The figure gestured toward the massive fracture that bisected the ravine. Its glow pulsed erratically, sending faint tremors through the ground.
"The fractures react to the shards' energy," they said. "If you wish to stabilize them, you must find the focal points—places where the shards' influence is strongest. But be warned: the process will demand more from you than you can imagine."
Elaine's grip on the shard tightened. "What do you mean?"
The figure's gaze was unreadable. "The shards require a balance of will and intent. To stabilize the fractures, you must give something in return—a piece of yourself. Fail, and the energy will consume you."
Ardyn let out a sharp laugh, though it lacked any humor. "Sounds like a great deal. Give up a piece of yourself, or die trying."
Elaine ignored her, stepping closer to the edge of the ravine. The shard pulsed in her hand, its light syncing with the fracture below. "Where do we start?"
The figure tilted their head. "The fractures will show you the way. But whether you survive the journey… that is up to you."
Pushing Through the Ravine
The team descended into the ravine, the glowing fractures lighting their path in jagged patterns. The air was thick with an unnatural stillness, broken only by the occasional crackle of energy from the fissures.
Lira clung to the rocky wall, her face pale. "I don't like this. The energy here feels… wrong."
Rivan moved ahead, their gaze scanning the terrain. "Keep moving. The longer we stay here, the more unstable it gets."
As they pressed on, the shard's hum grew louder, resonating with the fractures. Elaine could feel its pull, a steady rhythm that guided her steps.
"We're close to something," she said, her voice low.
Ardyn frowned. "Close to what? Another deathtrap?"
Elaine stopped suddenly, her eyes narrowing. The shard's light flared, revealing a circular formation of fractures ahead. The energy here was more concentrated, the glow blindingly bright.
"This is a focal point," Elaine said, her chest tightening.
"And what do we do with it?" Lira asked, her voice edged with fear.
Elaine stepped forward, holding the shard aloft. "We stabilize it."
The Shard's Influence
The moment Elaine raised the shard, the fractures responded. The energy spiraled upward, forming a vortex of light that surrounded her. The shard's hum became deafening, its power coursing through her like a storm.
"Elaine!" Rivan shouted, their voice distant over the roar of energy.
She clenched her teeth, focusing on the shard. Its whispers returned, a relentless tide of voices urging her to surrender.
"You cannot do this alone," the Nexus's voice said. "Embrace unity, and the fractures will heal. Resist, and you will break."
"I don't need you," Elaine muttered through gritted teeth. "I can do this myself."
The shard flared violently, its light blinding. The fractures began to close, their energy dissipating as the vortex subsided. But the strain was overwhelming—Elaine's knees buckled, and she collapsed to the ground.
Ardyn and Rivan rushed to her side, their expressions tense.
"Are you all right?" Rivan asked, helping her to her feet.
Elaine nodded weakly, her breathing labored. "It worked. The fractures… they're stable."
Lira glanced around, her expression skeptical. "For now. But if this is what it takes to fix one focal point, how are we supposed to stabilize them all?"
Elaine's gaze was resolute, despite the exhaustion in her voice. "One step at a time."
Doubts and Disagreements
Later that evening, the team made camp on the edge of the ravine. The glow of the stabilized fractures had faded, leaving the area eerily quiet.
Ardyn leaned against a boulder, her arms crossed. "This plan of yours—stabilizing the fractures one by one—it's going to kill you."
Elaine met her gaze, her tone calm but firm. "If I don't, the fractures will tear the world apart. You saw what happened back there—it's the only way."
Ardyn shook her head. "And what happens when the shard decides you're not enough? When it takes more than you can give?"
"It hasn't happened yet," Elaine said.
Ardyn's voice rose. "That's not good enough!"
Rivan stepped between them, their tone sharp. "Enough. We don't have the luxury of second-guessing every move. Elaine made her choice, and it worked. For now, that's all that matters."
Ardyn scowled but didn't argue further.
The Figure's Return
As the group rested, Elaine stepped away from the camp, the shard's faint glow illuminating her path. The mysterious figure appeared again, emerging from the shadows as if they had been waiting.
"You survived," they said, their tone neutral. "Impressive."
Elaine frowned. "You knew what would happen back there. Why didn't you warn me?"
The figure tilted their head. "Because knowing the cost would not have changed your path. You are tied to the shards now, whether you wish it or not. Their fate is yours."
Elaine's grip on the shard tightened. "Then tell me what I need to do to end this. For good."
The figure was silent for a long moment. "Stabilizing the fractures is only the beginning. The shards are pieces of something far greater—a force that cannot be contained. To truly stop the fractures, you must confront the source."
"The source?" Elaine asked. "What is it?"
The figure's gaze was piercing. "The first shard. The origin of the Nexus. It lies deep within the earth, at the heart of the fractures. But beware—its power is unlike anything you've faced. And once awakened, it will demand everything."