The Shimmering Cliffs were a sight to behold. Towering spires of crystalline rock rose high into the sky, their surfaces reflecting light in every direction. The jagged formations created a kaleidoscope of colors, casting an otherworldly glow over the barren landscape. It was beautiful, but there was an edge of unease in the air, as though the cliffs were watching.
Mina tightened her grip on the Catalyst Map as they approached the base of the cliffs. The artifact's glow pulsed more brightly now, indicating they were close to the fragment. The System chimed softly in her mind.
"Proximity Alert: Fragment Detected. Estimated Distance: 1.8 Miles. Warning: Hostile Presence Detected. Threat Level: Moderate."
"Great," Mina muttered under her breath. "More hostile presences."
Adrian, walking just ahead of her, glanced over his shoulder. "What did the System say?"
"It says we're close to the fragment, but there's danger ahead. Threat level: moderate." She sighed. "Whatever that means."
Adrian's expression hardened. "Stay close. These cliffs are full of crevices and blind spots. Perfect for an ambush."
---
The climb began with relative ease, the path winding upward in a gentle incline. Mina followed closely behind Adrian, her senses on high alert. The guards, Orin and Rynn, flanked them, their weapons at the ready.
The crystalline surface of the cliffs was deceptively smooth, and every step required careful placement. Mina felt her boots slipping more than once, and the occasional shower of loose shards sent her heart racing.
As they climbed higher, the temperature began to drop. The air grew thin, and Mina found herself struggling to catch her breath. The System buzzed again.
"Environmental Warning: Altitude Adjustment Required. Stamina Decrease Imminent. Suggested Action: Rest Period."
She groaned. "The System's telling me to rest."
Adrian paused, looking her over. "We can take a short break. The fragment isn't going anywhere."
They found a small ledge to sit on, the cliffs offering a brief reprieve from the climb. Mina took a sip of water from her canteen, the cool liquid soothing her dry throat. Orin and Rynn stood watch, their eyes scanning the jagged landscape.
Adrian sat beside her, his gaze distant. "These cliffs… they remind me of something."
Mina tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
"When I was a boy, my village told stories about places like this. They called them thresholds—places where the veil between realms is thin. Strange things happen in places like this." He looked at her, his eyes serious. "We need to be careful."
Mina nodded, her unease growing. The System chimed again.
"Energy Signature Detected. Fragment Location Confirmed. Threat Level Updated: High."
She froze. "The System just updated the threat level. It's high now."
Adrian's jaw tightened. "Then we need to move carefully. Let's go."
---
The final stretch of the climb was grueling. The path grew steeper, the air colder. Mina's legs burned with effort, but she pressed on, the glow of the Catalyst Map guiding her steps.
They reached a plateau near the top of the cliffs, the landscape opening into a vast expanse of glittering rock. In the center of the plateau stood a massive crystalline structure, its surface pulsating with a soft, golden light. Mina's heart leaped.
"That's it," she said, her voice breathless. "The fragment."
Before they could take another step, the ground beneath their feet trembled. A low, resonant hum filled the air, and the light from the fragment intensified. Mina's grip on the Catalyst Map tightened as the System buzzed urgently.
"Warning: Hostile Entity Approaching. Prepare for Combat."
Adrian drew his sword, his stance shifting into a defensive position. Orin and Rynn followed suit, their weapons gleaming in the light of the cliffs.
From the shadows of the crystalline formations, a figure emerged. At first glance, it appeared humanoid, but its body was made of jagged, glass-like shards, its movements sharp and deliberate. Its eyes glowed with the same golden light as the fragment.
"What is that?" Mina whispered, her voice trembling.
"A guardian," Adrian said grimly. "It's protecting the fragment."
The guardian let out a piercing screech, its body shifting as it prepared to attack. Adrian charged forward, his sword slicing through the air. The clash of metal against crystal rang out, and the battle began.
---
The fight was unlike anything Mina had ever seen. The guardian's movements were swift and precise, its crystalline limbs striking with deadly force. Adrian dodged and parried, his every move calculated. Orin and Rynn flanked the creature, their blades chipping away at its gleaming exterior.
Mina stood frozen, unsure of what to do. The System buzzed in her mind, presenting a new screen.
"Weak Point Analysis: Core Crystal Located in Upper Torso. Recommended Action: Distraction and Direct Strike."
She swallowed hard. "System, how am I supposed to distract that thing?"
No answer came, but Mina knew she couldn't stand idle. She grabbed a handful of loose crystals from the ground and hurled them at the guardian. The shards bounced harmlessly off its surface, but the creature turned toward her, its glowing eyes locking onto her.
"Mina, what are you doing?" Adrian shouted, his voice laced with panic.
"Giving you an opening!" she yelled back.
The guardian lunged toward her, its movements sharp and relentless. Mina scrambled backward, her heart pounding. Adrian seized the opportunity, his sword striking the creature's core. The impact sent a shockwave through the air, and the guardian let out a final, ear-splitting screech before shattering into a thousand pieces.
---
The plateau fell silent once more. Mina collapsed to her knees, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. Adrian approached her, his expression a mix of relief and frustration.
"Are you insane?" he demanded. "You could have been killed."
She looked up at him, her voice trembling. "The System told me where its weak point was. I had to do something."
Adrian sighed, his anger fading. "You're brave, I'll give you that. But next time, let's find a safer plan."
Mina managed a weak smile. "Deal."
The group turned their attention to the fragment, its golden light now soft and inviting. Mina stepped forward, her hand trembling as she reached out to touch it. The moment her fingers made contact, the light engulfed her, and the System's voice filled her mind.
"Fragment Acquired. Stabilization Progress: 12%."
The light faded, and Mina opened her eyes to find the fragment now embedded in the Catalyst Map. The artifact's glow was stronger than ever, its surface etched with new, intricate patterns.
Adrian placed a hand on her shoulder. "You did it."
Mina nodded, her resolve hardening. The journey was far from over, but for the first time, she felt a glimmer of hope.