The group moved cautiously through the fragment, which resembled a crumbling schoolyard. Sylva floated above them, her light steady but dim. "This fragment is fragile. The Core's corruption has nearly consumed it."
Aiden frowned, looking around. "What happens if it collapses?"
"The memories here will be lost forever," Sylva said. "And the Core will grow stronger."
As they explored, Aiden's chest tightened. Something about the place felt familiar, like a half-forgotten dream. His footsteps slowed as they approached a cracked swing set. He reached out, brushing his fingers against the rusted chains.
Suddenly, an image flickered to life—a memory of Lila sitting on the swing, her laughter echoing in the air. Aiden's heart clenched as he saw himself pushing her, both of them carefree and happy.
"Aiden?" Rowan's voice broke through his thoughts.
The memory twisted, darkening. The swing set dissolved into flames, and Lila's laughter turned to screams. Shadows crawled from the ground, their forms flickering with crimson light.
"No," Aiden whispered, gripping the quill-sword. The whispers surged, louder than ever. You failed her. You'll never save her.
"Focus, Aiden!" Sylva shouted. "It's a trap!"
Aiden slashed at the shadows, but his strikes were wild and uncoordinated. Rowan and Kieran stepped in, their weapons cutting through the creatures with precision.
"Snap out of it, rookie!" Rowan yelled, slamming her spear into the ground and sending a wave of light through the shadows.
Aiden closed his eyes, forcing himself to breathe. He imagined the light of Yggdrasil, steady and warm. The quill-sword glowed brighter, and he slashed through the air, drawing chains that bound the remaining shadows.
When the battle ended, the fragment stabilized, but Aiden's hands still trembled.
"You okay?" Kieran asked, his tone gruff but concerned.
Aiden nodded, though his voice was shaky. "Yeah. I'm fine."