The shifting pathways of the Riftforge twisted endlessly before Kael and Lira, their steps echoing in the hollow expanse. The air grew heavier with every step, laden with the dense hum of ancient magic. The pulsing glow of distant runes guided their way, flickering faintly like dying stars.
"This place feels like it's alive," Lira muttered, her voice subdued. She glanced over her shoulder at Kael. "It's watching us."
"It probably is," Kael replied, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Velis?"
The earring on his left ear warmed slightly as Velis spoke in his mind. "She's not wrong. The Riftforge was designed to react to intruders. Be ready—the further we go, the more it will test you."
Kael didn't respond aloud, his gaze sweeping the platforms ahead. The floor shifted as they moved, stones grinding against each other in rhythmic patterns. Lira slowed her pace, her green eyes scanning for traps. She motioned for Kael to stop, pointing to faint markings on the stone in front of them.
"Pressure plate," she said quietly. "Step on it, and we'll find out just how creative the traps here can be."
Kael crouched to examine it, noticing the faint glow of runes etched into its surface. "What kind of trap are we dealing with?"
"Could be anything," Lira said. "Spikes, flames, collapsing platforms. Take your pick."
Velis chimed in. "It's a simple ward, triggered by weight. You could disarm it with magic, but it might be easier to bypass it entirely."
Kael glanced at Lira. "Step back."
Without waiting for a response, he focused on his rune, feeling the familiar surge of magic in his veins. With a faint crackle of energy, he teleported to the other side of the trap, reappearing in a flash of blue light.
Lira let out a soft whistle. "Handy trick."
"It has its uses," Kael said, watching as she carefully maneuvered around the pressure plate, her movements precise and deliberate.
After navigating several more traps and collapsing pathways, the two entered a wide chamber, its ceiling disappearing into darkness. At the center stood a pedestal, its surface glowing faintly. Resting atop it was a small, intricately carved ring that shimmered with an otherworldly light.
Lira stopped short, her breath catching. "That's a relic," she said softly.
Kael approached cautiously, his hand hovering over the ring. "Velis?"
"It's safe," Velis said. "This is a Lesser Relic, but it's no ordinary trinket. Its magic creates a pocket dimension—perfect for storing items you don't want to carry physically. It will bond to whoever claims it."
Kael hesitated, glancing at Lira. "Do you want it?"
Lira shook her head. "It's yours. You're the one who got us this far."
Kael nodded and reached for the ring. The moment his fingers brushed its surface, a faint pulse of magic radiated outward, and the ring seemed to dissolve into his hand. He felt a warmth in his palm as the relic's power connected with his rune.
"It's bound to you now," Velis said. "Focus on the rune, and you'll feel the space it's created."
Kael closed his eyes, concentrating. A vision of a small, empty space appeared in his mind—a void large enough to hold supplies, weapons, or relics. He opened his eyes, flexing his hand. "Useful."
Lira watched him carefully. "That's one way to travel light."
Kael smirked faintly. "Let's hope we find something worth storing."
As they continued deeper into the Riftforge, the challenges intensified. Platforms shifted faster, and traps became more complex, testing both their agility and wits. Kael's teleportation magic allowed them to bypass many hazards, but it also drained his energy, forcing him to ration its use.
At one point, they encountered a massive construct—a towering, humanoid machine powered by glowing runes etched across its body. The construct's movements were slow but deliberate, its heavy steps shaking the ground.
"Velis?" Kael asked silently, his sword drawn.
"It's a sentinel," Velis said. "Designed to guard key areas. Its weak points are the runes on its chest and back. Destroy those, and it will collapse."
Kael glanced at Lira. "Stay back. I'll handle this."
She opened her mouth to argue but seemed to think better of it, stepping aside with her bow drawn just in case.
Kael rushed forward, his rune flaring as he teleported behind the construct. His blade slashed at the glowing runes on its back, but the machine spun faster than he expected, swiping at him with a massive arm. He teleported again, narrowly avoiding the blow.
"Faster, Kael!" Velis urged. "Its movements are slow, but it's not mindless. Keep moving!"
Kael gritted his teeth, dodging another attack. His rune pulsed brighter as he surged forward, using his speed to dart between the construct's defenses. Finally, he drove his blade into the rune on its chest, shattering it with a burst of light. The construct froze, its body collapsing into a heap of broken metal and stone.
Kael stood over the remains, catching his breath. "That wasn't so bad."
"You're improving," Velis said. "But don't get cocky. The Riftforge isn't done with you yet."
As they moved on, Kael found another chest tucked into a hidden alcove. Inside was a small bag filled with shard coins, their faint magical glow illuminating the darkness.
"How much?" Lira asked, peering over his shoulder.
"About three hundred," Kael said, pocketing the bag.
"Enough for supplies and minor relics," Lira said. "Shard coins are valuable, but they're not all equal. A hundred coins might get you basic food and gear in smaller towns. A thousand, though? That could buy you access to powerful relics—or even mercenaries if you needed them."
Kael nodded, filing the information away. "Good to know. But for now, let's focus on getting through this place."
As they ventured deeper into the Riftforge, the pulse of magic grew stronger, each step bringing them closer to its core. Kael could feel the weight of the Forge pressing down on him, but with every challenge he overcame, he felt his strength growing.
The Riftforge was testing him. And he intended to pass.