Chapter 25: The Shattered Spire
The landscape shifted as the group left the ruins of the Crystal Depths behind. Jagged mountains loomed ahead, their peaks disappearing into swirling clouds. The Shattered Spire was their next destination, and even from a distance, its silhouette was ominous—a crooked tower of stone and metal that jutted out of the mountains like a broken fang.
Eryn adjusted the straps of their pack, their gaze fixed on the towering structure. "So, what do we know about this place?"
"Not much," Solas admitted. "The Spire was once a fortress, built to contain and study the fragments. But something went wrong. The energy of the artifact destabilized it, turning the entire area into a death trap."
Kaylen frowned, the Core pulsing faintly in his hand. "And we're just walking in?"
Eryn smirked. "We've done worse."
"Barely," Kaylen muttered, his gaze drifting to the Spire. The Core's warmth spread through him, faint but insistent. He could feel the fragment's pull, its energy calling to him from deep within the mountain.
"We'll need to be careful," Solas said. "The Spire's defenses are likely still active, and the Hunters won't be far behind."
Kaylen nodded, his grip tightening on the Core. "Let's get this over with."
---
The path to the Spire was treacherous. The mountain trails were narrow and unstable, forcing the group to navigate carefully. Loose rocks tumbled down the slopes with every misstep, and the air grew colder the higher they climbed. The Core's pulse grew stronger with each step, its energy syncing with the faint hum that seemed to emanate from the Spire itself.
"This place gives me the creeps," Eryn muttered, their blade ready in hand. "Feels like we're being watched."
"We are," Solas said, their tone calm. "The Spire's energy is alive, just like the Depths. But this time, it's not just the environment—it's the defenses."
Kaylen felt a chill run down his spine. "Defenses?"
"Automated constructs," Solas explained. "Guardians built to protect the fragment. They'll attack anything that gets too close."
"Fantastic," Kaylen said, his voice dry. "Can't wait to meet them."
---
By the time they reached the base of the Spire, the air was thick with tension. The fortress loomed above them, its walls cracked and scarred by centuries of decay. Strange, glowing symbols lined the stone, pulsing faintly in rhythm with the Core's hum.
"This is it," Solas said, their voice low. "The fragment is inside."
Eryn studied the entrance, their expression wary. "Any bets on what's waiting for us in there?"
"No need to bet," Solas replied, stepping forward. "We're about to find out."
Kaylen followed, the Core's energy growing stronger with each step. The whispers in his mind had returned, faint but insistent, guiding him toward the fragment. He could feel its power, a force as familiar as it was dangerous.
---
The interior of the Spire was a labyrinth of corridors and chambers, each one more twisted and decayed than the last. The walls were covered in glowing symbols that seemed to shift and writhe when Kaylen looked at them too long. The air was heavy with the scent of metal and ash, and the faint hum of machinery echoed through the halls.
"This place is alive," Kaylen said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Solas nodded. "The Spire's defenses are still operational. Stay close, and don't touch anything."
They moved cautiously, their footsteps echoing in the silence. Kaylen felt the Core's pull intensify, its energy guiding him deeper into the fortress. The whispers grew louder, their fragmented words filling his mind with a sense of urgency.
Suddenly, a low rumble echoed through the hall. The walls trembled, and a section of the corridor ahead of them collapsed, revealing a massive, humanoid construct. Its body was made of stone and metal, its glowing eyes fixed on the group.
"Guardian," Solas said, their tone sharp. "Prepare yourselves."
The construct let out a deafening roar, its movements slow but deliberate as it charged toward them. Eryn darted forward, their blade flashing as they struck at the Guardian's leg. The attack barely left a scratch, the construct's armor too thick.
Kaylen summoned a burst of fire, the Core's energy flaring as he aimed for the Guardian's chest. The flames struck true, but the construct didn't falter, its glowing eyes locking onto him.
"It's not enough!" Kaylen shouted, dodging a massive fist that slammed into the ground where he'd been standing. "What do we do?"
"The symbols!" Solas called, pointing to the glowing runes on the Guardian's chest. "They're its power source. Aim for them!"
Kaylen focused, the Core's energy building within him. He shaped the flames into a concentrated lance, aiming for the center of the runes. The fire pierced through the construct's armor, and it let out a guttural roar as the runes flickered and dimmed.
Eryn took advantage of the opening, leaping onto the construct's back and driving their blade into its neck. The Guardian staggered, its movements growing sluggish before it collapsed with a thunderous crash.
The group stood in silence, their breaths ragged. The Guardian's remains flickered with fading energy, the symbols on its body dimming into darkness.
"That was fun," Eryn said, their voice dripping with sarcasm.
Kaylen wiped sweat from his brow, the Core's glow steady but faint. "Let's hope there aren't more of those."
Solas stepped forward, their gaze fixed on the corridor ahead. "There will be. The fragment is close, but the Spire won't give it up easily."
Kaylen nodded, his resolve hardening. "Then we keep going."
With the Core's energy guiding them and the fragment's pull growing stronger, they pressed deeper into the Spire. Each step brought them closer to the fragment—and to the dangers that awaited them.