Chapter 44: Into the Archives
Kaelina descended the spiraling staircase, her boots echoing softly against the crystalline steps. The lower floors of the Vanguard's citadel were seldom visited—a labyrinthine network of knowledge and secrets. Faint, pulsating light illuminated the way, casting ethereal patterns across the walls.
Her mind raced with Illarion's words: "Meet me in the lower archives. There's something you need to see." What could be so urgent that it required breaking protocol?
Before she could delve further into her thoughts, a familiar voice called out from the shadows.
"Kaelina?"
She turned to see Eryndor leaning casually against a pillar. His sharp features softened by a crooked grin, he looked every bit as confident as she remembered. Dressed in simple Vanguard robes, his presence exuded a natural charisma that had always been his hallmark.
"Eryndor," she said, surprised but not displeased. "What are you doing here?"
He pushed off the pillar and approached, his grin fading into curiosity. "I could ask you the same. You're not one to skulk around the lower floors without good reason. What's going on?"
Kaelina hesitated. Eryndor was one of the few she trusted implicitly, but the weight of Illarion's secrecy lingered.
"It's complicated," she said finally. "But I could use your help."
Eryndor raised an eyebrow. "Complicated is your middle name. Lead the way."
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The Archives
The two of them reached the entrance to the forbidden archives, a massive doorway etched with glowing runes that pulsed faintly as Kaelina approached. She placed her hand on the center glyph, and the runes flared, unlocking the entrance with a low hum.
The door slid open, revealing a vast chamber lined with shelves of ancient tomes and artifacts suspended in stasis fields. At the center stood Illarion, his back turned to them as he examined a hovering projection of the Nexus Core.
He didn't need to turn to know they were there.
"I said come alone," Illarion said, his voice laced with irritation.
Kaelina stepped forward, her tone firm. "Eryndor is part of this now. You'll need more than just me if this is as serious as you say."
Illarion finally turned, his amber eyes narrowing as they flicked between Kaelina and Eryndor. "You trust him?"
"With my life," Kaelina replied without hesitation.
Eryndor smirked. "Glad to know where I stand."
Illarion sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Fine. But no more surprises."
He gestured toward the projection, which depicted the Nexus Core—a glowing, spherical structure at the heart of the multiverse. Its usual harmonious glow was now marred by dark fissures that pulsed like veins of corruption.
"This is why I called you here," Illarion said grimly. "The Nexus Core is failing. Those anomalies in the Labyrinth? They're just the beginning."
Eryndor's grin vanished as he studied the projection. "That's... not good."
Kaelina crossed her arms. "What's causing it?"
Illarion hesitated. "We don't know. But there's a pattern to the disturbances. They're all connected to the Labyrinth's candidates—Leon, Aria, Dain, and others like them."
Kaelina's heart sank. "You're saying they're the cause?"
"No," Illarion said, shaking his head. "They're the key. Something—or someone—is manipulating the Labyrinth through them. If we don't act, the entire multiverse could unravel."
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A Plan in Motion
Kaelina exchanged a glance with Eryndor. She could see the same determination in his eyes that burned within her.
"What do we need to do?" she asked.
Illarion's gaze hardened. "You need to bring them out of the Labyrinth—alive. They hold the answers we need, but the Labyrinth will fight to keep them."
Eryndor frowned. "That's not going to be easy. The Labyrinth doesn't exactly hand out free passes."
"That's why I'm trusting you two," Illarion said. "The Vanguard cannot intervene directly, but you... you're already bending the rules."
Kaelina smirked despite herself. "We'll get it done."
Illarion nodded, though the weight of the task was evident on his face. "Good. Prepare yourselves. Once you enter the Labyrinth, there's no turning back."