Kael leaned on his sword, breathing heavily as the remains of the sentinel lay scattered around the chamber. The battle had taken a toll on him—his arms felt like lead, and the lingering ache from the Heartstone's power reminded him of its cost. Lira approached cautiously, her gaze shifting between Kael and the wreckage.
"You look like you just fought a war," she said, her voice tinged with concern.
"I feel like I did," Kael muttered, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth. He lowered himself to one knee, trying to steady his breathing. "That thing… it wasn't just strong. It felt like it was testing me."
Lira glanced at the broken remains of the sentinel. "If this was a test, I'd say you passed. Barely."
Velis's voice echoed in Kael's mind, sharp and matter-of-fact. "You're improving, Kael, but this fight exposed your weaknesses. You rely too much on teleportation and raw speed. Without a clear strategy, you'll struggle against stronger foes."
Kael sighed, forcing himself to stand. "I'll keep that in mind."
As he turned toward the wreckage, something glimmered in the debris—a small, crystalline shard pulsing faintly with residual magic. He crouched down, brushing away the broken metal and stone to retrieve it.
"Is that… part of the sentinel?" Lira asked, stepping closer.
Velis answered before Kael could. "A shard of its core. It's not a relic, but it still holds a trace of the construct's power. With the right knowledge, it could be used to enhance your abilities—or traded for something useful."
Kael examined the shard, its soft blue glow reflecting in his deep blue eyes. "We'll hold onto it. Could come in handy."
As they moved deeper into the Forge, the strain of the battle lingered. Kael's steps were slower, his body still recovering from the Heartstone's toll. Lira noticed but said nothing, though her occasional glances betrayed her concern.
"You're pushing yourself too hard," Velis said. "Your body can't handle prolonged use of the Heartstone yet. If you don't pace yourself, you'll burn out."
Kael clenched his jaw. "If I hadn't used it, I'd be dead."
"That's not the point," Velis replied sharply. "Recklessness will only get you killed faster. The Heartstone is a tool, not a crutch. Learn to control it, or it will control you."
Kael didn't respond, his gaze fixed on the shifting pathways ahead. The Forge seemed to pulse with energy, its ambient hum growing louder with each step.
After hours of careful navigation, the pair found themselves in a smaller chamber with faded carvings lining the walls. Unlike the rest of the Forge, this room felt… quiet. The air was still, and the faint glow of the runes seemed softer here.
Lira traced her fingers along the carvings, her green eyes narrowing as she tried to decipher them. "These markings… they're different from the ones in the rest of the Forge. Less functional, more… decorative."
Velis spoke in Kael's mind. "They're fragments of history. The Aeonic Order often inscribed their knowledge into their creations—stories of the past hidden in plain sight."
Kael stepped closer, his fingers brushing against one of the carvings. It depicted a great city, its towers reaching into the heavens, surrounded by floating islands connected by bridges of light. "Is this… what the world used to be?"
"Yes," Velis replied. "Before the Shattering, the world was whole. The Aeonic Order created wonders that defied understanding, shaping the land and sky with their magic. But their power came at a cost."
Kael frowned, his hand lingering on the carving. "What happened?"
Velis's voice grew quieter. "Pride. Greed. The Aeonic Order sought to harness the energy of the rifts, believing they could control the fabric of reality itself. But they underestimated its power. The energy surged beyond their control, tearing the world apart."
Lira glanced back at Kael. "The Shattering."
Kael nodded slowly. "And the Riftforge? Was it part of their experiments?"
"More than that," Velis said. "It was their stronghold—a place where they forged the most powerful relics, hoping to mend what they had broken. But by then, it was too late. The Riftforge became a tomb, its guardians left behind to protect what remained."
Kael stepped back, his gaze sweeping over the carvings. "And now it's just another ruin."
"Perhaps," Velis said. "But the relics within could still shape the future. That's why you're here."
The quiet moment passed, and the Forge's oppressive hum returned as they continued onward. The path narrowed, the shifting platforms growing more erratic. Kael's grip on his sword tightened, his eyes scanning for threats.
"What's next?" Lira asked, her voice low.
Velis answered. "The deeper you go, the stronger the guardians become. The next sentinel will make the last one look like a warm-up."
Kael smirked faintly. "Good. I need the challenge."
Lira shook her head. "You're insane."
"Maybe," Kael said. "But if I don't keep pushing, I'll never be strong enough."
As the chamber opened into another vast expanse, the pulse of magic grew almost deafening. Kael felt his rune tingle, the Heartstone responding to the energy around him. Whatever lay ahead, it would test him like never before.