After leaving the shadowy forest haunted by fragment hunters, Van and Lyria continued their journey toward a region known as the Valeria Basin. According to the information Lyria had, the second fragment was hidden within an ancient temple lost to time at the center of the basin. However, reaching it was no simple task. The basin was notorious for being a dangerous area inhabited by wild creatures and filled with treacherous rocky terrain.
The journey to Valeria Basin took three days. Along the way, Van kept pondering Lyria's words about resonating with the fragment. The more he learned about himself, the more questions arose. If he was truly connected to the Outsider, what did that mean for his future? Could he be trusted to carry out this mission, or would he bring about destruction instead?
However, Van realized there was no time for self-doubt. After the incident with the fragment hunters, he understood that danger was ever-present, and he had to stay focused.
"Valeria Basin lies ahead," Lyria said, breaking the silence. "The temple where the second fragment is hidden is called Sanctum Aurora. It used to be the center of an ancient civilization that worshiped the deity of light. But after the war with the Outsider, the place was abandoned and cursed."
Van gazed at the horizon. From a distance, he could see the basin she mentioned. At its center stood a massive ruin that looked like the remains of a grand temple. Yet its aura felt dark and filled with despair.
"What kind of curse lies there?" Van asked.
Lyria stared straight ahead. "No one knows for certain. But rumors say that the guardian of the second fragment still resides there, protecting it from anyone who dares to approach."
As they reached the basin, the air grew colder, and a mist began to blanket the ground. The once-clear sky turned overcast, as if the place itself rejected their presence. Their footsteps echoed against the cracked rocks, and the sound of rustling wind resembled faint whispers.
As they approached the temple, Van noticed something strange. On the ground were large footprints that did not resemble any human's. They looked fresh, indicating that someone or something had passed through recently.
"It seems we're not alone," Van muttered, his hand already on the hilt of his sword.
Lyria nodded. "Be careful. The guardian of this temple is known as the Warden of the Light, but over the centuries, it has transformed into something else. The curse of this place has turned it into a mindless creature, clinging only to its duty to protect the fragment."
Van took a deep breath. "In that case, we should prepare for a fight."
As they entered Sanctum Aurora, the atmosphere shifted drastically. The once-majestic interior of the temple was now overrun with rotting vines, crumbling pillars, and statues of gods that were nearly destroyed. At the center of the main chamber stood a large altar emanating a faint glow.
However, before they could get closer, a rumbling sound shook the room. From the shadows emerged a massive figure with glowing yellow eyes. The Warden of the Light stood before them, its golem-like body composed of stone interwoven with light. Embedded in its chest was the second fragment, radiating immense energy.
"Leave," the Warden's deep voice echoed through the chamber. "This fragment is not yours. Any who try to take it will be destroyed."
Van readied his sword as Lyria began to chant a spell. "We have no choice," she said. "This creature won't listen to reason. Be ready, Van."
---
The battle against the Warden began.
Van charged forward, attempting to attack the Warden from the side. However, the creature moved with surprising speed for its size. With a single swing of its massive arm, it nearly knocked Van to the ground. Van barely dodged in time, but the impact sent tremors through the temple floor.
Meanwhile, Lyria unleashed magical attacks at the Warden, but the light shielding its body deflected her spells. "Its defenses are too strong!" she shouted. "We need to find a way to break its shield!"
Van observed the Warden closely. He noticed that the fragment in its chest was the source of the creature's energy. "The shield comes from the fragment!" Van yelled. "We need to strike directly at its core!"
With a new strategy, Van and Lyria worked together. Lyria used her magic to create illusions, distracting the Warden. While the creature was preoccupied with fighting the false images, Van leaped high into the air, focusing all his strength into a single attack.
Van's eyes glowed red once more. In an instant, he felt the same energy surge within him a power that came from deep inside. With a loud cry, he plunged his sword directly into the fragment in the Warden's chest.
A blinding light filled the chamber as a loud explosion echoed through the temple. The Warden let out a final roar before its body crumbled into shards of stone.
After the battle ended, Van walked to the center of the room where the second fragment now lay on the floor. The crystal's light pulsed faintly, as if alive. When Van touched it, a familiar voice echoed in his mind.
"The second fragment has been found. You are drawing closer to the truth, Van. But your journey has only just begun."
Van gripped the fragment tightly, feeling that each step brought him closer to his destiny. Lyria approached him, her expression a mix of satisfaction and concern.
"You've done something extraordinary, Van," she said. "But every fragment you acquire will draw you nearer to danger. The hunters won't stay idle once they learn we've claimed this one."
Van nodded. "I know. But I won't back down. We have to keep going, no matter the risks."
With two fragments in their possession, Van and Lyria left the temple, fully aware that they were not just racing against time but also contending with forces far greater than they had ever imagined.