Kael tightened his grip on his sword as the relic hunter's blade flared with blue energy, casting flickering shadows across the ruins. The air hummed with tension, the runes on the man's weapon pulsing dangerously.
"You've got tricks," the hunter growled, his scarred face twisting into a smirk. "But you're not the only one with magic."
Kael steadied his breathing, the rune on his hand glowing brighter as he drew on its power. Velis's voice stirred in his mind, calm and deliberate. "Stay sharp. He's channeling crude rune magic, amplifying his strength. It's powerful but unstable. Use his momentum against him."
Kael didn't respond, focusing instead on the hunter's movements. The man charged, swinging his glowing blade with wild strength. Kael teleported in a burst of blue light, reappearing behind him. His sword lashed out in a precise arc, but the hunter spun faster than expected, parrying the strike. Sparks flew as their blades clashed.
"He's not as slow as you think," Velis observed. "Adapt. Test his rhythm."
Kael dodged the next attack, his enhanced speed making the hunter's swings seem sluggish. He darted in and out of range, forcing the man to overextend with each strike. The hunter's breathing grew heavier, the glow of his runes faltering slightly.
"Good," Velis said. "Now, press him. But don't get cocky."
Kael smirked faintly, teleporting again to flank the hunter. He delivered a rapid series of strikes, his blade moving like a blur. The hunter blocked the first few, but Kael's speed overwhelmed him. A sharp thrust knocked the man's weapon from his hand, sending it clattering to the ground.
The hunter stumbled back, clutching his arm. His eyes darted to his fallen weapon, then to Kael, whose blade was now pointed at his chest.
"Leave," Kael said coldly. "While you still can."
The man hesitated, his jaw tightening. For a moment, Kael thought he might lunge out of desperation. But then the hunter's shoulders slumped, and he spat on the ground. "This isn't over," he growled before retreating into the shadows.
Kael lowered his sword, his rune dimming as the tension ebbed away. "He'll be back," Velis said. "And likely with friends."
"Let him try," Kael replied, sliding his sword back into its sheath. "I've survived worse."
As they left Tyrellos behind, Velis's voice returned, carrying a note of instruction. "Since we're dealing with relic hunters, it's time you understood what you're truly up against."
Kael glanced at the grimoire floating beside him. "I know relics are powerful. That's why people hunt them, right?"
Velis chuckled in his mind, dry and almost condescending. "That's like saying fire is hot. True, but painfully simplistic. Relics are fragments of the old Order's magic, imbued with extraordinary power. They're not all created equal, and understanding their differences could save your life."
Kael frowned. "Alright. Enlighten me."
Velis's glow brightened slightly as it began. "Relics and artifacts are categorized by grades based on their origin, power, and complexity. The most common are the Lesser Relics—tools or weapons with basic enchantments. They're useful, but not game-changing."
"Like that hunter's blade?" Kael asked.
"Exactly," Velis replied. "A solid Lesser Relic, but nothing remarkable. Next are the Greater Relics—artifacts like the Heartstone. These are rare and carry immense power, capable of amplifying abilities or granting entirely new ones."
Kael nodded, absently flexing his rune-marked hand. "And above that?"
Velis's tone grew quieter. "The Prime Relics. These were created by the Aeonic Order's greatest mages. They hold entire spells within them, bound eternally. A single Prime Relic could destroy a city or restore a broken land. If one still exists, it would be the most coveted object in the Shattered Lands."
Kael felt a chill at Velis's words. "And you think people are looking for those?"
"Not just people," Velis said, its voice tinged with unease. "Things worse than relic hunters. Creatures from the rifts, remnants of the Shattering, and other… forces. But that's a story for another time."
Kael quickened his pace, his thoughts racing. "What makes the Heartstone so special? Is it just a Greater Relic, or is there more to it?"
Velis hesitated. "The Heartstone is more than just a relic. It amplifies your magic, yes, but it also has ties to the old Order's final days. Its true purpose isn't entirely clear, even to me. But one thing is certain: it's a key, Kael. A key to understanding what shattered this world."
Kael stopped in his tracks, staring at the distant horizon where floating islands dotted the sky like broken puzzle pieces. "And that makes me a target."
"Yes," Velis said simply. "But it also makes you important."
Kael exhaled slowly, gripping the hilt of his sword. The weight of Velis's words settled over him like a heavy cloak. The Shattered Lands stretched before him, a fractured world filled with dangers and mysteries.
"Then I'll find the answers," he said, his resolve hardening. "Whatever it takes."
Velis floated beside him in silence for a moment before replying softly. "Good. Because this is only the beginning."