The group came out of the crumbling temple into the biting cold of the Solhaven wastelands. Outside, the air was heavy with tension, as if the world itself was holding its breath. The faint glow of the constellation on the map still hovered above Kaelith's staff, lighting their way toward the Abyssal Nexus.
Ryu adjusted Voidfang at his side, and its familiar weight grounded him amongst the chaos. The shard inside his satchel pulsed faintly, as though eager to guide them toward its source. Every step forward felt like a march deeper into the heart of darkness, and the silence among the group was deafening.
"We need to hurry," Kaelith said, her voice slicing through the tension. "The map's projection won't last forever, and the Abyss is already aware of us."
"How far is it?" Aris asked, scanning the bleak horizon.
"Not far," Kaelith replied. "But distance isn't the issue. The Abyss will throw everything it has at us before we get there."
