The group pressed on, deeper into the labyrinthine corridors of the temple. The oppressive darkness that had dominated earlier seemed to lighten slightly, revealing intricate carvings on the walls. Symbols, figures, and patterns danced along the stone, illuminated by the faint glow of crystals embedded in the ceiling.
"This place feels... ancient," Orin remarked, running his fingers over one of the carvings. "These symbols—some of them look like the ones in the Nexus Tome."
Zaria moved closer, her curiosity piqued. "You're right. These are Nexus Runes. But these aren't random—they're telling a story."
Riven leaned in, squinting at the carvings. "Storytime in the middle of a cursed temple? Great. What does it say?"
Zaria traced the runes with her staff, her voice calm yet filled with intrigue. "It's a prophecy... or a warning. 'When the Nine Worlds converge, chaos shall rise. Only the balance of light and shadow can seal the abyss.'"
Nyron smirked, leaning casually against the wall. "Sounds like us. Chaos, light, shadow—check, check, and check."
Riven nodded. "Yeah, but what's the 'abyss'? Doesn't sound like a picnic."
Zaria frowned, her brow furrowing as she continued reading. "The abyss is described as a force beyond comprehension, something that existed before the worlds were even formed. If unleashed, it could consume everything."
"Well, that's just fantastic," Riven muttered. "So, no pressure on us, huh?"
"Let's focus," Orin said firmly, his gaze shifting down the hallway. "If this is what we're up against, we need to be ready. Stay alert."
The group moved on, the carvings growing more elaborate with every step. Scenes of battles, sacrifices, and unity adorned the walls, each one a fragment of the temple's ancient history.
---
As they entered a larger chamber, the air grew warmer, and a low humming sound filled the space. In the center of the room stood a massive door, its surface shimmering like liquid metal. Runes similar to those on the walls pulsed faintly, their light flickering like a heartbeat.
"What's behind door number one?" Riven asked, tilting his head. "Treasure? More monsters? A buffet, maybe?"
Nyron chuckled. "Keep dreaming. If I had to guess, it's something worse."
Zaria examined the door, her eyes scanning the runes carefully. "This door is tied to the Nexus Core we neutralized earlier. It's meant to protect whatever lies beyond. But it's weakened now."
"Can you open it?" Orin asked, standing guard near the entrance.
"I can try," Zaria replied. She placed her hand on the door, her staff glowing as she chanted a spell. The runes flared brighter, responding to her magic. "This might take a moment. Be ready for anything."
The hum grew louder, the energy in the room intensifying. Shadows along the walls began to shift unnaturally, and a cold breeze swept through the chamber.
Orin tightened his grip on his sword. "We've got company."
From the edges of the room, shadowy figures emerged once more. Unlike the beasts they had faced earlier, these were humanoid, their forms flickering like smoke. Their hollow eyes glowed a piercing red, and in their hands were weapons forged from pure shadow.
"More welcoming committee," Nyron said, spinning his scythe. "Let's not keep them waiting."
The first figure lunged at Orin, its blade slicing through the air with unnatural speed. Orin blocked the strike, the clash of their weapons sending sparks flying. He retaliated with a swift counterattack, driving the creature back.
Riven faced two of the figures at once, his fists igniting with flames. "Double the fun!" he shouted, unleashing a fiery uppercut that sent one shadow flying. "Anyone else want a turn?"
Nyron fought with calculated precision, his movements fluid as his scythe cut through the figures like a dancer in perfect rhythm. The shadows that trailed him lashed out, striking any opponent that dared come close. "These things don't learn, do they?"
Zaria, focused on the door, called out, "I'm almost there! Hold them off a little longer!"
"No problem," Riven quipped, kicking a shadow creature into another. "We've got all the time in the—gah!" He ducked as one of the creatures swiped at his head. "Okay, maybe not all the time."
Orin leaped to Riven's side, slicing through the creature. "Watch your back."
"Thanks, Captain Lightheart," Riven replied with a grin, landing another fiery blow on his attacker.
The shadows kept coming, but the group held their ground. Finally, the door shuddered, its liquid-metal surface rippling as it began to part.
"It's open!" Zaria shouted.
As the door fully opened, the shadow creatures dissolved into wisps of smoke, their connection severed.
"What's inside?" Nyron asked, stepping forward cautiously.
The group peered into the chamber beyond. It was a vast, circular room with a raised platform in the center. Atop the platform floated a crystalline orb, glowing with a soft, golden light.
"That's... different," Riven said, scratching his head.
Zaria's eyes widened. "That's a Nexus Fragment. It's part of the original Nexus Core that created the Nine Worlds."
"So, it's powerful?" Orin asked, stepping closer.
"Very," Zaria replied. "And very dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands."
As they approached the fragment, the room trembled, and a voice echoed through the chamber. Deep, resonant, and filled with malice.
"You dare disturb the sanctity of this place?"
The group froze, weapons at the ready. From the shadows, a figure emerged—a towering being cloaked in darkness, its form shifting like smoke. Its eyes glowed a malevolent crimson, and a jagged, black blade rested in its hand.
"Great," Riven muttered. "Another boss fight."
The creature raised its blade, pointing it at the group. "You are unworthy of the Nexus Fragment. Prove your strength, or perish."
Orin stepped forward, his sword gleaming in the dim light. "We'll prove it. Together."
The creature let out a low, menacing laugh. "Very well. Prepare to face oblivion."
And with that, the battle began.