The massive stone door groaned open, a golden light spilling out into the ruins. Kael stood at the threshold, his heart pounding. The light bathed him and the Shadowfang Pup at his side, wrapping the ruins in an eerie glow. The air that seeped from within was dense and electric, carrying a faint hum that vibrated through his bones.
He glanced down at the pup, whose glowing red eyes locked on the opening chamber. Its tail swished once, its posture rigid and alert. Kael's hand tightened around the hilt of his blade.
"Whatever's in there," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, "we'll deal with it together."
The pup let out a low growl, as if in agreement, and took a cautious step forward.
Inside, the chamber was vast and circular. The walls were etched with glowing sigils that pulsed faintly, casting shifting shadows across the floor. The further Kael moved into the space, the heavier the air seemed to press down on him. It wasn't just the physical weight—it was as if the room itself was alive, watching, waiting.
At the center of the room stood a pedestal, and atop it rested a small orb. Its surface shimmered like liquid gold, sending faint ripples of light across the chamber. The hum of energy was louder now, filling Kael's ears as he approached.
[System Notice: Historical Vault Detected. Purpose: Energy Storage Facility. Status: Unstable Energy Levels Detected.]
Kael's eyes darted to the notification, and his jaw tightened. The pup sniffed the air cautiously, its fur bristling as it edged closer to the pedestal. Kael took another step, his boots echoing softly against the stone floor. The pressure intensified, each step heavier than the last. By the time he stood before the pedestal, his breath was shallow, and his muscles felt taut, as if they were straining against the air itself.
The orb pulsed faintly, its light intensifying for a brief moment. Kael's fingers hovered just above its surface. Warmth radiated from the orb, inviting yet warning, like a flame that begged to be touched.
Kael hesitated. Then, with a steadying breath, he reached out and let his fingers graze the orb.
The chamber exploded with light. Sigils on the walls flared to life, their glow blinding. A golden mist poured from the orb, swirling around Kael and the pup like a living entity. It spiraled upward, dense and chaotic, before rushing into them both.
[Warning: High energy levels detected. Initiating absorption protocol.]
Kael staggered as the energy surged into him. It was fire and fury, a storm raging in his veins. His muscles tightened, his senses sharpened, and his connection to the system deepened. He could feel the fragments within him stirring, responding to the torrent of power. It was overwhelming and exhilarating all at once.
Beside him, the pup howled. Kael turned to see its small frame trembling as the mist enveloped it. Its muscles grew larger, its fur thickened and darkened, and its glowing red eyes burned brighter. When the transformation ended, the pup stood taller, more feral and commanding. It growled deeply, its presence now radiating power that matched its master's.
[Transformation Complete.]
[Kael: E-High Rank Achieved. Strength, Speed, and Durability Enhanced.]
[Shadowfang Pup: E-High Rank Achieved. New Skill: Shadow Veil Activated.]
Kael dropped to one knee, chest heaving as the golden mist began to dissipate. His hands trembled as he flexed his fingers, marveling at the raw strength coursing through him. Everything felt sharper—brighter. Even the air seemed clearer, each breath carrying an undeniable sense of vitality.
"We're stronger now," Kael said, his voice hoarse but steady.
The pup growled low, stepping closer. Its new form exuded confidence, its movements fluid and precise. Kael couldn't help but smile. Whatever the system had thrown at them, they'd risen to meet it.
Then the ground beneath him rumbled.
Kael's smile faded as he glanced around the chamber. The glowing sigils on the walls flickered weakly, and cracks began to spiderweb across the stone. The room shook violently, the air now filled with the ominous groans of shifting rock.
The pedestal cracked loudly, splitting down the middle. The orb pulsed once, its light dimming slightly, as if it were fading along with the chamber.
Kael scrambled to his feet. [System Notice: Vault Collapse Imminent. Evacuate Immediately.]
"Time to go," Kael said sharply. The pup barked in response, already moving toward the exit.
The chamber roared in protest as debris began to fall. Kael clutched the orb to his chest and sprinted toward the doorway. Stone fragments crashed around him, dust clouding the air and obscuring his vision. Each step was a race against collapse, the rumbling chaos threatening to swallow him whole.
With one final leap, Kael dove through the doorway just as the chamber caved in behind him. He rolled across the ground, coughing and spitting out dust as he came to a stop. The Shadowfang Pup landed beside him, shaking debris from its fur.
Kael sat up slowly, his chest still heaving. The ruins had settled into an eerie silence, the collapse leaving a jagged scar where the chamber had once stood. The orb in his hands pulsed faintly, its surface cool despite the power it seemed to hold.
[Major Threat Detected: Unknown Entity Approaching Slumhaven in 90 Days.]
[Preparation Phase Activated: Strengthen settlement defenses, develop resources, and recruit allies to ensure survival.]
The crowd murmured nervously, their fear palpable. Kael's grip on the orb tightened. The weight of their dependence pressed on him, but it didn't crush him.
"We have three months," he said, his resolve burning in his chest. "Three months to turn this place into something that can survive whatever's coming."