A Glimpse Into the Abyss
The chamber where the Heart of the Abyss once resided no longer radiated the oppressive force that had weighed on anyone who dared to approach. Yet the silence that enveloped the space after the orb's destruction was even more suffocating.
Simon stood shakily, feeling weakness overwhelm his body. Adeline steadied him by the shoulder, her face etched with concern.
"You should've stopped earlier," she said reproachfully, though her voice trembled. "You nearly destroyed yourself along with the Heart."
"But I succeeded," Simon replied, struggling to take a deep breath. "It was worth it."
He looked down at his hands. The black flames that had engulfed him during the fight now left faint traces, barely glowing. It was a reminder that his connection to the Abyss remained—and perhaps had grown even stronger.
"We're not done," Adeline said sharply. "You've destroyed a tool, nothing more. The Abyss itself persists."
Simon nodded.
"Then we go deeper."
---
The Fractured Path
As they left the chamber, they were met with new corridors. The walls, once adorned with glowing runes, now shone faintly. It seemed the destruction of the Heart had affected the fortress's entire structure.
"This place is changing," Adeline observed, pressing a hand against the wall. "It's dying… or preparing for something."
Simon said nothing but felt a strange tension. The darkness surrounding them no longer frightened him, yet it concealed something unknown.
"We must tread carefully," Adeline continued, leading them toward a fork in the passageways. "These places are full of traps."
A sudden chill ran down Simon's spine.
"Do you hear that?"
Adeline stopped and listened. The silence was complete, but within it, a faint whisper could be heard.
"It's…" She frowned. "The voice of the Abyss."
"It's calling us," Simon whispered.
---
The Whisper of the Past
The whispers grew louder as they delved deeper into the corridors. It seemed the voices emanated from the very walls. Initially, they were a nonsensical stream of sounds, but gradually, words began to form.
"You've returned, Simon…"
He stopped, his breath catching.
"What was that?" he asked sharply, looking at Adeline.
"The Abyss knows you," she murmured. "It always has."
The voices intensified, becoming almost unbearable.
"You can never escape your fate…"
"The fire inside you belongs to us…"
Simon clenched his fists, feeling the heat within him rise again.
"It's just a trick," he said, trying to convince himself. "They're trying to break us."
Adeline placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Perhaps. But we need to keep moving."
---
The Labyrinth of Illusions
The corridors grew more twisted as they progressed. The walls shifted, blocking paths, while the floor seemed to vanish beneath their feet.
"This place is alive," Adeline observed as another passageway suddenly disappeared before them. "It doesn't want us to proceed."
"Then we're on the right track," Simon replied, extending a flame-lit hand to illuminate the way ahead.
Suddenly, the corridor before them transformed. Instead of gray walls, they were met with visions of their memories.
Simon saw himself standing before a mirror. His face was scarred, his eyes glowing with fire.
"This is who you've become…"
"That's not true," he whispered, averting his gaze.
Adeline stepped closer, seeing her own image—a bloodied woman in armor, clutching a broken sword.
"They're showing us what we fear," she said, gripping her sword's hilt. "Don't give in."
---
The Heart of the Path
When the illusions faded, they found themselves before a massive door, covered in ancient runes.
"This must be the entrance to the next level," Adeline said.
Simon reached out to touch the door but felt a wave of icy resistance shoot through his fingers.
"The Abyss doesn't want us to enter," he noted, pulling his hand back.
"Then we'll force our way through," Adeline replied, drawing her sword.
Simon focused, summoning the remnants of his strength. Black flames once again enveloped his body, ready to burn through any obstacle.
"Together," he said.
They struck the door simultaneously: Adeline's sword clashed against the runes, while Simon's flames scorched its surface.
The door groaned and began to open slowly.
---
Secrets Beyond
Beyond the door lay a vast cavern, bathed in a faint blue glow. At its center stood an altar, surrounded by strange symbols.
"This place…" Adeline whispered, her voice trembling.
"This is where the true Abyss begins," Simon finished.
He stepped forward, feeling the darkness stir around him once more.
"Welcome, Simon," a voice echoed in his mind.
"The game has just begun."