESTINY IS TOO HARD

Chapter 18: The Shadow Citadel

Sam, Juve, and their group, carrying the Dragon Hearts, approached the Shadow Dragon's fortress with a mixture of trepidation and determination. The citadel loomed before them, a jagged silhouette against the blood-red sky. It was a place of darkness and despair, a monument to the Shadow Dragon's power.

The fortress was surrounded by a twisted landscape, corrupted by the Shadow Dragon's dark magic. The ground was cracked and barren, the air thick with a choking miasma. Grotesque creatures patrolled the perimeter, their eyes glowing with malevolent energy.

Sam knew that they had to be cautious. The Shadow Dragon would be expecting them, and its fortress would be heavily defended. He used the power of the Heart of Aeridor to enhance their senses, allowing them to detect hidden traps and lurking enemies.

As they advanced, they encountered resistance. Hordes of corrupted creatures swarmed towards them, their claws and teeth dripping with dark energy. Sam, Juve, and their warriors fought bravely, their skills honed by their training in Veridor and Aeridor.

Sam unleashed blasts of pure energy from the Dragon Heart, incinerating the creatures in a flash of light. Juve moved with lightning speed, her Dragon Sword cutting through the darkness like a blade of fire. The warriors fought with courage and skill, their determination fueled by the hope of victory.

Despite their efforts, the Shadow Dragon's forces seemed endless. They pressed on, their numbers dwindling, but their resolve unwavering. They knew that they had to reach the heart of the citadel, where the ritual could be performed.

Finally, they reached the fortress gates, massive structures of black metal, adorned with grotesque carvings. The gates were sealed shut, guarded by a powerful barrier of dark magic.

Sam stepped forward, his hand resting on the Dragon Heart embedded in his chest. He could feel its power resonating with the dark energy of the barrier. He knew that he had to use the combined energy of all the Dragon Hearts to break through.

He gathered his companions around him, and they joined their hands together. They focused their energy, drawing upon the power of the Dragon Hearts. A surge of light erupted from them, pushing against the dark barrier.

The barrier crackled and groaned, but it held. Sam could feel the Shadow Dragon's presence, its dark will strengthening the barrier. He knew that they had to push harder.

He called upon the Heart of Aeridor, seeking its wisdom and its strength. The Heart responded, its gentle energy flowing through him, amplifying his power.

With a final, desperate effort, they unleashed a torrent of energy. The barrier shattered, and the gates flew open, crashing against the walls of the citadel.

They had breached the Shadow Dragon's defenses, but they knew that the true challenge lay ahead. The Shadow Dragon awaited them in the heart of its fortress, and the final battle was about to begin.