Before they entered the gate(portal)
Mission Alert: The Echo of Oblivion
Objective: Retrieve the Oblivion Core from the Ruins of Ecliptora. Failure to retrieve the artifact will result in severe consequences.
The shimmering notification materialized in midair, its glow harsh against the sterile light of the lobby. Erwin's gaze locked onto the text, his pulse quickening. The moment felt surreal—he was no stranger to danger, but this was different. Life and death were no longer abstract concepts but tangible forces he would soon face.
The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Players shifted their attention to their interfaces, their expressions composed and purposeful. Unlike them, Erwin stood awkwardly on the outskirts. He could feel their collective confidence, an unspoken understanding of the mission's stakes.
Erwin glanced at his System Initiative, hoping for more clarity. Instead, the same vague details appeared:
Retrieve the artifact. Navigate ruins. Beware of traps.
"That's it?" he muttered under his breath, irritation creeping into his voice. He glanced around at the others, who were likely poring over tactical maps and detailed enemy profiles. Compared to their resources, his half-measures felt like an insult. It wasn't just unfair—it was a death sentence.
Weapons materialized in the room, their appearances accompanied by soft hums and flashes of light. From glowing blades to futuristic firearms and exotic contraptions that radiated power, the other players readied themselves. Erwin looked down at his own weapons—the modest Vesperfangs, plain daggers with none of the spectacle or gravitas of the others.
"They'll do," he whispered to himself, though even he didn't fully believe it.
"First mission?"
The voice startled him. Erwin turned to see a lean man with a jagged scar running down his cheek. He looked seasoned, his sharp eyes scanning Erwin with faint amusement.
"Yeah," Erwin replied tersely, unsure whether the man was mocking him.
The man smirked. "Thought so. Try not to get in anyone's way."
Before Erwin could respond, the lobby's lights dimmed. A new system message appeared:
Mission Commencing. Portal Opens in 30 Seconds.
In the center of the room, a vortex began to form. Its edges crackled with unstable energy, the swirling interior glowing with ominous light. The players moved toward it in an orderly manner, their steps confident and unhurried. Erwin, unsure of the protocol, waited until most had entered before approaching.
The Overseer's voice cut through his thoughts, cold and mocking.
"Unchosen, your lack of preparation will soon become evident."
Erwin clenched his fists, his jaw tightening at the taunt. Without a word, he stepped into the portal.
"Let's get this over with" Erwin muttered.
After they stepped into the gate(portal)
---
The transition was disorienting. The sterile atmosphere of the lobby was gone in an instant, replaced by the oppressive weight of the ruins.
The Ruins of Ecliptora stretched endlessly in all directions, a labyrinth of crumbling stone structures, jagged towers, and shadowed alleys. The air was heavy, carrying the faint scent of decay and metal. A dim, unchanging twilight bathed the landscape, casting eerie shadows that danced across the broken terrain.
The players regrouped seamlessly, their movements precise and practiced. Erwin hung back, observing.
"Formation Beta," a commanding voice barked, and the players split into smaller units, each moving with purpose.
No one directed Erwin. He stood awkwardly on the outskirts, his presence seemingly forgotten. Just as he debated whether to follow one of the groups, a sharp voice called out.
"You're with us, rookie."
He turned to see a young woman with spiked, jet-black hair and piercing green eyes. Her expression was stern, her gaze cutting through him like a blade.
"Stay close," she added curtly. "We're not here to babysit."
Erwin nodded and fell into step behind her and two others. The group moved swiftly, their eyes scanning the ruins for any sign of danger.
---
They hadn't gone far when the first threat emerged.
A faint melody floated through the air, soft and haunting. The tune was deceptively beautiful, its notes weaving through the ruins like an unseen predator.
"Don't listen to it," the green-eyed woman snapped, her voice sharp with urgency. "That sound isn't natural."
The group slowed, their weapons drawn. Erwin tightened his grip on the Vesperfangs, his eyes darting around the shadows.
Then he saw it—a faint shimmer in the air, like a mirage bending the light. It darted between the broken pillars, its movements erratic and unnerving.
"What is that?" Erwin whispered.
"A Whisper Shadow," one of the others replied grimly. "Don't let it get into your head."
Before Erwin could ask what that meant, the melody grew louder, the shimmer pausing directly ahead.
A voice broke through the song, and Erwin's blood ran cold.
"Erwin…"
The voice was unmistakable—it was Lee.
"Erwin, help me…"
He froze, his mind racing. Lee's voice was filled with desperation, cutting through his defenses. It was impossible—Lee was gone. But the sound was so clear, so real.
"Focus!" the green-eyed woman barked, shoving him hard. "It's trying to get into your head!"
Her push snapped him back to reality. The shimmer darted forward, faster than he could react. The players sprang into action, their weapons lighting up the plaza. Energy blasts and glowing blades clashed against the shadow, which writhed and twisted under the assault.
Erwin hesitated, unsure of how to fight something so incorporeal. His daggers felt useless.
"Use your shard!" someone shouted.
He fumbled for the Ignis Shard, activating it with unsteady hands. A burst of flame erupted in front of him, forcing the shadow to retreat.
The players pressed their advantage. The green-eyed woman's spear glowed as she charged forward, delivering a precise, devastating strike. The Whisper Shadow let out a distorted wail before dissipating into nothingness.
---
The group quickly regrouped, their movements efficient as they scanned the area for more threats.
"Rookie," the green-eyed woman said, turning to Erwin. Her tone was sharp, her eyes narrowing. "You almost got us killed. Get your head in the game."
"My bad," Erwin muttered, with a bit of shame burning in his chest but no sincerity.
"Don't apologize. Do better."
She walked away, her focus already shifting back to the mission. Erwin trailed behind, his mind swirling with frustration. He felt out of place, outmatched by the others' strength and skill.
But as the ruins loomed darker ahead, a quiet determination began to take root.
"I may be outmatched," he thought, gripping his daggers tightly. "But it may not be a problem. Not yet."
The group moved forward, their steps steady and unyielding. The mission was far from over.