Her complexion was as white as snow, her hair a light blue that cascaded down her shoulders in neat braids. Two horns curled gracefully from her head, adding to her ethereal presence. Her eyes shone a brilliant green as she looked at Rhox, a mixture of curiosity and wisdom in her gaze.
"I've never seen one of your kind before, what are you?" Rhox asked, her voice filled with genuine curiosity and respect for the mysterious figure before her.
Kharin's lips curved into a gentle smile. "I am a descendant of the Ontarians, a once-great civilization that was wiped out to the brink of extinction due to the 'Great Calamity.' As far as I know, I am the last surviving member of my species. I serve as a guide for worthy individuals who wish to explore the lands in between."
Joize stepped forward, her eyes narrowing with interest. "So…are we worthy?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of challenge and hope.
Kharin nodded solemnly. "You have traveled through Dark Thorn and fended off void beasts. You have traversed the beast-infested forest of Gold Deep, and finally, climbed the perilous steps of the twin mountains while nature itself was against you. For that, I deem you worthy."
Kharin's gaze then shifted to Rhox, and her voice echoed telepathically in Rhox's mind, "And being allies with the Herald of Andressto are worthy in my book."
The group exchanged looks of triumph and relief, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten. They set up camp at the top of the mountains, a rare moment to relax after their harrowing journey. As night fell, they busied themselves preparing rationed foods from their luggage, distributing them among the members.
Joize sat by the bonfire, the flickering flames casting shadows on her face as she read her journal, her expression a mix of contemplation and resolve. Vincent, meanwhile, was meticulously wiping his energy rifle, ensuring it was in perfect condition after getting wet.
Nira, one of Joize's crew members, glanced at the others and said, "This place feels almost peaceful now, doesn't it? Hard to believe we nearly died getting here."
Morn, leaning back against a rock, grunted in agreement. "Aye, but it's a damn good feeling knowing we made it. Cheers to us for surviving the impossible."
Brek, always the joker, added, "Survived so far, anyway. Let's not get too comfortable just yet. We've got a relic to find, remember?"
The mood grew somber as they remembered Lox, who had died when a massive rock fell on him during their climb. Joize's eyes flickered with sadness as she spoke, "Let's not forget Lox. He gave everything to get us here. We'll carry his memory with us."
Vincent nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, for Lox. Let's make sure this journey means something."
Joize looked up from her journal, her eyes meeting each of her crew members' gazes. "We've done well to get this far. Let's make sure we're ready for whatever lies ahead. We've got a mission to complete and no time to waste."
Rhox, on the other hand, sat alongside Kharin at the large stone tablet, their conversation hushed and away from the hearing of the rest of the group. The air around them was thick with unspoken history and shared understanding.
"Vekx told me...you're a Herald like me?" Rhox inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of apprehension.
"Indeed...I am the Herald of Ayema, just as you are the Herald of Andressto," Kharin responded, her tone calm and measured. She continued, "So Vekx has already instilled herself in your soul core, I presume?"
"You could say that... but a soul core...?" Rhox echoed, the concept unfamiliar yet intriguing.
Kharin nodded, emphasizing that all Heralds possess a soul core—a unique aspect of their being where soul-based entities like Void gods can implant a part of themselves. This allows them to interact with the Herald and utilize their abilities in a diminished form. As the Herald of the God of Earth and Sky, Kharin explained that this was how she had stopped the storm and manipulated nature earlier.
"I heard from Vekx that Andressto betrayed the rest of the Gods before allying with the Dark Beast," Rhox said, her voice carrying a mixture of skepticism and curiosity. "How would your God feel about talking with a herald of a traitor, like me?"
Kharin briefly closed her eyes, a shadow of old pain crossing her features. "Ayema respected Andressto and treated him as a friend because Andressto defended the weak and innocent. When the rest of the Gods turned against Andressto, Ayema remained neutral, declining to attack his friend."
Rhox's eyes widened as she absorbed this revelation. "But then... Ayema was branded a traitor too?"
Kharin's expression grew somber. "Yes. Ayema was branded a traitor, which led to the 'Great Calamity' that befell the Ontarians. Our civilization was destroyed, kingdoms fell into ruins, and all heralds were killed except for one—me. In the end, Ayema was forced to join the attack on Andressto."
Rhox's shock was evident. "You mean... you were there when it all happened?"
Kharin nodded, her eyes reflecting a deep sorrow. "Indeed… I was there when the Great Fleet of Andressto covered the entire horizon. I was there when the Dark Beast invaded our reality. I witnessed the destruction of my home and the murder of my fellow heralds. I lived through it all."
Rhox's mind reeled as she tried to comprehend the magnitude of Kharin's experiences. "That must have been... unimaginable."
Kharin's voice softened. "It was. But it also taught me the resilience of hope and the power of alliances forged in the darkest times. We are not defined by the betrayals of our predecessors, Rhox. We are defined by the choices we make and the paths we carve for ourselves."
Rhox felt a newfound resolve stir within her. "I understand. And I won't let Andressto's legacy be one of betrayal and darkness."
Kharin placed a reassuring hand on Rhox's shoulder. "Remember, Rhox. You are more than just a Herald. You carry within you the potential to shape the future of countless lives in the void. Embrace that power and let it guide you."
"How old are you, Kharin?" Rhox inquired, her curiosity piqued by the ancient wisdom in Kharin's eyes.
Kharin thought for a moment, a wistful expression crossing her face. "I've lost count of the exact years... yet I know that I've been a herald for precisely six thousand years..."
Rhox's eyes widened in disbelief. Six thousand years? The very notion that Kharin had lived through the rise and fall of countless civilizations, including the formation of the mighty Corvi Empire, was almost beyond comprehension.
"Six thousand years..." Rhox muttered, more to herself than to Kharin. "You were there when the Corvi Empire was formed..."
Kharin nodded slowly, her eyes reflecting memories long past. "Indeed, I have witnessed the birth and death of many empires. Time has a way of humbling even the greatest of powers."
Rhox pondered for a moment, then asked, "What does it mean to be a Herald...?"
Kharin smiled softly and tapped Rhox on the shoulder, her touch gentle yet firm. "That, my dear, is for you to discover. Every Herald's journey is unique, shaped by their choices, their trials, and their triumphs."
The night passed quietly, the group sleeping without interruption. The fire crackled softly, casting dancing shadows on the stone tablet and the surrounding rocks. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose permeated the camp, a silent promise of the challenges and rewards that lay ahead.
The night passed as the group slept without interruption, the peaceful rest rejuvenating their spirits. When dawn broke, they awoke to a brand new day, filled with anticipation and a sense of purpose. Today, they would finally venture into the Lands in Between, where Joize hoped to find the relic she had sought for so long.
.
.
.
"Get up, lads! It's finally time we venture into the Lands in Between! Or so the journal says," Joize exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement and determination.
The group quickly prepared themselves, gathering their belongings and checking their gear. There was a palpable energy in the air, a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
"Without further ado, I shall take you all to Gevkan...the land of Banshees," Kharin remarked, her tone solemn. She knelt on the ground, reciting ancient words that resonated with power. As she spoke, a crack began to form in the heavens, growing larger and causing the entire group to stare in awe.
"What the hell is going on!?" Morn shouted, his voice tinged with both fear and amazement.
The crack expanded, filling with a dark red hue. The entire environment began to shatter, as if reality itself were being torn apart. It was a disorienting, surreal experience, and the group's expressions reflected their shock and disbelief.
When the world around them finally settled, they found themselves in a new and unsettling environment. They were no longer atop the mountain but standing on solid ground, surrounded by fiery skies and the distant sound of terrified screams.
From their vantage point, they could see a golden palace gleaming on the horizon, its majestic appearance in stark contrast to the chaos surrounding them. The distant screaming echoed through the air, a chilling reminder of the dangers that lay ahead.
"I presume that location will house the relic?" Joize inquired, casting a glance at Kharin.
Kharin nodded, her expression serious. "Indeed. The path to the relic will be treacherous. The palace is infested with banshees, void-spawn beasts hatched from a brood mother resting inside the palace. It serves as their nest."
Nira, always the pragmatist, tightened her grip on her blaster and said, "Sounds like we're in for a fight. Best be ready for anything."
Morn, despite the tension, tried to lighten the mood. "Well, at least it's not another climb," he quipped, earning a few chuckles from the group.
Brek, ever the optimist, added, "We've come this far, haven't we? We'll get through this, too. Just need to keep our wits about us."
Vincent, his face set with determination, checked his rifle. "Let's stick together and move fast. The sooner we get in and out, the better."
Joize nodded, rallying her crew with a confident smile. "You heard them, lads. We've faced worse and come out on top. Let's get that relic and make Lox proud."
"Ah… so you were looking for a relic that I myself own…?" Vekx's voice echoed through Rhox's mind, her tone almost playful before turning more serious. "This place… it is one of the domains I control… a place of trial for those who seek to claim one of my relics."
Rhox's eyes widened in surprise, her mind racing. "WHAT!? So you owned the relic all along!?" she exclaimed internally, the shock clear in her mental voice.
"Indeed…" Vekx replied, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. "I would give it to you immediately if you sought it for yourself… but that is not the case. The pirate captain you accompany desires it… and thus, she must undergo my trial."
Rhox's thoughts churned as she processed this revelation. She then asked, "What exactly is this relic, and what are its capabilities?"
Vekx's tone grew more solemn as she explained, "The relic is one of the 'Beast-Summoning' relics… it has the power to draw planetary and Void beasts. This relic is a weapon of immense power, capable of summoning the greatest void beasts from multiple systems. Therefore, it is fiercely guarded by the Brood mother and her offspring, the banshees."
Rhox felt a knot of confusion tighten in her chest. "What…? I thought Joize said that the relic repelled beasts… instead of attracting them?"
Vekx's voice took on a knowing tone, "Hidden secrets… lie within her heart… she hunts a beast… a void-born… in revenge for what it did."
Rhox's mind reeled from this new information, her thoughts racing as she tried to piece together Joize's true motivations. The idea that Joize sought the relic for vengeance rather than protection added a new layer of complexity to their mission.
Rhox's thoughts were interrupted by Vekx's soothing presence. "Do not be troubled, child… Joize's heart burns with the fire of revenge… but she is not alone in this journey. You… the Herald of War… are bound by destiny to aid her. Together, you will face the trials and uncover the truths hidden in the shadows."
Rhox took a deep breath, steadying herself. "I understand, Vekx… We will face whatever trials come our way and uncover the truth."
With a final thought, Vekx's presence began to fade. "Remember, child… the path of a Herald is never easy… but it is one of great purpose and power. Stay strong… and trust in your bond with Joize."
Rhox finally realized why Joize desired the relic and why she had lied about its properties. Joize seemed to be afraid to tell her crew that she intended to summon a specific void beast to exact her revenge. Rhox speculated that when they returned to Dark Thorn to travel back to the Jorhak system, Joize would activate the relic to draw the beast, leading the crew and the rest of the group to believe that the beast appeared by chance.
Rhox cast a glance at Joize, who was holding a pendant in her palm with a determined expression as she gazed upon the distant Golden Palace. Gathering her thoughts, Rhox approached her and gently tapped her shoulder.
"So, are you ready?" Rhox asked, her voice steady and supportive.
Joize nodded, her eyes filled with a mixture of resolve and anticipation. "I've never been this ready in my life, Rhox."
Leaning in closer, Rhox whispered into Joize's ear, "Whatever you're going through, know that your crew will always be there for their captain. And I myself never leave a client unsatisfied."
Rhox smiled warmly at Joize before rejoining the rest of the party. Joize watched her go, her gaze lingering on Rhox's retreating figure before looking down at the pendant in her palm.
Her hand began to tremble slightly as she stared at the pendant, the weight of her mission and the secrets she carried pressing heavily on her. After a moment of silent contemplation, she took a deep breath, composed herself, and rejoined the group, determination rekindled in her eyes.
The group, sensing Joize's renewed resolve, gathered their belongings and prepared to move towards the Golden Palace. The journey ahead was fraught with danger, but with their captain leading them, they felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.
The group began their journey towards the Golden Palace, accompanied by Kharin, who stated she would guide them until they reached the main entrance. As they approached, the gigantic gold-encrusted gates loomed before them, glinting ominously in the light.
"The entrance of the Golden Palace…the place where the relic is stored…beware of the beasts that reside within…now prove to Vekx that you are worthy of her relic," Kharin intoned, her voice carrying a weight of ancient authority.
Joize let out a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Well, shit...one more stretch and this adventure will be over..." she said, her voice carrying both exhaustion and determination. "Get ready, mates, we've finally arrived at our final destination...let's give it our all!"
The crewmen cheered, their spirits lifted by Joize's rallying cry. Morn grinned widely, slapping Brek on the back. "Let's show these beasts what we're made of!" he bellowed.
Nira tightened her grip on her weapon, a steely look in her eyes. "We've come this far, no turning back now," she said firmly.
The massive entrance creaked open, allowing mists from inside to billow out towards the group. The air was thick with an unsettling chill.
"That's the smell of death and beasts, indeed," Vincent muttered, his voice tinged with unease as he adjusted his rifle.
Without further ado, the group entered the palace's dark halls, their light devices casting eerie shadows that danced along the ancient walls. Rhox paused for a moment, taking a final glance at Kharin, who nodded in silent farewell. "Safe travels, Rhox, I await your return," Kharin telepathically conveyed, her voice echoing in Rhox's mind.
Rhox took the lead, her eyes adapting to the dark. "Keep your lights on. I'm going ahead to scout the area for hostiles," she instructed, her voice calm but alert. "Don't worry, I can see in the dark."
Joize nodded, her expression serious. "All right, come back to us when you spot anything," she said, adding, "We don't know where these beasts will come from, especially in the dark."
As Rhox ventured further down a lengthy corridor, the rest of the group followed closely, their senses heightened and weapons at the ready. They could feel the oppressive atmosphere pressing in on them, the air heavy with the scent of decay and danger.
"Stay close, everyone. Don't let your guard down," Joize whispered, her eyes scanning the surroundings.
Morn, despite his usual gruff nature, wore a somber expression. "This place gives me the creeps. Let's make sure we all get out of here in one piece," he said, gripping his blaster tightly.
Rhox continued down the corridor until she arrived in an enormous room. Inside, she saw a slew of women hiding behind corners, their backs turned away, shaking and crying faintly.
Rhox cocked her synth arm, transforming it into a cannon. "Banshees," she said softly, the word hanging in the air like a death sentence.
As she observed the room, her heart pounded in her chest. She knew these creatures were dangerous, their wails capable of shattering minds and souls. She took a deep breath, readying herself for the battle ahead. The rest of the group, sensing her tension, prepared themselves, knowing that the true test of their resolve was about to begin.