Silence enveloped the room after the protective field activated. The air felt heavier, as if hinting that this place held something far greater than they had anticipated. Ricky and Sophie remained on guard, while Kieran sat near the softly glowing crystal, his face tired but filled with determination.
Sophie:
"So, what exactly is this crystal?"
Kieran stared at the crystal with a sharp gaze, as if searching for answers within its calm glow.
Kieran:
"It's not just a protective device. It's part of an ancient world's technology that could restore Earth's balance."
Ricky:
"Restore the balance? You mean, bring back the oceans and revive this barren land?"
Kieran:
"If all the crystal components are activated, yes. But this is just one of many. We need more crystals like this to create real change."
Ricky let out a long sigh, glancing at Sophie, who also seemed uneasy. Their journey was far from over it might have only just begun.
_______________
Outside, Selene observed the shattered passageway with a cold expression. Though she had failed to breach their defenses, she remained calm, as if every scenario had already been calculated. A soldier approached, holding a small device emitting a faint red glow.
Soldier:
"We found traces of their energy, ma'am. They're heading north."
Selene gave a slow nod before turning to her troops.
Selene:
"We don't need doors to get in. They may think they can escape us, but they've forgotten one thing…"
She raised the device in her hand, a small prism-like object pulsing with red light.
Selene:
"…the crystal they activated also gives us a path to the primary source of that energy."
_______________
Back inside, Kieran deactivated the device and stood up.
Kieran:
"We need to leave before Selene finds another way in. This place won't hold for long."
Sophie:
"Wait. You said we need to find more crystals. Where can we find them?"
Kieran pulled out an electronic map from his pocket. He tapped the screen a few times, and glowing dots appeared in various locations.
Kieran:
"These are suspected locations of similar crystals. The problem is, most of these places are either controlled by Selene or, worse, surrounded by dead zones."
Ricky:
"Dead zones?"
Kieran:
"Regions full of anomalies caused by massive past explosions. The air there is toxic, and no one can survive long inside."
The tension grew. They knew this journey wouldn't be easy. Sophie stared at the dots on the map, her eyes filled with worry.
Sophie:
"So, we have to go to these places, risk our lives just to find crystals that might not even work?"
Kieran stared back at Sophie with a resolute expression.
Kieran:
"If we don't do it, this world will truly die. This is the only way."
*****
They finally exited the room and headed for the surface, leaving behind the Oasis, which had started to dim. In the distance, they could see dust storms swirling endlessly, as if waiting for them. Ricky gripped his weapon tightly, trying to steel himself.
Ricky:
"So, where to now?"
Kieran pointed north, where a faint line of blue light could be seen beyond the horizon.
Kieran:
"North. To a place called 'Earth's Rift' where the next crystal might be."
They began walking, leaving behind the last sanctuary they had. The sky grew darker, bringing a biting chill. Yet, amidst the night's stillness, there was a glimmer of hope
hope reflected in the light of the distant crystal.