The trembling of the courtyard didn't stop. It pulsed in waves, the rhythm somehow matching the hum of the orb in Grizzle's hands. The vines retreated slightly, quivering as though awaiting new orders.
The guardian, however, did not falter. It moved with relentless precision, driving Elric back step by step. Each swing of its massive blade sent jolts up his arm, his cursed markings burning hotter with every clash.
"You delay the inevitable, cursed one," the guardian intoned, its helm tilting toward Elric. "Surrender the orb and accept judgment."
"Judgment?" Elric barked a mirthless laugh. "Sorry, I'm on a strict 'no judgment' policy. Talk to my goblin."
Grizzle, still clutching the orb, shot him a glare. "Funny you mention me, boss, 'cause this thing's getting hotter!"
As if to emphasize his point, the orb glowed brighter, sending cracks of light racing through the pedestal it had rested on moments before. The vines shuddered and began to recoil further, curling into the shadows. The guardian stiffened, its skeletal helm snapping toward Grizzle.
"The orb is awakening," it growled. "You are not worthy to wield its power!"
"Oh, I agree completely!" Grizzle yelped, holding the orb at arm's length. "Take it! It's all yours! Please!"
But the orb had other ideas. Its light flared, and an invisible force rooted Grizzle to the spot. He tried to toss it away, but his hands refused to let go, his fingers locked as if bound by an unseen spell.
"Elric!" he croaked. "Fix this!"
---
The Echoes Begin
Before Elric could respond, the ground beneath their feet split open with a deafening crack. From the fissures rose a deep, resonant hum—a sound that wasn't just heard but felt in their bones. Shadows poured from the cracks, but they didn't take the form of wraiths this time. Instead, they coalesced into fragmented images: shimmering figures of soldiers, mages, and citizens.
Elric froze, his eyes darting between the apparitions. They weren't just random echoes—they were memories.
One of the figures, a woman draped in ornate robes, stepped toward Elric. Her face was pale, her expression mournful. "You come seeking answers," she said, her voice layered with an ethereal echo. "But answers demand sacrifice."
The guardian bellowed, raising its blade. "Do not heed the echoes! They seek only to deceive!"
"Oh great," Elric muttered, glancing at Grizzle. "Now the ghosts are arguing."
The robed woman ignored the guardian's protest. Her translucent hand reached out to touch Elric's chest, directly over the cursed markings. The burning sensation intensified, and Elric staggered, biting back a groan.
"You bear the curse of Vaelorath," she whispered. "It binds you, yet it also opens the path. The Heart knows your name."
The mist surged again, swallowing her image. The remaining figures followed, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of pleas, warnings, and cries for vengeance. One word repeated through the chaos:
"Vaelorath… Vaelorath…"
---
The Orb's Power
Grizzle's panicked cries snapped Elric back to reality. The orb's glow had grown so intense it painted the ruins in harsh, flickering light. The vines had fully retreated now, leaving the guardian and the pair alone in the courtyard.
"Elric, this thing is going to blow, or melt me, or both!" Grizzle shouted, sweat pouring down his face.
The guardian moved toward Grizzle, its movements quick and deliberate. "Release the orb!" it commanded, raising its blade for a killing blow.
"No!" Elric shouted, lunging forward. He didn't think—he couldn't think. His body moved on instinct, and the cursed markings flared as he thrust his sword into the ground between Grizzle and the guardian.
The reaction was immediate. The orb's light surged, and the markings on Elric's arm crawled further up his neck. A pulse of raw energy exploded from the blade, knocking the guardian back. The armored figure skidded to a halt, its helm tilting slightly, as though studying Elric anew.
Grizzle collapsed to his knees, gasping, as the orb finally dimmed, its light stabilizing. He glanced up at Elric, his eyes wide. "Boss… what did you do?"
"I have no idea," Elric admitted, his voice tight.
The guardian rose, its voice tinged with something almost resembling respect. "Perhaps you are not so unworthy after all. The echoes… they recognize you."
Elric shot it a glare. "Great. Can they stop whispering and just tell me what they want?"
---
The Path Forward
The vines did not return, and the courtyard fell eerily silent. The guardian stepped back, lowering its sword. "The Heart lies beyond," it said, gesturing toward a shadowed archway. "If you survive the next trial, you may claim it. But know this, cursed one: the Heart is not salvation. It is a burden."
Elric sheathed his sword, his gaze hard. "My life's a burden. One more won't make a difference."
Grizzle groaned, pushing himself to his feet. "Speak for yourself, boss. I'd rather we didn't collect any more burdens."
Together, they approached the archway. The mist thinned as they passed through, revealing a vast chamber ahead. In its center stood a massive, intricately carved structure—pulsing faintly with the same light as the orb.
As they stepped closer, Elric felt the weight of the curse intensify. The echoes were louder now, almost deafening, but beneath the chaos, one phrase rose clearly:
"Claim the Heart… or be consumed."
Elric tightened his grip on his sword, his jaw set. Whatever lay ahead, there was no turning back now.