The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the battlefield in hues of crimson and shadow. The Obsidian Altar stood at the heart of the wasteland, faintly glowing with the energy it had absorbed from the day's battle. Kael sat near its edge, his blade resting across his lap. His body ached, his mind racing as he tried to process the events of the day.
Sylas approached, their movements fluid and silent. They leaned against one of the cracked pillars, their masked face tilted toward Kael. "You survived your first real battle. How does it feel?"
Kael hesitated, unsure how to answer. "I don't know. It feels... strange. Like I should feel proud, but all I can think about is how close I came to dying."
Sylas chuckled softly. "That's how it always feels at first. Pride comes later, after you've learned to stop fearing death."
Kael frowned. "You make it sound so easy."
"It's not," Sylas said, their tone growing more serious. "But the fact that you're here, still breathing, means you've already taken the first step. You're stronger than you were yesterday."
Kael glanced down at his hands, which still trembled faintly. He wanted to believe Sylas, but doubt gnawed at the edges of his mind. "What about you? Why do you fight?"
Sylas was silent for a moment, their gaze shifting to the horizon. "Let's just say I have my reasons. We all do."
Before Kael could press further, the Sovereign's voice cut through the air. "Kael. Sylas."
Both turned to see the Sovereign standing at the altar's center, his crimson eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. "Come. There is work to be done."
The Sovereign's Plan
The Sovereign waited until Kael and Sylas had joined him before speaking. His voice was calm but carried an undeniable weight. "Today's battle was only the beginning. The Emberlight Clan will not tolerate such a loss. They will regroup, and they will come for us with greater force."
Kael nodded, his grip tightening on his blade. "What do we do?"
The Sovereign's gaze shifted to the rekindled crystal at the altar's heart. "We prepare. The Obsidian Altar's power has grown, but it is far from its peak. To withstand what is to come, we must strengthen it."
Sylas tilted their head. "And how do we do that?"
The Sovereign extended a hand toward the altar, and shadows began to coil around the crystal. "The altar feeds on energy—on death, destruction, and the remnants of fallen Qi. The battle today was a step forward, but it is not enough. To restore its full power, we must seek out the relics of the Dominion."
Kael frowned. "Relics?"
The Sovereign nodded. "Before the fall, the Dominion forged artifacts of great power, each tied to the Abyss. These relics were scattered when we were betrayed, hidden by those who feared what they could do. If we can reclaim them, the altar's strength will grow exponentially."
Sylas crossed their arms. "Sounds straightforward enough. Do you know where these relics are?"
The Sovereign's lips curled into a faint smile. "I know where to begin."
The First Relic
The Sovereign led them into the wasteland, the faint light of the altar casting long shadows behind them. The journey was quiet, the oppressive stillness of the land broken only by the crunch of dry soil beneath their feet. After several hours, they arrived at the entrance to a canyon, its jagged walls looming like the teeth of some great beast.
"This is the Shattered Hollow," the Sovereign said, his voice low. "One of the relics, the Abyssal Fang, lies within. It is a blade forged from the heart of the Abyss, capable of cutting through even the strongest Qi barriers."
Kael stared into the canyon, unease prickling at the back of his neck. "If it's so powerful, why was it left here?"
"It was hidden," the Sovereign replied. "Its guardians ensured that none could claim it—none except those deemed worthy by the Abyss."
Sylas raised an eyebrow. "And let me guess: 'worthy' involves some kind of trial."
The Sovereign inclined his head. "Precisely. The Abyss does not grant its gifts freely. If you wish to claim the Abyssal Fang, you must prove yourself."
Kael swallowed hard, gripping his blade tightly. "What kind of trial?"
The Sovereign's crimson eyes glowed faintly. "The kind that tests not only your strength but your will. The Abyss reveals what lies within. If you are not prepared, it will consume you."
Into the Hollow
The three entered the canyon, the air growing colder with each step. Shadows seemed to shift along the walls, forming shapes that disappeared as quickly as they came. The ground beneath them was uneven, littered with jagged stones and the bones of creatures long dead.
Kael's heart pounded as they approached a massive gate carved into the canyon wall. The gate was covered in glowing runes, their light flickering like dying flames. The Sovereign placed a hand on the gate, and the runes flared brighter, their energy resonating with his touch.
"The trial awaits," he said, stepping back. "The Abyssal Fang lies beyond."
Sylas glanced at Kael. "Ready, kid?"
Kael nodded, though his hands trembled. "As ready as I'll ever be."
The Sovereign gestured toward the gate. "This is your trial, Kael. You must face it alone."
Kael froze, his eyes widening. "Alone?"
The Sovereign's gaze was unwavering. "The Abyss does not reward those who rely on others. Prove yourself, and the Fang will be yours."
Kael swallowed hard, his mind racing. He turned to the gate, steeling himself. "I won't let you down."
As the gate opened, revealing a dark and foreboding corridor beyond, Kael stepped forward. The shadows seemed to reach for him, their cold tendrils brushing against his skin. He took a deep breath and entered, the gate closing behind him with a resounding boom.
End of Chapter 8