Chapter 14: Into the Unknown
The three of them moved swiftly through the ruins, the faint glow of dawn casting long shadows over the broken landscape. The battle with the Hunters had left Kaylen drained, but the Ember Core's pulse gave him just enough energy to push forward. Eryn took point, their movements sharp and deliberate, while Solas trailed behind, their relics faintly glowing in case of an ambush.
"You're lucky to be alive," Eryn muttered, glancing back at Kaylen. "What were you thinking, jumping in like that?"
Kaylen wiped the sweat from his brow, his breath uneven. "I wasn't going to leave you to die."
Eryn snorted. "Bravery doesn't mean much if it gets you killed. Next time, think before you act."
"Next time?" Kaylen replied, forcing a weak grin. "You sound confident there's going to be one."
"There always is," Eryn said, their tone lighter than before. "As long as you don't do anything stupid."
Solas interrupted, their voice calm but firm. "Focus. The Hunters will regroup soon, and we're still too close to their last location."
Kaylen nodded, pushing down the exhaustion that clawed at him. His body felt heavy, his head pounding with the aftereffects of using the Core. But he couldn't stop now—not when there was still so much at stake.
---
By midday, they reached the edge of the ruins, where the broken terrain gave way to a vast, barren wasteland. The air was dry and harsh, the ground cracked and lifeless. In the distance, jagged rock formations jutted into the sky like the spines of some ancient beast.
"We'll camp there," Solas said, pointing to a cluster of rocks that offered some cover. "It's not ideal, but it's better than nothing."
Eryn nodded, leading the way. As they set up camp, Kaylen slumped against one of the rocks, his body finally giving in to the exhaustion. The Ember Core pulsed faintly in his pocket, its glow barely visible.
"You need to rest," Solas said, kneeling beside him. "The Core takes more than just energy. It's pulling at your very essence. If you don't pace yourself, it'll burn you out."
Kaylen closed his eyes, his voice barely audible. "I know. But it's the only thing keeping me alive."
Solas studied him for a moment, their expression unreadable behind their mask. "It's not just about surviving, Kaylen. If you want to master the Core, you need to understand its limits—and yours."
Kaylen nodded weakly, the weight of their words sinking in. He knew they were right, but the path ahead felt impossibly steep. Every use of the Core pushed him closer to the edge, and he didn't know how much longer he could hold on.
---
As night fell, the air grew colder, and the stars above cast a faint light over the wasteland. Kaylen sat by the fire, his thoughts a whirlwind of fear and doubt. Eryn and Solas sat nearby, their voices low as they discussed their next move.
"What's east of here?" Kaylen asked, breaking the silence.
"Beyond the Wastes?" Solas replied. "A network of abandoned cities, each more dangerous than the last. And somewhere among them, answers—if you're willing to pay the price."
"What kind of answers?" Kaylen pressed.
Solas leaned back, their gaze fixed on the fire. "The origin of the Ember Core. The truth about its power, and why it's drawn so much attention. But the path won't be easy. The cities are crawling with scavengers, mercenaries, and worse."
Kaylen's grip tightened on the Core. "I don't care how dangerous it is. I need to know the truth."
Eryn gave a low whistle. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But don't let determination blind you. The Core isn't just some tool you can wield—it's a piece of something much bigger."
"What do you mean?" Kaylen asked, frowning.
Solas exchanged a glance with Eryn before answering. "The Core is a fragment of an ancient artifact, one that was shattered long ago. Its pieces were scattered across the world, each one carrying a fraction of its original power. The Hunters aren't just after you—they're after the whole artifact."
Kaylen's heart sank. "And what happens if they get it?"
Solas's voice darkened. "Then the world as you know it will cease to exist."
---
The revelation hung heavy in the air, the fire crackling softly as the group fell into silence. Kaylen stared into the flames, the weight of his burden pressing down on him. The Ember Core wasn't just a tool—it was a key to something far greater, something that could reshape the world.
"I can't let that happen," he said quietly, his voice steady despite the fear in his chest. "I don't care what it takes. I'll stop them."
Eryn smirked faintly, their tone almost teasing. "Careful, kid. You're starting to sound like a hero."
Kaylen shook his head. "I'm no hero. I'm just someone trying to survive."
Solas stood, their expression unreadable. "Rest while you can. The road ahead will test you in ways you can't imagine."
Kaylen nodded, his resolve hardening as he settled in for the night. The fire burned low, its light reflecting off the faint glow of the Ember Core. He didn't know what awaited him in the east, but one thing was certain:
He wouldn't stop until he uncovered the truth.