Chapter 60: Rifted Paths
The Nexus Core dimmed as its energy flowed into Adam, leaving the chamber in an almost serene glow. He took a deep breath, steadying himself as the new ability, Dimensional Rift, integrated with his other powers. His mind buzzed with possibilities, but he didn't have time to linger.
"Let's hope that was worth it," Kaelith said, her arms crossed.
Lysandra glanced at the core, her expression wary. "What happens now? The factions aren't going to stop just because we got here first."
"They'll be here soon," Adam agreed, already mapping their escape. "We need to figure out how to use the core's power to gain an edge before they overwhelm us."
The crystal monolith pulsed one last time, and the chamber shifted, revealing a hidden passageway leading downward.
"Looks like it's pointing the way," Lysandra said.
The trio cautiously entered the passage, their steps echoing in the silence. The walls glowed faintly with inscriptions that Adam recognized as system runes, each one radiating an ancient, cryptic power.
System Notification:
Nexus Extension Discovered: The Rifted Paths.
Warning: Temporal and Spatial Instabilities Detected.
Kaelith stopped, her gaze darting between the glowing symbols. "Temporal instabilities? That doesn't sound like fun."
"It's a test," Adam said, his voice steady. "The Nexus isn't going to hand us its secrets without making us prove ourselves."
As they ventured deeper, the passage began to warp. One moment, they were walking on solid ground; the next, they were floating in a void, surrounded by fragments of shifting landscapes. Adam felt the pull of the dimensional energy he had absorbed, a faint tug guiding him through the chaos.
System Notification:
Rift Challenge Initiated: Synchronize Your Steps.
Objective: Align with the Rift's flow to stabilize your path.
The void solidified into a fragmented pathway, each step shifting the environment around them. They had to move in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the rift, or risk being cast out into oblivion.
"Stay close," Adam said, activating his Dimensional Rift ability. A faint aura surrounded him, stabilizing the nearest sections of the path.
Lysandra and Kaelith followed his lead, mimicking his movements as they traversed the unstable terrain. Adam's simulation ability kicked in, predicting the rift's flow and guiding their steps with precision.
Halfway through, a burst of energy disrupted the path, scattering the trio. Adam found himself alone on a floating platform, the others separated by a chasm of swirling void energy.
"Adam!" Lysandra's voice echoed, distant but clear.
"I'll get us out of this!" he shouted back, summoning the rift's power.
New Ability Activated: Dimensional Rift
Effect: Create temporary bridges across unstable terrain.
With a surge of energy, Adam conjured a glowing bridge, connecting his platform to Lysandra's. She crossed quickly, her balance impeccable despite the shifting surface. Together, they repeated the process to reach Kaelith, who had been fending off ghostly apparitions that emerged from the void.
"Next time, let's not split up," Kaelith said, her tone laced with sarcasm as she rejoined them.
"Agreed," Adam replied, suppressing a grin.
After what felt like an eternity, the path stabilized, leading them to a massive gate inscribed with intricate runes.
"This is it," Lysandra said, placing a hand on the cool metal.
Adam stepped forward, his fragment glowing once more. As he placed it into a slot on the gate, the runes came to life, and the gate slowly opened, revealing a vast chamber filled with ancient artifacts and a towering figure at its center.
The figure turned, its eyes glowing with the same energy as the Nexus Core. "You have come far," it said, its voice reverberating through the chamber. "But to claim the Nexus's true power, you must face the Guardian's judgment."
Adam exchanged a glance with Lysandra and Kaelith. The hardest part was yet to come.