Volume 2: Shards of Unity
Chapter 5: Beneath the Chasm
The descent into the chasm was treacherous. Jagged rocks jutted from the walls, and the air grew colder with every step. The faint glow of the shard lit their way, casting eerie shadows that danced across the rough stone.
Nyx moved ahead of Eryth, its form blending seamlessly with the darkness. The golden thread connecting them pulsed faintly, a reassuring presence in the oppressive void.
Eryth wiped their brow, gripping the shard tightly. "I hate this place," they muttered, their voice barely above a whisper.
Nyx growled softly, its golden eyes scanning the depths below.
The path spiraled downward, the air growing heavier with each step. A faint hum filled the cavern, a sound that seemed to resonate with the shard's energy.
"What is that?" Eryth murmured, glancing at Nyx.
The creature didn't respond, but its tense posture said enough. Whatever lay ahead, it was powerful—and dangerous.
At last, the path leveled out, opening into a massive underground chamber. The walls were lined with veins of glowing gold, pulsating faintly like the heartbeat of a living creature. In the center of the chamber stood a massive obelisk, its surface etched with ancient runes that shimmered in the shard's light.
Eryth approached cautiously, their footsteps echoing in the vast space.
"This feels like a trap," they muttered, their grip tightening on the shard.
Nyx let out a low growl, its shadows spreading across the floor like a protective veil.
The shard's glow intensified as they neared the obelisk. Eryth stopped a few feet away, their heart pounding.
"What is this place?" they wondered aloud.
The answer came in the form of a deep, resonant voice that seemed to emanate from the obelisk itself.
"A tomb," the voice said, cold and emotionless.
Eryth froze, their blade at the ready. "Who's there?"
The air around the obelisk shimmered, and a figure began to materialize. It was tall and humanoid, clad in golden armor that glowed faintly in the dim light. Its face was obscured by a helmet, and in its hands, it held a massive spear that seemed to radiate power.
"You carry the light of the fallen," the figure said, its voice echoing through the chamber. "But you are unworthy."
Eryth glared at the figure, stepping forward. "I didn't choose this. But I'm here now, and I'm not turning back."
The figure tilted its head, as if appraising Eryth. "Bravery… or foolishness? It matters not. You will fall, as all others have."
The air around them grew colder, the veins in the walls dimming as the figure raised its spear.
The battle began without warning.
The figure moved with impossible speed, its spear cutting through the air like a streak of golden light. Eryth barely managed to dodge, the tip grazing their arm and leaving a searing pain in its wake.
Nyx roared, launching itself at the figure with feral intensity. Its claws raked against the golden armor, but the figure didn't even flinch. With a single swipe of its spear, it sent Nyx sprawling across the chamber.
"Nyx!" Eryth shouted, their heart racing.
The shard in their hand flared brightly, its energy surging through them. Eryth charged, their blade glowing with golden light as they struck at the figure.
The clash of weapons echoed through the chamber, each strike sending sparks flying. But no matter how many times Eryth landed a blow, the figure's armor remained unscathed.
"You cannot win," the figure said, its voice devoid of emotion. "The light you wield is but a fragment of its true power."
Eryth gritted their teeth, their blade trembling in their hand. "Then I'll find the rest!"
The shard pulsed in response, its light growing brighter. Eryth felt its energy coursing through them, stronger than ever before.
Nyx recovered, its form flickering as it rejoined the fight. Together, they pressed the attack, their movements perfectly synchronized.
The figure faltered for the first time, its spear clashing against Eryth's blade while Nyx's shadows coiled around its legs.
The battle raged on, the chamber trembling under the force of their strikes. Eryth could feel their strength waning, but the shard's light continued to guide them.
Finally, with a desperate cry, Eryth thrust the shard toward the figure. The golden light erupted in a blinding wave, consuming the chamber.
When the light faded, the figure was gone. The obelisk stood dark and silent, its runes no