The figure pulled back their hood, revealing a young woman with sharp eyes that glinted like obsidian. "Call me Ife. I have been tracking Ekwensu's soul weapons for years."
Ayo's eyes narrowed. "Why should we trust you?"
Ife smiled, a hint of mischief. "Because I want the same thing as you — to restore balance. And to stop Ogbanje before he consumes this world."
A tense silence hung in the air. Finally, Ayo nodded. "Alright, Ife. Show us what you know."
Ife produced a small, ancient map etched on worn leather. "The soul weapons are scattered, but one lies near — right beneath Ogbanje's fortress."
Emeka's eyes lit up. "If we can retrieve it, we might stand a chance."
Suddenly, Ogbanje roared, "Fools! I will crush you before you even reach my lair!"
The ground cracked, and from the depths emerged monstrous beasts — twisted forms of the old gods' warriors, their faces contorted in eternal agony.
The battle resumed — fierce, chaotic, a symphony of power and will. Lightning clashed with shadow, fire danced with water, and the clash of steel echoed like thunder.
Ayo and Ife fought back to back, cutting through the monsters with fluid precision. Ngozi's electric shields kept the group safe, while Emeka's flames purged the darkness.
Zara summoned a whirlpool that sucked in several creatures, tearing them apart. Tunde darted through the chaos, spear flashing as he struck down enemies with deadly accuracy.
Amidst the fight, Ife called out, "There! The entrance!"
A hidden door in the cliff face glimmered faintly. Ayo sprinted towards it, slashing the last monster in his path.
With a deep breath, the team slipped inside, the air thick with ancient magic. They descended narrow stairs carved into the stone, heartbeats loud in the silence.
At the bottom, a pedestal held a radiant blade — the first of Ekwensu's soul weapons.
Ife approached, her hand trembling as she reached out. "This is the Sword of Shadows. With it, Ekwensu's power can be contained."
A sudden rumble shook the chamber. Ogbanje's voice echoed from above, "You cannot hide from me!"
Ayo gripped the sword, feeling its power pulse through him. "We won't run. We fight."
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