Chapter 26: The Artifact

The Demon Hunters stood before the artifact, a pulsating orb of dark energy. It was housed in a chamber that seemed to amplify its power, making it difficult for them to approach.

"I've never seen anything like this," said Leif, his voice filled with awe and fear.

"It's even more dangerous than we thought," replied Emilia, her eyes locked on the orb. "We need to destroy it before the demon lord can use it."

But destroying the artifact was no simple task. It seemed to be protected by powerful wards that prevented any direct approach. The Hunters tried various spells and attacks, but nothing seemed to even scratch the surface.

"We need to find another way," said Kael, frustration evident in his voice.

As they searched the chamber, they noticed an inscription on the wall that they hadn't seen before. It was in an ancient language, but Leif recognized it as a variant of the language used by the people who had built the lost city.

"I think I can read this," he said, approaching the wall.

The inscription revealed a clue to the artifact's weakness. It said that the artifact could only be destroyed by a powerful energy source, one that was pure and untainted by darkness.

"I think I know what that means," said Emilia, her mind racing. "There's a place outside the city, a spring that's said to have healing properties. It's said to be a source of pure energy."

The Hunters knew that the spring was a dangerous place, guarded by powerful elemental spirits. But they also knew that they had no choice but to try.

They made their way through the winding tunnels of the lost city, emerging on the outskirts of Thera. The spring was located in a secluded grove, surrounded by dense forest. As they approached, they could feel the energy emanating from the water, a pure and radiant force that seemed to cleanse their souls.

But their reverie was short-lived, as they were soon attacked by the elemental guardians of the spring. The Hunters fought valiantly, using their skills to fend off the powerful spirits. In the end, they emerged victorious, with the pure energy of the spring coursing through their bodies.

They returned to the chamber housing the artifact, their bodies glowing with a radiant energy. They channeled the energy into the artifact, unleashing a powerful blast that destroyed the orb and shattered the wards that protected it.

With the artifact destroyed, the demon lord's hold on his armies weakened. The Demon Hunters prepared for the final battle, knowing that they had a chance to emerge victorious.