Eternal Ascension: The Divine Paradox

The battle was fierce. The armored warriors moved with unnatural speed and precision, their weapons crackling with energy. Kael struggled to keep up, his inexperience in combat evident. But Aegis and Lyra fought with skill and determination, their combined efforts holding the warriors at bay.

"Kael, use the artifact!" Lyra shouted, her voice strained.

Kael hesitated, fearing the consequences. But as a warrior lunged at him, he had no choice. He activated the artifact, and time slowed to a crawl. With a burst of energy, he disarmed the warrior and sent him flying.

The remaining warriors retreated, vanishing through the portal. Kael collapsed to his knees, exhausted. "I... I can't keep doing this," he gasped.

Lyra placed a hand on his shoulder. "You did well. But we need to find more allies. We can't face this alone."

Aegis's voice rumbled. "**There is one who may aid us—a being of immense power, imprisoned for centuries.**"

Kael looked up. "Who?"

"**Drakthar, the Eternal Dragon. He was sealed away after the Eternal War, but his strength could turn the tide in our favor.**"

Lyra's eyes widened. "Drakthar? I thought he was a myth."

Aegis shook his massive head. "**He is real. And if we can free him, he may join our cause.**"

Kael nodded, determination hardening his resolve. "Then let's find him."

Their journey took them to the **Obsidian Peaks**, a range of jagged mountains shrouded in perpetual storm clouds. At the summit, they found a massive seal etched into the ground, its runes glowing faintly.

"This is it," Lyra said. "But breaking the seal won't be easy."

Kael stepped forward, the artifact in hand. "Let me try."

As he channeled the artifact's energy into the seal, the ground trembled, and the runes began to fade. The storm clouds above swirled violently, and a deafening roar echoed through the mountains.

From the depths of the earth emerged a massive dragon, his scales shimmering like molten gold. His eyes burned with ancient wisdom and fury as he surveyed his liberators.

"**Who dares awaken me?**" Drakthar's voice was like thunder, shaking the very ground.

Kael stepped forward, his voice steady. "We do. We need your help to prevent the multiverse from collapsing."

Drakthar's gaze fell on the artifact, and his expression softened. "**The Divine Paradox... So, it has chosen a new wielder.**" He lowered his massive head. "**Very well. I will join you, but know this—my power comes at a price.**"