As the Eclipse went deeper into the Abyssal Ruins, so was it becoming thicker in the air and vibrating, even the jagged corridors looked expansive with blackened stone walls on them, inscriptions moved and slipped from under serpent like moving lines; and that is how this whole area is-thick in such way it presses in our mind as well.
Is it just me, or does this place feel…aware?" Aris whispered, her voice almost as soft as the breeze blowing past her. Her fingers clamped tightly around her daggers as her sharp eyes flicked to every shadow.
Draven let out a nervous chuckle, though it lacked his usual bravado. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure I saw a wall blink at me back there. Definitely comforting.
Ryu said nothing, his attention unwavering. The Abyssal Key in his hand pulsed weakly, reacting to something unseen. He raised it, watching as it released a trail of shimmering light that wove itself ahead of them like a guide.
"This way," he said curtly, his tone brooking no argument.
Aris followed closely, but her unease was evident. "Eris wasn't kidding. These ruins aren't just dangerous—they're wrong. It's like they're trying to drive us out."
"Or lure us in deeper," Draven countered. His shield was raised high, and his grip on his weapon was as tight as his jaw.
As they traveled further in, the corridors began narrowing, twisting unnaturally. The course ahead divided into multiple tunnels, appearing identical but somehow foreboding.
"Which one do we take?" Aris asked, scanning each passage. Her brows furrowed. "They all look the same."
Before Ryu could speak, a low, guttural whisper echoed from the chamber, faint and chilling.
"…come closer…"
Aris froze. "Did you hear that?"
Draven nodded slowly, his face pale. "Yeah, but I'm really hoping it was just my imagination."
Ryu clenched his sword, his voice steady. "Stay together. Don't trust anything."
The shimmering trail of light suddenly veered left, leading them into one of the narrower tunnels. The whispers grew louder with each step, forming words that sent chills down their spines.
"…turn back…you are not…welcome…"
"Okay, that's officially creepy," muttered Draven. "Why do the spooky ruins always have to talk?"
The tunnel was quite abrupt, opening into a different chamber. This one was smaller than the last, but a hundred times more sinister. Walls appeared to pulse like a heartbeat; the floor was covered by some faint mist that swirled unnaturally around their feet. At the center of the room stood a pedestal. Resting atop it sat a glowing orb that emanated a cold, dark energy.
The whispers ended, and suddenly the silence was deafening.
"Let me guess," Aris said, gazing at the orb. "That thing's important."
Ryu came cautiously, his blade armed. The Abyssal Key pounded in his hand once more with the pulsing of resonance to the orb. Lifting his hand to pluck it, a message appeared before them:
[Warning: Abyssal Trial Initiated.]
Objective: Retrieve the Abyssal Orb. Survive the Trial.
The moment the message faded, the mist thickened, and the chamber seemed to warp. Shadows peeled away from the walls, forming into tall, humanoid figures with glowing red eyes. Their movements were jerky and unnatural, as though they were being puppeteered by an unseen force.
"Great," Draven said, raising his shield. "More nightmare fuel."
The shadowy figures launched forward with little hesitation, and far exceeding their earlier constructs speed and strength. Ryu met the first, striking blade to clawed hand, sending a resounding crack out of the impact. Recoiling in pain, it withdrew. In its wake appeared another with claws raked slicing across his side.
She dashed between the figures with her daggers flashing in and hitting their joints. Every strike sent one stumbling back, but they readied themselves again nearly at once, bodies repairing themselves from the darkness surrounding them.
"They're healing!" she bellowed. "We have to do something else now!"
Draven grunted, ducking under another heavy blow, which left him staggering a step back. "Ideas are okay because I don't feel like doing this all my life!"
Ryu's eyes darted to the orb, now glowing brighter as the battle raged on. He tightened his grip on his blade. "The orb is the key. Focus on clearing a path—I'll grab it."
"Easier said than done!" Aris replied, narrowly dodging a clawed swipe.
Without waiting for further debate, Ryu sprinted towards the pedestal in full speed. He sliced down two of the shadow creatures before them. Their attention focused on him, becoming wild and hostile in their movements.
"Draven! Aris! Cover him!" Aris shouted as she ran towards the nearest shadow without hesitation.
Draven stepped in front of Ryu and the remaining creatures, his shield deflecting a flurry of attacks. "Go, go, go!"
Ryu reached the pedestal and grabbed the orb. The moment his fingers closed around it, a blinding light filled the chamber, and the shadow creatures let out an ear-piercing screech. Their forms began to dissolve, and the mist retreated, leaving the room eerily quiet once more.
A new system message appeared:
[Abyssal Orb Obtained.]
[Path to the Core Unlocked.]
The glow of the orb faded and Ryu turned to his teammates. "We have what we came here for. Let's go."
Aris put away her daggers and looked at the pedestal now asleep. "This was the appetizer. What we are going to face at the Core is going to be worse."
Draven breathed out heavily, slinging his shield over his back. "Awesome. Can't wait."
Ryu looked at the orb in his hand. It pulsed with faint dark energy. He could feel the weight of its significance and the dangers it promised.
"Stay sharp," he said, his voice steady. "The real fight begins now."
With the orb in hand and a path now opened to the Catalyst Core, Team Eclipse continued forward without batting an eyelid, unwavering even as darkness creeps into their vision.