Aveline and Kael continued to run, their footsteps echoing along the seemingly endless corridors of ruins. Aveline's breath began to grow labored, but Kael seemed unfazed, moving like someone who was used to this terrain.
"How much longer do we have to run?" Aveline asked in a tired tone.
Kael glanced over, his face blank. "Until we find shelter or until they give up."
"Do those creatures never stop chasing?"
"They won't stop as long as Prisma is with you," he answered simply. "They are attracted to her power."
The words made Aveline grip Prisma tighter, as if afraid of losing it. The faint light from the artifact still pulsed slowly, giving the strange feeling that it was alive.
"Hidden Ruins"
After a while, Kael suddenly stopped. He raised a hand, signaling Aveline to be quiet. She listened intently, her eyes sweeping around.
"There's something here," she whispered.
"What is it?" Aveline asked, trying to catch her breath.
Kael didn't answer. He turned his gaze to a large stone door half-buried beneath the glowing moss. The carvings on the door depicted a god-like figure with a Prism in his hand, surrounded by a ring of energy.
"This door will keep them out," Kael said as he began to push the stone.
Aveline helped him, though her strength was almost gone. After some effort, the door swung open with a heavy rumble. They entered, and Kael quickly closed the door behind them, leaving darkness illuminated only by the Prism in Aveline's hand.
".The Lost Room."
The room was large, with large pillars that rose to an invisible ceiling. The floor was covered in ancient, faint symbols. In the center of the room, there was an altar that seemed to be the center of everything in the place.
Kael lit a small crystal in his pocket, which gave off a soft glow. "This is a safe place for now."
Aveline looked around, trying to decipher the meaning of all the symbols on the walls and floor. "What is this place?"
"A place of transition," Kael answered. "A room left behind by the old guardians of the Nexus. They built places like this to protect the Prism from shadow creatures."
Aveline stepped up to the altar. On it, there was a small carving depicting the Prism. The ancient text surrounding it looked like a warning, but she couldn't read it.
"What does it mean?" Aveline asked, pointing at the carving.
Kael stepped closer, his expression turning serious. "'The power of the Prism is both a blessing and a curse. Whoever holds it must be prepared to lose everything.'"
The words made Aveline pause. She stared at the Prism in her hand, wondering what it truly meant and why she was chosen to have it.
".Mysterious Vision."
As Aveline touched the Prism, she suddenly felt a warm sensation envelop her body. Her eyes closed involuntarily, and a flash appeared in her mind.
She saw a woman in white with long flowing hair, holding the same Prism. The woman's face was covered in wounds, her eyes radiating deep sadness.
"Don't let them take it…" the woman's voice was soft, before the image faded.
Aveline woke up gasping for breath, her hands shaking as she held the Prism.
Kael noticed the change in Aveline's expression. "Did you see something?" he asked seriously.
Aveline nodded, though she didn't know what to say. She felt like there was something bigger than herself at play here.
".Heating Tension."
Kael watched Aveline look pensive. "You have to learn to use it. If you don't, you'll just be a burden."
Aveline turned around with an angry glare. "I never asked for this! I don't even know what this Prism is or why they're after me!"
"That's exactly the problem," Kael retorted. "You're holding something that could destroy the world, and you don't even know how to guard it."
"Then why do you care?" Aveline snapped. "You don't even know me!"
Kael paused for a moment, his eyes softening slightly. "I care because I once lost something important because of this Prism."
Aveline was surprised by his answer, but before she could ask further, a small rumbling sound was heard from outside.
"They found us," Kael said in a dark tone.
".Preparation."
Kael immediately took his sword, while the Prisma in Aveline's hand began to glow brighter. He turned to Aveline. "You must start learning now."
"Learn what?"
"How to survive," Kael answered firmly.
Shadows began to seep through the gaps in the stone door, and the once safe room became a battleground. Kael advanced with his sword, while Aveline stood behind, afraid but moved by his determination.
The Prism in her hand began to feel warm, as if trying to guide her. Aveline closed her eyes, trying to focus as she had before. The light of the Prism enveloped her body, creating a shield of energy that deflected the creatures' first attacks.
Kael glanced at her with a small smile on his face. "You're learning fast."
Aveline, though frightened, felt a glimmer of hope. With Kael, she was beginning to understand that the Prism was not just a burden it was also the key to survival in this hostile world.