Chapter 28: Echoes of the Past
The narrow corridor stretched endlessly in both directions, the walls covered in faded carvings of strange, otherworldly scenes. A faint hum vibrated through the air, rising and falling like a heartbeat.
"Where the hell are we now?" Henry muttered, still catching his breath.
Adam turned in a slow circle, shining his flashlight on the carvings. They depicted humanoid figures locked in battle with monstrous creatures, their faces contorted in agony or triumph. Beneath them were symbols that resembled the runes from the portal.
Adam frowned. "Original builders of what?"
"Tests?" Henry asked, rubbing his temple. "As in more monsters?"
Henry groaned. "Fantastic."
They walked cautiously down the corridor, the hum growing louder with each step. The carvings became more elaborate, showing detailed images of people holding glowing artifacts, wielding powers that seemed to defy reality.
Adam paused in front of one carving. "This one looks different," he said, running his fingers over the smooth stone.
The image depicted a lone figure standing in the center of a circle, surrounded by others who knelt before them. Above the figure's head was a shining orb, similar to the one Adam had retrieved near the pool.
Henry squinted at the carving. "Think it means something?"
"Great," Adam said. "So we need to collect more of these things?"
The corridor ended abruptly, opening into a massive chamber filled with floating platforms. Each platform was connected by narrow beams of light that shimmered like water. Beneath the platforms was a black void, stretching endlessly in all directions.
"This doesn't look promising," Henry said, peering over the edge of the first platform.
Adam studied the beams of light. "These must be the paths forward. We just need to figure out how to cross without falling to our deaths."
"Good to know," Henry said dryly. "Any advice on how to 'precisely' not fall?"
"Thanks for that," Adam muttered, stepping onto the first platform.
The light bridge wavered slightly under his weight, but it held firm. Adam moved cautiously, keeping his arms out for balance.
Henry followed, his face pale. "If I fall, I'm haunting you," he said, his voice tight.
"Duly noted," Adam replied, focusing on the next platform.
Halfway across, the hum in the air grew louder, morphing into a low rumble. The platforms began to shake, and the beams of light flickered.
"This is not good," Henry shouted.
"Of course," Adam groaned, drawing his knife.
From the darkness above, shadowy shapes began to descend. They resembled the creature from the cavern, but smaller and faster, their glowing red eyes fixed on Adam and Henry.
"Why is it always monsters?" Henry yelled, slashing at the first creature to reach them.
Adam dodged another, nearly losing his balance on the shaking platform. He swiped at it with his knife, the blade cutting through its shadowy form. The creature dissolved into black mist, but two more took its place.
"Easier said than done!" Adam shouted, lunging toward the next beam of light.
The creatures swarmed them, their claws slashing and teeth snapping. Henry fought fiercely, his movements desperate but effective.
"Go!" he shouted to Adam. "I'll hold them off!"
"I'm not leaving you!" Adam yelled back, slashing at a creature that lunged at Henry's back.
Gritting his teeth, Adam grabbed Henry's arm and pulled him toward the next platform. They stumbled across the light bridge, the creatures chasing them relentlessly.
When they reached the final platform, a burst of light erupted from the orb in Adam's pocket. The creatures screeched and dissolved into mist, the shaking platforms stabilizing once more.
Henry collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily. "Please tell me that's the last of them."
Adam looked ahead to see another archway, its runes glowing faintly.
"Let's hope this one leads somewhere less homicidal," he said, helping Henry to his feet.
They stepped through the archway, bracing themselves for whatever lay ahead.
End of Chapter 28