The blinding light that surrounded Kael and Varin dissipated as quickly as it had appeared, leaving them standing in an endless, white void. The quiet hum of raw, pulsing energy filled the air—an unmistakable sensation both men recognized. They'd been here before. The core of the city, where the Eternal Aeloria channeled her powers to sustain the massive barrier that shielded the city from the Abyss.
Varin's eyes narrowed as he surveyed the space. "I think I know this place," he muttered, his voice betraying the tension simmering beneath his calm exterior. "The city's core."
Before Kael could respond, a figure materialized before them. A woman with raven-black hair, eyes of molten gold, and ivory skin. She wore robes of silver that shimmered like stardust, her presence commanding but gentle. The power emanating from her was palpable, almost suffocating in its intensity, yet there was a serene, nurturing quality to it.
"Welcome, Kael. Varin," the woman greeted, her voice echoing like soft chimes. "I am Aeloria, Eternal Lifebringer and guardian of this city."
Kael inclined his head in acknowledgment, though his gaze remained sharp and alert. He was not easily swayed by the grandeur of those who wielded vast power, no matter how benevolent they seemed. Varin, on the other hand, stepped forward, his stance respectful but firm.
"We've come for a reason," Varin said, his voice steady. "To obtain the Light Essence. And to root out the Abyss Cults hiding within this city."
Aeloria's golden eyes softened as if she'd already anticipated their mission. "Yes, I know why you're here. The Light Essence you seek lies outside the city, in a place untouched by Abyssal corruption called the Cradle of Light."
Varin's eyes glimmered with interest. "Why outside the city?"
"Because that is where I first came into being," Aeloria explained. "When the Abyss first threatened Erendath, it was in that place where I channeled the full force of the light to protect this land. The city itself is named in my honor after I shielded it from the Abyss.
But obtaining the Light Essence is not a simple matter. You must first prove your worth through a trial."
Kael felt a flicker of unease. "A trial? What kind of trial?" His voice was calm, but his mind raced. The last thing they needed was more delays.
Aeloria smiled gently, her ethereal presence unwavering. "The Trial of Lifebringer, is a test of both strength and spirit. You must face the Abyss itself—not just in battle, but within your soul. Only by conquering your deepest fears and the darkness within can you access the pool of my Light Essence."
The air around them grew heavier as Aeloria continued. "The Light Essence will purify your Rebirth Core, strengthening it against the corrupting influence of the Abyss. Kael, I would encourage you to bathe in it as well. Your path is dangerous, and the darkness will continue to hunt you."
Varin turned to Kael, his expression unreadable, though Kael could sense the silent urging behind his eyes. They had come too far to turn back now.
Kael nodded, his decision made. "We'll take the trial. Both of us."
Aeloria's expression grew more serious. "The trial will activate the moment you enter the place, no corruption can reach this place. You will noticed the vast power of light and life that emanates from it. It is a sacred site."
Kael's brow furrowed slightly. "So this place… it's a sanctuary? A place where the Abyss can't reach?"
Aeloria nodded. "The Cradle of Light is pure, untainted. Only those with a Rebirth Core may enter. But you must undergo the trial to bath in the essence."
Kael exchanged a glance with Varin, who nodded in silent agreement. They were ready.
Aeloria stepped forward, placing a delicate hand on Kael's shoulder. "There is something else you must know. There is an entity nearby—a being of immense power. It has been watching, lurking near the city. I cannot tell whether it is friend or foe, but its presence unnerves me. It surpasses even my own power."
Kael tensed, remembering the warning his Abyss Locator had given him. A powerful, unknown entity detected near Aeloria's borders. The danger level had been extreme.
"What do you know about it?" Kael asked, his voice low.
Aeloria's golden eyes darkened. "Very little. It has not attacked, nor has it approached the city. It simply watches, as though waiting for something. I cannot decipher its intentions."
Kael's mind raced. Could this be connected to the Abyssal Anchors? Or perhaps something far worse? The uncertainty gnawed at him, but he pushed the thoughts aside for now. They had a mission to complete.
"We'll deal with it if it becomes a threat," Varin said firmly. "But first, the trial."
Aeloria handed them a small crystal orb, its surface smooth and cold to the touch. "This will guide you to the Cradle of Light. Channel your power into it, and it will open a portal. When you are ready to leave this city you can activate this orb."
Kael took the orb, feeling the weight of their task settle over him. There was no turning back now.
Aeloria then transported them both out of the core before she cleansed them of the abyss corruption energy within them.
They reappeared in the heart of the city, the gleaming white stone streets bustling with life. Aeloria's influence was evident everywhere—golden banners fluttered in the perpetual daylight, and shimmering spires reached into the sky, casting long shadows over the bustling marketplace.
Despite the beauty, Kael's Abyss Locator beeped incessantly. There were Abyss Cult members scattered throughout the city. Their presence was subtle, hidden among the crowds, but unmistakable to those who knew where to look.
Varin clenched his fist. "We need to meet with the Veil. They'll want to know what we've learned."
Kael nodded, scanning the area. "Let's not draw attention. We can deal with the Cult after we're done with the trial."
They made their way through the crowded streets, careful to avoid the cultists' prying eyes. The Veil's base was located in a nondescript building near the outskirts of the city, hidden in plain sight.
The moment they reached the entrance, Varin took out the artifact and it glowed before a hidden doorway leading down the path appeared.
Inside, the air was thick with tension. Members of the Veil sat around a large table, discussing strategies and sharing intel. When Kael and Varin entered, all eyes turned toward them.
Kael stepped forward with a slight nod, offering a calm smile. "I hope we're not intruding," he said smoothly. He then gestured toward Varin with a quick motion of his thumb. "And this is Varin."
A tall, lean man with silver hair stepped forward. His eyes were sharp, calculating. "Kael. Varin. Andrew has told us that you guys are coming. We've been waiting for you both."
Kael nodded. "We have information you'll want to hear. But first, we're heading out to the Cradle of Light. We'll deal with the cultists when we return."
The man, Jareth, crossed his arms, his expression grim. "Good. We've been tracking them for weeks. They're hiding in plain sight, but their numbers are growing. If we don't act soon, they could destabilize the city."
"Let's handle this together," Varin said, his voice cold. "But right now, we have other tasks we need to do"
Jareth nodded. "Be careful. The cultists are stirring. Something big is coming."
Kael's eyes darkened as he thought of the unknown entity lurking outside the city.
With that, they left the Veil's base and made their way to the outskirts of Aeloria. As they approached the edge of the city, the crystal orb in Kael's hand began to glow softly. He held it up, channeling his power into it as Aeloria had instructed.
The air shimmered, and a swirling portal of light appeared before them.
"Here we go," Kael muttered, stepping through the portal with Varin close behind.
They emerged in a place unlike anything Kael had ever seen. It was a vast oasis, surrounded by a desert of white sand. In the center of the oasis was a pool of shimmering, golden water, radiating light and life in equal measure. The air here was pure, untouched by the corruption of the Abyss.
"This is it," Varin said, his voice hushed. "The Cradle of Light."