Chapter Thirty: The Aftershock
Rin and Mara exited the cathedral just as the first light of dawn broke over the horizon. The chill of the night gave way to a warmer, yet heavy, morning air. Every step out of the cathedral felt like peeling themselves away from the sinister hold of the vault below.
"Next time," Rin muttered, brushing dust off his coat, "let's just send a strongly worded letter to these cult types. Something like 'stop summoning creepy things or else'."
Mara rolled her eyes, adjusting her gear. "And if they don't listen?"
"Then we send the letter after setting their base on fire. Efficiency, Mara. Efficiency."
She chuckled softly, the sound a brief reprieve from the tension lingering between them. But her amusement was short-lived as she glanced back at the cathedral.
"Whatever that orb was," Mara said, her voice dropping, "we just destroyed a piece of something much bigger. Did you feel it? That energy…it wasn't natural."
Rin smirked, hiding the unease he felt deep in his gut. "Well, neither am I, so maybe it's a match made in hell."
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The Rising Tensions
By the time they reached the bustling streets of Duskborough, the city was already alive with merchants setting up stalls, workers beginning their shifts, and guards patrolling lazily. Despite the ordinary sights and sounds, Rin couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted.
Mara led them to a quieter side street, where an old, rickety tavern named The Rusty Anvil awaited. It was their go-to spot for regrouping—safe, discreet, and with enough noise to drown out sensitive conversations.
Inside, the tavern was dimly lit, its air heavy with the smell of stale ale and roasted meat. A few early patrons nursed mugs of beer, but no one paid Rin and Mara any attention.
They slid into a corner booth, and Mara immediately pulled out a folded map, spreading it across the table.
"Alright," she said, her tone all business, "let's recap. That orb wasn't just a weapon or some ritual trinket. It was connected to something ancient. Maybe even pre-Cataclysm."
Rin leaned back, balancing a chair on its two rear legs. "Pre-Cataclysm, huh? So, what? We just stumbled onto an artifact older than dirt? Cool."
"Not cool," Mara snapped, glaring at him. "The Red Veil wouldn't risk everything to retrieve it if it wasn't important. And did you notice the energy spike when the leader activated it?"
"Hard to miss," Rin admitted, the memory of the shockwave still fresh in his mind. "So, what's your theory, oh wise one?"
Mara jabbed a finger at the map. "I think it's part of something larger—an artifact or system of power left behind by whatever civilizations existed before us. If the Red Veil gets their hands on more of these pieces, they could do some serious damage. Worse, they could tip the balance of power in their favor."
Rin yawned dramatically. "Sounds like a lot of work for a bunch of people in matching robes."
Mara shot him a withering look. "You're impossible."
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A Visitor with Intentions
Their argument was interrupted by the sound of heavy boots approaching their table. A tall man in polished armor stood before them, his face partially obscured by a helmet. He carried himself with the air of someone used to authority, and his piercing blue eyes locked onto Rin with unnerving precision.
"Rin Park," the man said, his voice cold and deliberate. "You're coming with me."
Rin raised an eyebrow. "I am? That's news to me. Who are you, shiny pants?"
Mara stiffened, her hand instinctively moving toward her dagger. "Who sent you?"
The man ignored her, his gaze fixed on Rin. "You've meddled in affairs far above your station. The Red Veil, the orb…you're out of your depth, and now, you've attracted the wrong kind of attention. I'm here to ensure you don't make things worse."
"Wow," Rin said, mock-impressed. "You're good at the whole ominous speech thing. Do you rehearse in front of a mirror, or does it just come naturally?"
The man's eyes narrowed. "Enough games. Come quietly, or—"
"Or what?" Rin interrupted, standing up slowly. His relaxed posture belied the tension coiling in his muscles. "You'll drag me off in shackles? Try me."
Before the situation could escalate, Mara stepped between them. "Wait," she said, her voice steady. "Who do you work for? And why is Rin such a big deal all of a sudden?"
The man hesitated, his stern expression faltering for a brief moment. Then, as if weighing his options, he lowered his voice. "The Order of Astral Keepers. We've been watching the Red Veil, and now you. Rin Park's actions have set off a chain reaction that could destabilize more than just this city."
Rin crossed his arms. "I don't even like this city. Destabilize away."
"Rin," Mara hissed, exasperated.
The man sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You don't understand the stakes, do you? The artifact you destroyed wasn't just a random relic. It was a key. And now, others will come looking for whoever dared to tamper with it."
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A Reluctant Alliance
Despite Rin's bravado, the weight of the man's words wasn't lost on him. He exchanged a glance with Mara, who nodded subtly.
"Fine," Rin said, throwing up his hands. "Let's say I believe you. What's the plan, oh wise Keeper of Astral Stuff?"
The man's expression softened, though his tone remained firm. "We need to secure the other keys before the Red Veil does. And we'll need your…unconventional methods to help us."
Rin smirked. "You mean my charm and good looks?"
"Your reckless disregard for danger," the man corrected.
Mara stifled a laugh, but her face quickly turned serious. "If we're doing this, we need information. Where are the other keys?"
"That," the man said grimly, "is what we're trying to find out. The next clue lies in the Ruins of Erythia. It's a treacherous journey, but if we work together—"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Rin interrupted, holding up a hand. "We? Buddy, I don't even know your name."
The man hesitated, then extended a hand. "Commander Aldric Voss."
Rin stared at the hand for a moment before shaking it reluctantly. "Alright, Voss. Let's see how long you last before you regret dragging me into this."
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A New Mission
As they left the tavern, the weight of their next mission settled over them. The Ruins of Erythia were far from Duskborough, and the journey promised to be anything but smooth.
"You think this is the right move?" Rin asked Mara as they followed Voss through the city streets.
She glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "I don't know. But if the Red Veil's after these keys, we can't afford to sit back and do nothing."
Rin sighed. "Why is it always us?"
"Because we're the only ones crazy enough to do it," Mara replied with a smirk.
As the trio disappeared into the morning haze, the cathedral behind them stood silent, its secrets buried once more—for now.
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End of Chapter 30