The corridor of golden light led downward into a vast chamber that seemed untouched by time. The ceiling arched high above, adorned with glowing sigils that shimmered like distant constellations. The air was heavy, steeped in an ancient stillness that pressed against their skin.
Kaelen's voice was barely a whisper. "It feels... sacred."
Taronis's expression was grim. "Or cursed."
Drakar strode forward, his new companion—the wolf-dragon hybrid—padding silently at his side. The creature's violet eyes glowed faintly in the dim light, its presence both intimidating and reassuring.
At the center of the chamber stood a massive circular vault, its surface carved with intricate glyphs that pulsed faintly with golden light. Inlaid within the center was a large, star-shaped indentation, perfectly matching the Echo's Fragment Drakar carried.
Taronis rested a hand on Drakar's shoulder. "If that's what I think it is... we're about to unlock something that hasn't been touched in centuries."
Drakar nodded, the weight of the fragment heavy in his palm. "Then it's time to see what's been hidden."
The Awakening of the Vault
Drakar placed the fragment into the indentation. The moment it clicked into place, the glyphs on the vault flared to life, spinning outward in concentric circles. A low hum resonated through the chamber, growing louder until it felt like the stones beneath their feet were vibrating.
The vault's doors split apart with a thunderous groan, revealing a narrow passageway bathed in pale blue light. The hum quieted, replaced by a faint, melodic chime that echoed softly.
Kaelen peered into the passage. "Is that... music?"
Drakar stepped forward, his emberlit eyes narrowing. "Whatever it is, it's calling us."
The wolf-dragon hybrid padded ahead, its ears pricked forward. Drakar followed, his dagger at the ready. Taronis and Kaelen exchanged a glance before stepping in behind him.
The Forgotten Chamber
The passage opened into a circular room lined with pedestals. Upon each pedestal rested an artifact, each encased in shimmering starlight. Swords, shields, amulets, and strange crystalline objects filled the space, their purposes lost to time.
Kaelen let out a low whistle. "A treasure trove of the past."
Taronis stepped toward one of the pedestals, where a curved blade floated, its edge glowing faintly. "These weren't just weapons... they were symbols of something greater."
Drakar's gaze fell upon a pedestal at the center of the room. Resting upon it was a blackened gauntlet adorned with silver veins that pulsed faintly with emberlight. The gauntlet seemed... familiar.
He reached out, his fingers brushing the surface. A sudden rush of memories flooded his mind—visions of battles long past, of warriors standing together against the encroaching darkness.
Taronis placed a hand on Drakar's arm. "What did you see?"
Drakar's voice was quiet. "The past... and something else. A promise left unfulfilled."
The Echo's Keeper
A soft voice filled the room, reverberating off the stone walls. "You have come far, but will you carry the burden that broke so many before you?"
From the shadows near the far end of the chamber emerged a tall, armored figure. Its armor was wrought from starlight and obsidian, and its face was obscured by a helm carved with celestial patterns. In its hand, it held a spear that shimmered with golden fire.
Taronis raised his blade. "Another guardian."
The figure tilted its head. "I am no mere guardian. I am the Keeper of Promises—bound to this place until the day someone worthy sets me free."
Drakar stepped forward, the emberlight in his tattoos flaring. "What promise binds you here?"
The Keeper's voice was steady, but there was an undercurrent of sorrow. "To protect the truth until someone with the strength to bear it arrives. If you would claim it, prove your resolve."
Trial of Promises
The Keeper raised its spear, and the air around it ignited with swirling embers and starlight. The chamber trembled as the other artifacts began to glow, their power resonating with the Keeper's.
Drakar tightened his grip on his dagger. "Then we'll show you."
The Keeper lunged, the spear striking with the force of a falling star. Drakar sidestepped, feeling the heat of the strike singe the air beside him. He countered with a sweeping slash, but the Keeper's armor deflected the blow.
Taronis flanked from the side, his blade trailing blue flames as he struck. The Keeper parried with precision, sending sparks across the floor.
Kaelen fired an enchanted arrow, its violet flames spiraling toward the Keeper's chest. The arrow struck true, but the Keeper absorbed the impact, the flames dissipating against its armor.
The wolf-dragon hybrid snarled and leapt forward, its fangs glowing with emberlight. It clamped down on the Keeper's arm, forcing the spear downward.
"Now!" Drakar shouted.
He surged forward, his tattoos blazing as he whispered, "Ignis Ascendare." Flames spiraled around his blade as he drove it toward the Keeper's core.
The Keeper let out a resonant cry as the blade pierced through its armor. Light erupted from the wound, bathing the chamber in a brilliant glow.
The Keeper's Legacy
The Keeper staggered, the light in its eyes dimming. It dropped its spear, which shattered into fragments of golden fire.
"You have proven your strength... and your resolve."
The Keeper's form dissolved, revealing a glowing amulet in the shape of an unbroken ring. Drakar reached out and took it, feeling its warmth pulse in his hand.
Kaelen stepped forward, his eyes wary. "What is it?"
Taronis studied the amulet. "A promise... and a key."
Drakar's gaze was steady as he placed the amulet around his neck. "We're one step closer."
The chamber began to hum softly as a new passage revealed itself, spiraling deeper into the Bastion.
Kaelen sighed. "Why is it always down?"
Drakar gave a faint grin. "Because that's where the truth hides."
With their resolve unshaken, they stepped forward once more.