Chapter 5: Echoes of the Forgotten
The path ahead of the brothers twisted and turned, the dungeon's walls shimmering with faintly glowing runes. Every step they took felt heavier, as if the air itself was thickening the deeper they went. The recruits, though visibly shaken from the battle with the shadow warden, followed closely behind.
Adewan led the way, his blade drawn, its edge gleaming faintly from the light of Kane's staff. Akane trudged slightly behind, his usual energy subdued as he rubbed his shoulder, still sore from the creature's strike.
"Still feeling it?" Kane asked, glancing at him.
"I'm fine," Akane replied, though his wince betrayed him. "It'll take more than that to keep me down."
Adewan glanced back at them, his tone sharp but concerned. "Make sure you're ready. That thing was only a gatekeeper. The real challenges are still ahead."
"I know, I know," Akane said, rolling his eyes. "But next time, I'll be the one to take it down."
Kane smirked. "Sure you will. If you don't get yourself flattened first."
"Enough," Adewan cut in. "Save the banter for later. We're not out of danger yet."
The group arrived at a massive chamber, the ceiling disappearing into darkness above. In the center of the room stood a colossal stone altar, engraved with ancient symbols that pulsed with a soft, blue light. Surrounding the altar were dozens of statues, each depicting warriors in various battle stances.
"What is this place?" one of the recruits asked, their voice echoing in the vast space.
"It's… a trial room," Kane said, his eyes narrowing as he studied the runes. "These symbols are wards. They're meant to test whoever enters."
Adewan approached the altar cautiously, his hand hovering near his sword hilt. "Test us how?"
Before Kane could answer, the runes on the altar flared brightly, and a deep, resonant voice filled the chamber.
"Only those worthy of the Abyss's treasures may proceed. Prove your strength, or perish."
The statues began to move, their stone forms grinding and cracking as they came to life. Their eyes glowed with the same blue light as the runes, and they drew their weapons—swords, spears, and shields forged from some unknown metal.
"Of course," Akane muttered, drawing his daggers. "It's always a fight."
Adewan raised his sword. "Everyone, spread out! Watch each other's backs! These things don't look like they'll go down easy."
The first statue charged, its massive sword slicing through the air toward Adewan. He sidestepped the blow, countering with a swift strike to its arm. His blade chipped the stone but didn't penetrate.
"They're tough!" Adewan shouted. "Aim for the joints!"
Kane unleashed a wave of fire from his staff, engulfing one of the statues. The flames blackened its surface but didn't stop its advance. He cursed under his breath, switching to a lightning spell that crackled and surged through the statue, causing it to stumble.
"Magic works better!" Kane called out. "Focus on disabling them!"
Akane darted between two statues, his movements quick and precise. He targeted their knees and elbows, his daggers striking with pinpoint accuracy. One of the statues collapsed, its leg shattered, but another swung at him from behind. He barely managed to duck in time, the blade grazing his shoulder.
"Careful, Akane!" Kane yelled, blasting the statue away with a bolt of energy.
"I had it under control!" Akane shot back, grinning despite the sweat on his brow.
The battle raged on, the recruits struggling to hold their ground. Though they fought bravely, the statues' relentless assault began to take its toll. Adewan realized they wouldn't last much longer.
"Kane, is there a way to stop them all at once?" he asked, parrying another attack.
Kane glanced at the altar, his mind racing. "The runes! They're connected to the statues. If we destroy the altar, it might shut them down!"
"Then we'll cover you!" Adewan said. "Do it!"
Kane nodded and sprinted toward the altar, dodging strikes from the statues as he went. Adewan and Akane moved to protect him, drawing the statues' attention.
"Akane, on your left!" Adewan shouted, deflecting a spear aimed at his brother.
"Got it!" Akane spun and slashed at the statue, driving his dagger into its neck joint. The head fell off, and the statue crumbled.
Kane reached the altar, his staff glowing brightly as he began chanting. The runes pulsed violently, reacting to his magic. The statues seemed to sense the threat and began converging on him.
"Not today!" Adewan yelled, stepping in front of Kane and cutting down two statues with a single, powerful swing. Akane joined him, his movements a blur as he fended off the advancing enemies.
"Almost… there…" Kane muttered, sweat dripping down his face as he poured all his energy into the spell.
With a final burst of light, the altar cracked and shattered. The runes faded, and the statues froze in place before collapsing into piles of rubble.
The chamber fell silent, save for the heavy breathing of the recruits. Kane staggered, and Adewan caught him before he fell.
"You did it," Adewan said, his voice filled with relief.
"Yeah… but that took everything I had," Kane admitted, leaning on his staff for support.
Akane kicked a pile of rubble, his grin returning. "Not bad for a warm-up, huh?"
Adewan shook his head, but there was a hint of a smile on his face. "Let's keep moving. If this was the first trial, I don't want to imagine what comes next."
The group regrouped and pressed on, their determination stronger than ever. But as they ventured deeper into the dungeon, a lingering question hung in the air.
Who—or what—was behind these trials? And what awaited them at the heart of the Abyss?